Opening Night: Annual Town Meeting

Below, the expected schedule for opening night of Lexington's Annual Town Meeting, as forwarded from Madam Moderator:

Monday, March 20, 2017 - 7:30 PM

• Opening ceremonies
• Call to order Annual Town Meeting 2017 (ATM)
• Introductory remarks and instructions
• Adjourn ATM and call to order Special Town Meeting 2017-1 (STM1)
• STM1 Article 1 - Reports of Town Boards, Officers & Committees
• STM1 Article 2 - Design Funds for Fire Station
• STM1 Article 3 - Design Funds for Fire Station Swing Space
• STM1 Article 4 - Design Funds for Lexington Children’s Place/20 Pelham Rd
• STM1 Article 5 - Bond and Note Premiums to Pay Project Costs
• Dissolve STM1
• Call back to order Annual Town Meeting (ATM)
• Time permitting:
• ATM Article 3 - Cary Lecture Series
• ATM Article 37 - Amend Bylaws: Trees
• ATM Article 33 - Amend Bylaws: Scenic Roads
• ATM Article 35 - Amend Bylaws: NCD Technical Changes
• ATM Article 36 - Amend Bylaws: Municipal Modernization Act
• ATM Article 38 - Amend Bylaws: Revolving Funds

NASBE: Continuing with the Opening General Session

Stephen Wright, Connecticut State Board of Education, introduces Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT). 

Senator Murphy: Proud product of public school system. Received graduate degree at public university. Our two kids attend public schools. I'm just so proud of this country, this innovative idea to provide public education. It's an agile system - may not feel that way - but I'm reminded, in my mind, it's rooted in the work that you and our teachers do. NCLB sucked the joy out of teaching and learning. Hopeful about ESSA to change that. Felt that the Department of Education was going to help schools, districts. "Untested idea" about what Departments can do regarding regulations. But, the law is still the law. Choose to be bold. You have discretion. Up to you as to what you choose. Challenge your schools. Look at non-academic measures that can be measured. Not like NCLB that the federal govt is going to tell you what you will do. the challenge is about the future potential of our public schools. The proposed Budget is catastrophic. It's a preview of what is going to come, if we aren't successful. Setting the bar too low will feed the idea that you don't need the Depart of Ed. They want to say that the public education system cannot deliver and give support to privatized education. I hope I hope I hope you will build high standards. Happy to take any questions.

Nebraska: Very interested in your mental health bill. Very concerned about funding for teachers for tiered 3 mental health support.

Murphy: It's a really important conversation. Some schools have full mental health clinics and some have almost none. In CT, it seems like we haven't decided where the mental health system will sit - within the schools, or outside of them. We need to make the decision, one way or the other.

Ohio: Thank you for your work on mental health, gun safety. When you talk about mental illness, get to toxic student stress similar to PTSD, and the importance of art, music, recess, social workers...what can we do to help you to help us help our children?

Murphy: Clearly, the measuring of non-academic skills can be part of state ESSA plans. How to make the school a really welcoming place. Title I dollars availability on this end, flexibility for how to use them on your end.

Utah: Want government to get out of the way of family role. (Speaks to Opt-Out and Data Privacy). How do you ensure that we don't replace the family role and how do we protect student data and health privacy.

Murphy: Those are great questions. The reason the government is involved is because of Civil Rights. Kids were being discriminated against. Required a federal role. Discrimination is still real and rampant in our schools. I don't have an answer for you on the data privacy, but if you do, please let us know.

Virginia: Congratulate you and everyone who helped bring us ESSA. We feel we're very ready in VA. We've eliminated some tests and looking at some of those other non-academic areas. VA is part of the massive resistance in this country. Help us persevere! Addresses poverty, hunger, homelessness. We are far from having "equity" in our Commonwealth. Schools need some capacity for mental health.

Murphy: I'm sincere that you all think big about this. The question is where is it best housed? Also, we need to be attacking poverty. Wealth and inequality "shrinks" with access to education.

That's a wrap.

NASBE: Conference Session with Secretary Betsy DeVos

Live blogging, updating as we go...

Kris Amundson, NASBE President/CEO, welcomes attendees, introduces Jay Barth, NASBE Board Chair.

Secretary DeVos is on-site, awaiting her introduction.

Amundson: Excited to introduce our first speaker at this conference. NASBE has always had a relationship with the Secretary of Education. We are among the first to hear from the new Secretary.

