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Leadership Network to focus on PLCs in 2008-09 | Professional Learning Communities:
Digging deeper, getting better, and improving learning for all
In 2008-09, SCOE’s Leadership Assistance Center and Springboard Schools will continue to assist district/school teams in deepening their understanding and implementation of professional learning communities (PLCs). The Network will dig deeper into the four essential questions of a PLC:
- What do we want students to learn?
- How will we know they have learned it?
- What will we do if they don’t learn it?
- What will we do if they already know it?
With meetings scheduled throughout the school year, the Network provides ongoing professional development for district leaders, principals, and teacher-leaders. Each session is dedicated to the study and implementation of research-based strategies that improve student achievement and narrow the achievement gap. Teams will develop a district case study and conduct a “PLC cycle of inquiry” to identify key learnings, create effective common formative assessments, and build a pyramid of intervention that aligns with Response to Intervention (RTI) practices.
Five meeting dates are scheduled for 2008-2009: September 24, October 22, December 3, February 25, and one April/May, 2009 date to be announced. The attached Sonoma Leadership Network flier provides additional information and includes a registration form. |
New school achievement report released | May 21, 2008—The California Department of Education today released the 2007 Academic Performance Index (API) Base report, which is a key measure of school achievement based on the results of statewide student testing. The report reflects an annual recalibration of the previous year’s API results and is used as the starting point for measuring annual academic growth on a school-by-school basis, a process that concludes with the release of API Growth scores each August. Today’s report also issues targets for academic improvement and annual school rankings.
Sonoma County begins this year’s reporting cycle with median API Base scores that are slightly lower than last year at the elementary and middle school levels, but higher at the high school level. These fluctuations are based on the results of last year’s assessments and Sonoma County schools will be looking to return to across-the-board increases at all grade levels during this year’s cycle. Since the inception of the API program in 1999, the county’s long-term trend has been one of growth in academic achievement, with some year-to-year variances and median scores that are well above state averages.
Median API Base scores for Sonoma County
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2007 |
2006 |
2005 |
2004 |
2003 |
2002 |
2001 |
2000 |
1999
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Elementary |
794 |
802 |
787 |
773 |
772 |
759 |
765 |
747 |
724 |
Middle |
768 |
772 |
762 |
752 |
737 |
737 |
750 |
732 |
705 |
High |
748 |
741 |
728 |
713 |
691 |
676 |
669 |
685 |
693 |
Sonoma County’s median API Base scores for 2007 were again higher than the state’s, as they have been throughout the history of this program. The county’s scores—794 for elementary, 768 for middle, and 748 for high schools—compare favorably to the statewide medians of 763, 720, and 689 respectively. The 2007 API Base report also shows that about 40 percent of the county’s schools have attained scores of 800 or more, which is the level of academic achievement all schools in California are expected to reach.
Rankings: Schools are re-ranked annually predicated on their API Base score, providing another way to assess academic progress. Statewide rankings compare each school’s API to all other schools in the state, while similar school rankings compare schools with common characteristics. Both rankings use a 1 to 10 scale, with 10 being the highest.
In Sonoma County, 54 percent of schools received an above-average ranking when compared to all other schools in the state (that is, they are ranked in deciles 10-7). Nineteen percent were ranked average (deciles 6-5), and 27 percent below average. Twenty-eight local schools increased their academic rank over last year, 77 schools maintained the same rank, and 38 schools moved down in the ranking system.
These numbers, like the API Base scores themselves, indicate mixed results for the county. While over half of the county’s schools are above average, fewer schools gained ground and more schools fell in the rankings than in the previous year.
“Most of these changes represent a shift of just one rank,” explains Sonoma County Office of Education assistant superintendent Don Russell. “Although this may be a one-year fluctuation for an individual school, it’s important to note that the state as a whole is improving academically, which makes the rankings more and more competitive. Schools need to steadily improve just to stay in the same rank.”
Growth targets: The API Base report also sets growth targets for schools. Growth targets, which are based on mathematical calculations, establish a clear annual goal for academic improvement by specifying the number of points each school is expected to increase its API score. Schools already at or above the 800 level are expected to maintain their 800+ standing.
Most Sonoma County schools received growth targets of 5 points or less for this year. They’ll learn if they have met those targets in August when the spring 2008 test results are released and the 2007-08 API reporting cycle concludes.
Student subgroups: By providing scores and growth targets for student subgroups as defined by ethnicity, socio-economic factors, disability status, and English language proficiency, the API report also highlights a major issue facing California schools today: the achievement gap. Here, Sonoma County is seeing some positive numbers—for example, the median API Base scores for English Learner subgroups is 15 points higher than at this time last year. However, the scores for English Learners still trail the overall median by more than 75 points.
