I was so pleased last week to see President Obama sign the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

With the approval by Congress and signature from the President, we return to a more state-focused accountability program. That provides opportunities for us, and I look forward to working with you and others to chart our way forward.

The Every Student Succeeds Act maintains an important focus on accountability for student learning and high school graduation and an ongoing focus on preschool education, which we know makes such a difference. 

We look forward to the additional flexibility the new law will provide to North Carolina, and to learning more about the details for our schools. We will share these with you as they become available. 

Multi-Tiered System of Support Update

In January, the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Readiness Instrument will once again be available for submission by all LEAs, charter schools, and state operated programs not currently assigned to a cohort.  

The purpose of the Readiness Instrument is to assist LEAs, charter schools, and state operated programs in determining initial readiness for implementation of a MTSS. The results will provide data that will be analyzed for providing statewide professional development, coaching and technical assistance.

The electronic link to the Readiness Instrument will be sent to curriculum and instruction directors, exceptional children directors, state operated program directors, and charter school directors via NCDPI email groups.

Thank you in advance for your support and involvement in this work. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Jablonski.

NCVPS Update

Staff would like to thank all North Carolina districts and schools for a fantastic 2015. NCVPS experienced record enrollment, and North Carolina students earned more online credits than ever before.

Staff are looking forward to a great 2016, as well. NCVPS has several new initiatives that will come about in 2016 that will positively impact the way districts and schools are served including:

*  transition to PowerSchool;
*  conversion of all courses to the Canvas learning management system; and
*  pilot of a English Language Learners (ELL) English 1 course.

NCVPS staff look forward to working with you in 2016!

Superintendent Vacancy Announced: Halifax County Schools

The Halifax County Board of Education is seeking a superintendent to lead the school system in its continuing pursuit of excellence. Candidates must have or be qualified to hold a North Carolina superintendent license. Central office and building-level experience are preferred. A doctorate degree or progress toward a doctorate degree is preferred but not required. The individual chosen will be required to live in the Halifax County School District. The application deadline is Feb. 1.

An electronic version of the application is available by going to the N.C. School Board Association's website and clicking on the appropriate link. Inquiries and requests for applications also can be directed to Allison Schafer, Legal Counsel/Director of Policy, North Carolina School Boards Association, PO Box 97877, Raleigh NC 27624-7877, telephone 919/841-4040, fax 919/841-4020, email. All inquiries will be kept confidential.

Franklin County Teacher’s Design Selected for 2016 NC TWCS Logo

Congratulations to Valerie Hawthorne, a 6th grade social studies teacher at Cedar Creek Middle (Franklin County Schools), for designing the new logo and theme for the 2016 NC Teacher Working Conditions Survey (NC TWCS).

Hawthorne’s design will be released soon and featured on all publications and social media sites advertising the survey. The NC TWCS’ goal, as always, is 100 percent participation from all educators. Valerie says, “We stress 100% participation in the NC TWCS because we know that data begins with understanding but ends with action. Your collective voice on this survey results in change at both the district and state levels. It is well worth your time!”

The NC TWCS survey window is March 1-March 25. Thanks to all educators who participated in the branding contest for this year’s survey theme. For more information, please visit the NC TWCS website or contact Yvette Stewart, with NCDPI Educator Effectiveness.