DeVos: Thank you all for the warm introduction. Especially great to see folks from Michigan. Thank you all for what you do on behalf of children. I know you're all anticipating a discussion of ESSA, but I want to talk with you about my background. Shares her personal story about getting involved in her son's education in kindergarten, how, "as a mom", she could make decisions about the best school for her child. Wants to break the "bad habit" of Department of Education being in your way. The President's Budget reflects this. Says the Budget also supports our most vulnerable. Budget supports states and school districts. Now, regarding ESSA. The revised template was released last week. Why this law matters: How does this impact individual students? Every child is different with different learning styles. Need individual approaches, not a one size fits all. Talks about Denisha Merriweather (sp?) from Florida. ESSA will serve all students, with an eye to reducing rules, red-tape. Says all states are different, mentions West Virginia, Nevada. Flexibility within ESSA makes it possible to have state plans that are specific to each, unique state. Under ESSA, hope you will implement policies that best serve students, families, and schools. Nothing short of excellence should be a common theme. We should not rest until each child has an opportunity to learn and thrive. I know you're ready to innovate. Your success is key to America's prosperity. Thank you again, and I look forward to working with you in the coming years.

Steps off dais. Waves to all, says, "Thank you all. I wish I had time to say hello to each one of you."

Exits.

KA: Clearly there are some areas where we can agree. The power that has been devolved to States is wherever you are. Some State Boards of Ed (SBEs) are empowered via State Constitution, others by Statute. All are the citizen's voice in education. Draws on NCAA basketball: "Keep your eye on the ball". The ball for all of us is equity for all. Secretary said, "Nothing short of excellence". If not, what are you going to do about it? [Plays video - mom does whatever it takes, sees what needs to be done.] Our program today and tomorrow with people on topics that will help give you tools necessary to build coalitions, address key issues, increased access to choice ("which is clearly coming"), and the political landscape.

NASBE: Monday, March 20 2017

Speaking to Board members at the quarterly meeting yesterday, "It's been a very active period", said President/CEO Kristen Amundson, "NASBE is on the verge of hosting the largest-ever (or largest-in-a-long-time) Legislative Conference, featuring not one but TWO current [Betsy DeVos] or former [John B. King] Secretaries of Education, a former Governor [Bob Wise, WV], a sitting Senator [Chris Murphy, D-CT, Senate HELP Committee] and a House member [Todd Rokita, R-IN] who is the chair of a critical education subcommittee [Subcommittee on Early Education, Elementary, and Secondary Education]."

Below, the schedule for today. I plan to blog the general sessions, when possible, beginning with the Opener. Sessions I plan to attend are indicated with an "*". Now that BESE Student Rep, Nathan Moore is on site, perhaps we'll be able to tag-team it through a couple of those afternoon sessions.

* Networking Breakfast A chance for state board members to connect with colleagues from other states, as well as leaders who are shaping national education policy.

* Opening General Session NASBE Board Chair Jay Barth and Kris Amundson welcome attendees, introduce Secretary Betsy DeVos. The Secretary has indicated she will share her thoughts on "her priorities as Secretary of Education, including priorities for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)".

* General Session and Moderated Discussion: Forging Partnerships to Shape and Advance Education Policy Agendas: Players, Perspectives, and Possibilities As state boards of education make key decisions about accountability, equity, and excellence, they need to hear from and involve a wide range of stakeholders. This panel will feature representatives of key groups who will share their thoughts. Panelists: Bob Wise, Alliance for Excellent Education, former West Virginia Governor; Cheryl Oldham, U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Marla Ucelli-Kashyap, American Federation of Teachers; Merrit Jones, Student Voice; Kris Amundson, NASBE President/CEO (moderator)

* General Session: Components of a Changing Education Policy Agenda States have new authority to determine the components of a high-quality education. What are some of the major educational opportunities that state boards of education should be aware of as they plan their policy agenda for the future? Panelists: David Griffith, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; Melissa Tooley, New America

* Lunch Session: Policy Landscapes and the Environment for 2017: How Will Upcoming Federal Policy Affect State Actions? Panelists: Reg Leichty, Foresight Law + Policy; Patrick Lyden, Foresight Law + Policy

Concurrent Session: Beyond the Test: Well-Rounded Education ESSA promotes the importance of providing a “well-rounded” education (including, but not limited to, the arts, STEM, civics, physical education, foreign language, and computer science) for all students. This “policy and proof points” session will help participants explore what should be included and how best to ensure a well-rounded education for all students. Panelists: Jane Best, Arts Education Partnership; David Griffith, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development; Sara Vecchiotti, Foundation for Child Development; Courtney Tanenbaum, American Institutes for Research