“What we as a county really need to keep an eye on is the rising number of students in these lower-performing subgroups,” says Russell. “Today we have 60 schools serving statistically significant populations of English-language learners, compared to just 49 schools three years ago. There are 89 schools with significant numbers of low-income students, up from 82. How we serve these growing populations of students and move them to higher levels of academic achievement will determine our standings on all future API reports.”
More information about the API Base—including scores, growth targets, and rankings for every school in Sonoma County—is posted on the California Department of Education website, www.cde.ca.gov/api. |
Career Technical Education conference is August 6 | Preparing all students for college, careers, and life
May 20, 2008—SCOE continues its commitment to showcase strategies for blending rigorous academics with relevant career technical education to raise the achievement of all students. In our third annual Career Technical Education conference on August 6, UCLA professor and keynote speaker Jeannie Oakes will discuss a Multiple Pathway approach to high school education that has captured the imaginations of major philanthropy, school reformers, and a growing number of policymakers. By offering students and their families choices among a variety of high school programs, Multiple Pathways provide both the academic and career foundations students need for advanced learning, training, and responsible public participation.
Also featured at the conference is Gene Bottoms, founder of High Schools That Work. Mr. Bottoms will share evidence that the integration of core academics and career-focused education improves student achievement.
The Career Technical Education conference will be held on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at the Doubletree Hotel in Rohnert Park. Learn more or register now.
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Registration open for Principal Training Program (AB 430) | May 15, 2008—The Principal Training Program, authorized by Assembly Bill 430, provides professional development for school administrators focused on building their leadership skills and capacity to serve effectively in their critical and complex roles. The Sonoma County Office of Education’s Leadership Assistance Center offers two of the three modules included in this training. Training dates for 2008-09 have been announced and registration is now open. Click here for more information about this program or to register. |
Twelve students selected for science internships at SSU | May 13, 2008—Twelve Sonoma County high school juniors will participate in an innovative summer internship program designed to encourage them to pursue further education and training in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This program is the result of a strategic partnership formed by Sonoma County Office of Education and Sonoma State University’s School of Science and Technology, which is aimed at preparing more students for careers in the science and technology sectors.
The following 12 students will complete 4-6 week internships this summer that will allow them to work side-by-side with SSU researchers:
Paul Calley, Analy High School
Deanna Gelosi, Analy High School
Cory Horton, Montgomery High School
Trevor Jordan, Windsor High School
Rebecca Krauthamer, Maria Carrillo High School
Yiren Lu, Maria Carrillo High School
Yuji Matsumoto, Analy High School
Neema Rahimi, Analy High School
Victoria Rose, Roseland University Prep
Rowen Schulz, Analy High School
Abrahim Smith, Technology High School
Alex Taylor, Healdsburg High School
Upon completion of the summer internship, each participating student will receive a $1,000 stipend underwritten by the Sonoma County Office of Education and Sonoma State University. The students will also be invited to enroll in related courses at SSU during their senior year of high school. Attendance at these classes will require concurrent enrollment at the university and their local high school.
The students are participating in a wide variety of research projects, including:
- Studying the behavior and metabolism of elephant seals
- Performing biochemical experiments on lactic acid bacteria to aid in food safety
- Constructing and programming robots to auto-navigate
- Developing a pen interface for computers
- Assisting with the development of an astronomical observatory at Galbreath Wildlands Preserve
- Designing materials and sensors for high-magnetic fields
- Analyzing the statistics of Likert surveys to determine the optimal number of response options
“Throughout the county, state, and nation, there is a critical shortage of highly skilled workers with degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering,” says Sonoma County Superintendent Carl Wong, Ed.D. “Through this initiative, we are now taking steps to address this issue in Sonoma County.” |
Spanish Immersion Institute starts July 14 |
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May 9, 2008—Learn Spanish in a low-anxiety, full-filled environment at the annual Spanish Language Immersion Institute sponsored by SCOE. This 12-day experiential program provides a small group setting to enhance language learning. You’ll join other educators learning Spanish at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. Three native Spanish speakers who are experienced teachers will lead the program. Classroom lessons and field experiences are included.
See a photo collage of the program
Register online to attend
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San Miguel takes top honors at Science Olympiad | May 7, 2008—The Green Team from San Miguel Elementary School in the Mark West Union School District earned the most points in the Sonoma County Science Olympiad held on May 3, giving them top honors in this annual academic event for grade 4-6 students. The Green Team was among 12 student groups participating in this event, representing ten Sonoma County schools. The team amassed the most points in a series of science-based activities that required students to apply aerodynamic principles, build a barge, compete in a calculator contest, and construct an egg catcher for the “naked egg drop.” Each team rotated through a total of 13 activities related to the disciplines of life, earth, and physical science.