Concurrent Session: Exploring Options for Parents: Innovation & Alternatives in Schooling Today in public education, parent and students have an array of innovative alternative approaches to schooling including charter schools, magnets, digital learning, personalized learning, and public school choice. This “policy and proof points” session will delve into the options available to state boards to ensure a high-quality education for every child and new ways to expand public school choice in education. Panelists: Todd Ziebarth, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools; Robin Lake, Center for Reinventing Public Education; Todd Mann, Magnet Schools of America

Concurrent Session: Ensuring High-Quality Educators for All Our Students Teachers and school leaders have a profound impact upon student learning and school conditions. This session will cover challenges and opportunities states face in supporting teachers and school leaders to improve their craft and ensuring equitable access to high-quality educators. This “policy and proof points” session will feature the latest research available along with practical on-the-ground approaches by states. Panelists: Melinda George, Learning Forward; Steve Tozer, University of Illinois

* Concurrent Session: Relentless Pursuit of Equity in Education Policy Panelists: Peter Cookson, American Institutes for Research; Kimberly Charis, NASBE

Concurrent Session: Chair to Chair (State Board chairs only) As state boards assume more responsibility, the role of the board chair is even more important. In this session, NASBE experts will provide information and specific assistance for state board chairs. Panelists: Jay Barth, NASBE Board Chair; Kris Amundson, NASBE President/CEO

* General Session: Power of the Question Panelists: Kris Amundson, NASBE President/CEO; Anne Hyslop, Chiefs for Change; Sandy Boyd, Achieve (moderator)

* Networking Reception

NASBE: 2017 Legislative Conference

Today is Opening Day of NASBE's 2017 Legislative Conference in Washington, DC, which kicks off with an orientation session for new Board members: Over breakfast and through the morning, newly elected and appointed members of the NASBE Board of Directors will meet to learn more about the organization and about their role as board members. (Having attended this orientation last year, I've got the morning to myself.)

At lunch, all Board members will join for the Board of Directors quarterly business meeting - the Board is charged with setting all policy for the association. We'll be briefed by staff and members of the leadership team on NASBE's activities that support the Board's strategic plan. Parenthetically, a couple of us have been asked to share "impressions" from a survey that went out to NASBE members and non-member State Boards last summer and fall; it's not a formal presentation, or anything, but a small number of takeaways from a few of us about the survey's recommendations that may resonate with the Board. A similar survey was taken in 2014.

After the Board meeting, #NASBELegCon participants have been invited to attend an opening reception held jointly with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) at their hotel. As I understand it, Commissioner Chester and a few others from DESE will be there.

Following the reception we'll be welcomed at dinner by Department of Defense Education Activity Director Thomas Brady and NASBE Board of Directors Chair Jay Barth. After that, Kris Amundson, NASBE President/CEO, and Chris Minnich, Executive Director CCSSO, will add some remarks before introducing Nicolle Wallace, who provides the evening's keynote address. As a Political Analyst, New York Times Best-Selling Author, and Former White House Director of Communications, she'll provide a "birds-eye view" of the political landscape in Washington, DC, including legislative priorities of the 115th Congress, priorities of the new Trump administration, and the general tenor in Washington.

State Education Governance + Relationship with US/ED

While education is primarily a state and local responsibility in our country, we have a federal partner, too. Our modern Department of Education began life in the "Office of Education" in 1867. And though its name has changed several times and it has grown and evolved over 150 years, it hasn't strayed far from its original idea to collect data about education and share it with teachers and education policymakers.*

President Carter appointed the first Secretary of Education in 1979 and Congress established the Department of Education (ED) as a Cabinet-level agency in 1980. Every year since, the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has invited each ED Secretary to a spring legislative conference: as a policy-driven organization, NASBE has a goal of working with anyone who occupies the office of ED Secretary—supporting them when they support NASBE's policies, pointing out their differences when they don't. Conferences provide State Boards of Education with an opportunity to engage with ED senior officials, members of Congress, and other prominent national education community stakeholders about their concerns for federal legislative and regulatory activities.

For thirty-seven years, each ED Secretary has agreed to attend and engage with NASBE members to clarify federal education initiatives and to respond to questions. Late last week, however, Secretary DeVos informed NASBE that she would attend this year's Legislative Conference "to make brief remarks and not take questions".

I find it odd that the Secretary of Education won't take questions from State Boards of Education, because it's reasonable that they might have a few:

• For the past fifteen months, and with a first deadline for State ESSA plans quickly approaching on April 3, States have been focused on implementing ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965).
• Many major decisions have been made about assessment and accountability systems relative to the new law.
• Under a new White House administration, several changes have been made with a direct bearing on State and local education governance, including:
• A harsh travel ban on immigrant people, including fearful deportation practices and processes;
• A Joint ED/Department of Justice rescission of an Executive Order providing certain rights for transgender students;
• Under the Congressional Review Act, the Senate voted to block the Obama-Era accountability rule (though the ESSA statute and its requirements remain);
• Extreme changes in healthcare, including dramatic changes in Medicaid, general healthcare coverage for part-time employees, mental health coverage, and more. 

State education governance varies widely, but all State Boards of Education are structured to serve students and systems supporting them, their educators, schools, and districts. As a lay body over State education, State Boards of Education are intended to serve as an "unbiased broker for education decisionmaking", with a focus on the big picture, articulating the long-term vision and needs of public education, and making policy based on the best interests of the public and young people. Because they (generally) are not experts in assessment and other matters, State Boards of Education require guidance and technical support for answers to a range of questions before casting an informed vote, be it on the adoption of new systems or to complete and implement high-quality ESSA plans that support all students and comply with the law.

State Boards of Education are integral to the governance of public education in this country. This year's #NASBELegCon attendees will be among the first to hear from Secretary DeVos. It's most disappointing that she won't hear our questions or respond to them, but the loss is most certainly hers.

- - -
* Expansion of the Office at the end of the 19th century benefited colleges and universities in the form of land grants. In the early 20th century, it was gathering data on vocational education; by mid-century, it was collecting data for high school students about agricultural and industrial education, as well as home economics. With new laws on anti-poverty and civil rights in the 60s and 70s, federal efforts shifted to providing "equal access" to education across the nation. I found it an interesting read, HERE.

On International Women's Day/Day Without a Woman

I posted a Sheryl Sandberg quote on Facebook earlier today (In the future there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders).

Six and 1/2 weeks ago, women marched in solidarity for equality, decency, and justice of every kind, with communities most affected by the hate, intolerance, arrogance, ignorance, and acts of violence being perpetrated throughout the nation and around the world. I marched with my daughter, my husband, and 175,000 other like-minded souls on Boston's Common. It was a turning point for me, an affirmation of all I value about this country and its people, and the happiest I had been since the election.

Recognizing that The People have not repudiated the vision as it is laid out in the US Constitution (those Truths that are self-evident such that we must continue to value and reaffirm them with others), and that, here we are, impossibly challenged to produce tangible evidence of that vision. The vision is blurred before me and it's just out of reach! We're in a fight for America's soul and searching for it as if in an incredible race against time. Because, that's what it feels like; some days, I can hardly breathe. That's the context for this post (hardly a manifesto) which picks up on some of those thoughts.

• The past is a world defined, designed, and largely lead by men. The future will be defined, designed and lead by men and women. The present is the transition time between the two; there's tension as we (on the transition team?) move into the future.

• Connecting our inner life to the work we do is a style of leadership that can change the world, leading with connection from the truth of who we are and placing relationships at the core of our work to advance humanity.

• Moving from productivity and results to intuition and connection; moving through collaboration to connection to intimacy as a human race, being intimate with people and work on a broad scale.

• Understanding that true connection and intimacy can't happen without vulnerability. Choosing love instead of fear. Understanding what you feel called to do with your life right now.

• How to cultivate desire for change, intuition, and sense of meaning that brings a purpose into the world. Knowing deeply what matters most.

• Understanding how to create change through self-acceptance, desire, and the present moment; the ability to do what's difficult even when exhausted, busy, etc.

• Our values are energy for action and energy for engagement. Learning a variety of ways of Being (inner work) with awareness of self doubt and the inner critic. Cultivating an inner mentor and unhooking from praise and criticism.

• The gap between our ideals and the present situation; the paradox of being in conflict with our values because of the present situation.

• Being curious (open and receptive) about the process of transformation, as opposed to analyzing it. Allowing and providing space and time for meaningful change.

• Admitting what you know to be true. Planning an exit strategy. Knowledge of the value of transparency and the value of trust.

• True betrayal is the abandoning of oneself for the people-pleasing of others. A dream is to be moved by intuition on being a host for an idea.

Actions for this day:
1. Put your dreams where you can see them.
2. Share your vision - engage and talk about it; ask for help.
3. Check-in regularly on them.