“Congratulations go to the San Miguel Green Team,” said science specialist Mike Roa, who coordinated this event, “but every team that participated earned first or second place in one or more of the science activities, so they should all be proud of their results.”
The Science Olympiad drew 180 student competitors. Approximately 50 volunteers helped facilitate this spirited team event, which was held at Creekside Middle School in Rohnert Park. In preparation for this one-day competition, each team works and studies throughout the school year with the support of teacher and parent coaches.
Members of the Green Team included students Kelsey Ahlborn, Aidan Bourdage, Tony Bruno, Roland Calloway, Seth Doolittle, Holly Fogg, Grant Horgan, Charlotte Lyon, Lucas McClure, Babafemi Omopariola, Hannah Rosen, Natalie Vance, and Maddie Willis. Tracy Foster was the team coach, Suzanne Calloway was the assistant coach, and parent Paul Doolittle provided volunteer support. A second group of San Miguel Elementary School students, known as the Yellow Team, also competed in the event.
Dunham School’s Team 2 placed first in the Naked Egg Drop, which is the culminating activity in the competition. They constructed an egg catcher from paper and tape that safely caught a raw egg dropped from a height of over seven feet.
Schools in the Science Olympiad and final place standings
1—San Miguel School, Green Team
2—McNear School
3—Penngrove School
4—Dunham School, Team 2
5—(tie) Forestville Academy, La Fiesta School, and Waugh School District
6—Dunham School, Team 1
7—(tie) Luther Burbank School and San Miguel School, Yellow Team
8—(tie) Gold Ridge Elementary School and Madrone School |
Resources from Leadership Series presentation available |
April 25, 2008—Stephanie Hirsh, Ph.D., executive director of the National Staff Development Council (NSDC), was the speaker at SCOE’s fifth Leadership Series session. Dr. Hirsh shared her expertise and knowledge about schools that have applied their professional development resources to boost student achievement. She described the NSDC standards for staff development and shared resources that local schools and districts could use to ensure that all teachers—and therefore all students—benefit from professional development practices.
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Access a video clip, written summary, and related resources from Dr. Hirsh’s April 17 presentation at SCOE. |
Over 200 students in Robotics Challenge, April 26 | April 21, 2008—Elementary and middle school students from grades 4-8 will demonstrate 21st century thinking skills and abilities when the intricate robots they’ve constructed compete in the Sonoma County Robotics Challenge. This event takes place on Saturday, April 26, from 8:00am to 2:00pm, at Creekside Middle School, 5154 Snyder Lane, Rohnert Park.
Over 200 students from 28 schools will participate in the Robotics Challenge. Working in teams, they will compete in five events that require skill in robot design and programming:
- Shot Put: This challenge requires students to think of the track-and-field event known as the shot put. Contestants design robots that enter a “shot put ring” and throw a ping-pong ball. The winning robot is the one that throws the ball the greatest distance.
- Bull in a China Shop: This challenge uses a ring with seven different items placed at various locations within the ring. A single robot enters the ring with the task of knocking the items out of the ring as quickly as possible.
- Sumo: Two robot contestants try to push each other out of a circular ring. The first robot to touch the floor outside the ring loses.
- Free-Form Challenge: This year’s free-form challenge encourages student teams to explore the idea of “going green” and using alternative energy. A team may pick any task to accomplish using a planned script of actions. The only requirement is that the robot follow the script as it completes its green task.
- Drag Racing: Students will race robots on a track that is 16 feet long, with a goal of beating their opponents to the finish line.
Preparation for the Sonoma County Robotics Challenge begins in October. The early part of the school year is spent building the capacity and skills of the teachers and volunteers who mentor the student teams. In late January, Robotic Challenge events are announced and teams begin to prepare their robots using Legos Mindstorm robotics kits and programming software.
The Sonoma County Office of Education partnered with local schools, Lego Education, Sonoma State University’s School of Science and Technology, the California Technology Assistance Project, and the Sonoma County Economic Development Board to create this program, which is now in its sixth year. The goal of the partnership is to engage elementary and middle school students in applying mathematics, science, engineering, critical thinking, teamwork, and oral presentation skills through robotics activities.
Since its inception, the Robotics Challenge has reached over 48 local elementary and middle schools, involving over 1,000 students and 57 teachers. The project successfully leverages the resources of the five sponsoring agencies to accomplish something that wouldn’t have been possible had any one agency acted alone. The project meets its educational goals by actively engaging students in applying academic learning. It also encourages young students to think about and prepare for future careers in the technology industry.
For information about the Sonoma County Robotics Challenge, contact Rick Phelan, (707) 524-2847 or rphelan@scoe.org.
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Seven students earn top honors at Science Fair | April 10, 2008—Forty-two middle and high school students competed in the fourth annual Sonoma County Science Fair on April 9, 2008 at the Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE). Their projects involved behavioral science, biology, chemistry, general science, mathematics, physics, or technology. While the students participated in science workshops presented by SCOE and Sonoma State University students, local judges assessed each project for scientific thought and process, originality, thoroughness, and precision. The judges also had an opportunity to interview students regarding their investigations and conclusions.
First-place awards went to the following projects:
Sound Bytes: Does sound frequency affect animal behavior?
Sarah Beard, grade 8, Healdsburg Junior High School
The effect of glider tail assembly on distance of flight
Chase Campion, grade 7, St. Francis Solano School
How effective is your medicine? A study in pill dissolving rates
Sarah Enciso, grade 8, Rincon Valley Charter School
“Chocolat”—Melting rates of milk, white, and dark chocolate
Hannah Hohle, grade 10, Valley Oaks High School
Relationship between pigmentation and dyeing qualities of onion skins
Alina Nuebell, grade 11, Technology High School
Do left- and right-brained people perceive optical illusions differently?
Kendra Vine, grade 6, Willowside Middle Charter School
Science Fair students also had a chance to participate in judging—evaluating their peers’ project displays on accuracy, creativity, and ability to hold their interest. The Student Choice Award went to Mathematical analysis of Monopoly: Which properties yield the best return by Dylan Field, grade 11, Technology High School, who determined that the orange properties are the most valuable in the long run.
For more information about the annual Science Fair, contact SCOE science specialist Mike Roa at (707) 522-3253 or mroa@scoe.org.
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Five local schools recognized as Distinguished Schools | Binkley, Monte Vista, R.L. Stevens, Two Rock, and Whited
April 9, 2008—Five Sonoma County schools were selected for recognition in the state’s annual Distinguished Schools program: Monte Vista Elementary in Rohnert Park, Binkley and Douglas L. Whited schools in Rincon Valley, Two Rock Union School in Petaluma, and Robert L. Stevens School in Santa Rosa’s Wright School District. They were among 343 elementary schools announced today as 2008 California Distinguished Schools, which honors the state’s most exemplary and inspiring public schools. Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternating years.
This year, 839 schools were eligible for the award based on their Academic Performance Index and Adequate Yearly Progress results. The schools underwent a rigorous selection process conducted by the California Department of Education, with support from local educators and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association. The criteria for this year’s program was more stringent than ever before and included a substantial narrative application and site validation visit.
The schools will be honored at a statewide awards ceremony on May 16 in Anaheim. |
SCOE has K-8 Mathematics Adoption Materials | March 26, 2008—All final print materials from the 2007 Mathematics Adoption are now available for viewing at the Sonoma County Office of Education. These materials have been approved by the State Board of Education for K-8 mathematics instruction. They are available in SCOE’s Learning Resource Display Center (LRDC), one of only 28 display centers in the state. Instructional materials for every adopted subject area are also on display at the LRDC.
District teams interested in reviewing the mathematics materials should reserve a time by contacting Jennifer Duckhorn at 524-2837 or jduckhorn@scoe.org. |
Eight students named top spellers in county | March 14, 2008—Two countywide spelling competitions were held this week at the Sonoma County Office of Education, one for elementary students and the other for junior high students. These annual events bring the county’s best spellers together in a competition designed to promote and acknowledge exemplary student achievement.
Kira Findling, a fifth-grader from Apple Blossom School in Sebastopol’s Twin Hills Union School District, won first place in the elementary competition. She broke a seven-round tie by spelling “panorama” correctly, then spelling “pavilion” to win the event.
Second place went to sixth-grader Joey Franceschi, who attends Rincon Valley’s Spring Creek School in Santa Rosa. Sixth-grader Manuel Quispe, from McKinley School in Petaluma, took third place and Evin Mojica, a sixth-grader from Bellevue Union School District’s Meadow View School in Santa Rosa, earned the fourth-place award. More...
Brenna Thompson, a seventh-grader from St. Vincent de Paul Elementary School in Petaluma, won first place in the junior high competition. Second place went to eighth-grader Will Hanley, who attends St. Eugene Cathedral School in Santa Rosa. Eighth-grader Timmy Markham, from Monte Rio School, took third place and Linnea Nierenberg, an eighth-grader from Brook Haven Middle School in Sebastopol, earned the fourth-place award.
Brenna Thompson broke a thirteenth-round tie in the junior high competition by spelling “annihilate” correctly, then spelling “ventriloquist” to win the event. More... |
Video clip, resources from Tim Brown’s presentation |
March 13, 2008—In late February, SCOE hosted the fourth professional development seminar of its year-long Leadership Series. This session featured Tim Brown, retired principal of Campbell Elementary School in Missouri and a professional development presenter for Solution Tree. Brown successfully implemented collaborative practices at his school via the professional learning communities (PLC) model, earning his school recognition as the most improved school in Missouri.
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Throughout his two-day presentation, Brown led seminar participants through a series of strategy exercises that proved successful at his school. A video clip from his presentation, a written summary, and related resources are now available on our website. |
Top academic students honored by county and state | Eight high school seniors recognized for outstanding achievement;
Four selected for Governor’s Academic Recognition
February 25, 2008—Eight high school seniors will be recognized as top academic students at the Sonoma County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 4. The meeting will be held at the Sonoma County Office of Education, 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Superintendent of Schools Carl Wong, Ed.D., will join the County Board in honoring the following high-achieving students:
Valerie Fox, El Molino High School
Dylan Fried, Analy High School
Robert (Toby) Hammett, Sonoma Valley High School
Nicholai Hensley, Cardinal Newman High School
Joanna Martinez, Roseland University Prep
Julia Reagan, Petaluma High School
Darin Wick, Maria Carrillo High School
Ping Zhang, Santa Rosa High School
These graduating seniors were nominated by their schools and selected for this honor based on their grade point average, class rank, Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) score, and extra-curricular and community service activities. Each student also submitted a short essay that was used as part of the countywide selection process.
“I am very pleased to recognize these eight students, all of whom have excelled in our schools and distinguished themselves through academic achievement and civic involvement,” says Superintendent Wong. “As we honor them for their success in high school, we look forward to what they will learn in college and how they will fulfill their potential in careers and through community service.”
From this group of eight students, four have been named to serve as Sonoma County’s representatives at the first annual Governor’s Academic Recognition and All-State Academic Team dinner. This event, hosted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver, will be held on Tuesday, March 11, at the Convention Center in Sacramento. Over 175 top academic students from California high schools will be honored at the dinner. In addition, 25 of the students will be selected for the state’s All-State Academic Team.
The Sonoma County students chosen for the Governor’s Academic Recognition program are Valerie Fox, Dylan Fried, Robert (Toby) Hammett, and Julia Reagan. These students, their families, high school principals, and superintendents of their districts are all receiving invitations to the March 11 dinner in Sacramento.
The Governor’s program is designed to bring recognition to students with superior academic records who have demonstrated leadership and accomplishment in their schools and communities. Students from each of the state’s 58 counties are participating.
For more information about the awards, contact Mike Roa, (707) 522-3253 or mroa@scoe.org. |
Publication highlights high school career pathways |
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February 8, 2008—The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE) has issued a new public service publication that gives parents, students, and community members information about career pathways in Sonoma County high schools. It explains career pathways, offers examples, and lists the pathways available by school. The publication is being widely distributed in the county and is available in both English (pdf) and Spanish (pdf). |
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The career pathways available to students are developed through a partnership of the Sonoma County Office of Education and local school districts. Many pathway courses are supported by the countywide Regional Occupational Program (ROP), while others are district-funded. Local businesses and agencies help keep these programs relevant and up-to-date by contributing their expertise and providing real-world experiences for students. For more information about career pathways in Sonoma County, contact SCOE's Career Development / Workforce Preparation department, (707) 524-2720.
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Community partnerships help close the gap |
| February 8, 2008—This month’s issue of the SCOE Bulletin (pdf) highlights the new and expanded community-wide efforts our county has initiated to tackle the achievement gap. Chambers of commerce, nonprofit agencies, the County Board of Education, and local educators working collaboratively are all committing time, talent, and resources to help meet this critical challenge. |
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Feedback Form: How are we doing? | SCOE’s mission is to foster student success through service to students, schools, and the community. Our goal is to be responsive to our clients, efficient in our delivery of services, productive with our resources, and accountable when providing services to clients.
We’d like to hear from you if you have comments or suggestions as a result of your interaction with a SCOE employee or department. Please take a few moments to complete our Feedback Form and let us know how we’re doing. Forward your completed form directly to the Superintendent’s Office at SCOE, 5340 Skylane Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA 95403-8246. |
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