Superintendents' Weekly Message: May 14

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Superintendents' Weekly Message

May 14, 2019


Parental Engagement Fliers from DPI and State Superintendent

As you know DPI has been working on a parental engagement campaign in order to better communicate with parents regarding updates in public education, tips on increasing early literacy, and more. Part of this parental outreach initiative includes sending home printed fliers with students. We want to thank you for your continued support of this initiative and update you on the four fliers you can expect before the end of this school year; they are as follows:

  • School Report Card Notification Document - Please ensure that every student in your district receives one.
  • Summer Reading Tips at Home - this flier gives parents tips on how to practice reading with their children over the summer. Please ensure that students in grades K-5 receive one. 
  • Teacher Appreciation - this flier reminds students and parents of the many reasons to thank teachers, as well as explains to students why teaching is a great career option. Please ensure that students in grades 6-12 receive one. 
  • Summer Nutrition - this flier explains to parents that they have free meal options for their children over the summer. Please ensure that every student in your district receives one. 

Seeking feedback on SBE Statewide Strategic Plan

The State Board of Education's current statewide Strategic Plan will expire in June 2020, though there is a need for revisions now. This revision work has been borne out of conducting research, reviewing and understanding the state’s federally-mandated Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Plan, working with a Board committee to develop goals, and holding issue sessions at monthly Board meetings to clarify our goals and objectives. For the first time, the Board is engaging in gathering shareholder feedback to develop impactful statewide policy.

Please complete the following Google Form Survey to share your thoughts on the proposed Strategic Plan by May 31.

 

Take the Survey Here: https://forms.gle/TdofA4djCoYfDM9a9


Changes to how NC will determine Significant Disproportionality

Due to a recent court ruling, the 2016 Significant Disproportionality Regulations are back into effect. The EC Division gathered feedback from stakeholders over two years ago, and determined the following guidelines in regards to significant disproportionality:

  • Definition of Significant Discrepancy in Discipline: ≥ 3.0 risk ratio or alternate risk ratio for five (5) disciplinary actions identified. Click here to learn more.
  • Definition of Disproportionate Representation in Identification: ≥ 3.0 risk ratio or alternate risk ratio in special education and six (6) specific disability categories. Click here to learn more.
  • Definition of Disproportionate Representation in Placement: ≥ 3.0 risk ratio or alternate risk ratio for placement options: regular class < 40% of day and separate environments. Click here to learn more.

Determinations will be made for 2017-18 based on the formulas attached above. LEAs determined to have significant disproportionality will be notified in the next two weeks. Questions regarding this information should be addressed to Nancy Johnson.


ECATS

ECATS Special Education and Service Documentation modules

DPI is pleased to share that most of the requirements have been finalized for the launch of the Special Education and Service Documentation modules for ECATS. The launch is projected for the week of July 15. The actual go-live date will be determined and announced well in advance. The MTSS module is projected to roll out by the end of 2019.

 

In preparation for the implementation of ECATS, training dates have been established beginning June 9 and scheduled through August 2. In the next two weeks, the EC Division will provide training dates and locations, with registration information and guidelines for team members to be included with the announcement.

 

Thank you for your patience as we worked to deliver the best possible system to the field.


MTSS

2018-19 IABS MTSS recognition

In April, the Integrated Academic and Behavior Systems Division shared this graphic with all MTSS and PBIS Coordinators. It details the release of the MTSS Recognition Application. District coordinators were asked to share the platform and supporting resources with school-based administrators.

 

Individual schools who wish to apply for recognition will use the electronic platform to submit an application by Sept. 20.

 

For any questions regarding MTSS Recognition, please email intergratedsystems@dpi.nc.gov.


LOR

Letters of Recognition from the State Superintendent

For students, faculty, and staff

Do you know of a student or faculty or staff member who has achieved something extraordinary? State Superintendent Mark Johnson would like to recognize individuals and groups who have earned such accomplishments with a letter applauding their achievement. Examples of excellence include special service to one’s community, receiving recognition or awards, excellence in competition, athletics, or academia, and more.

 

If you wish to request a letter of recognition from Superintendent Johnson, go to https://www.ncsuperintendent.com/letterrequest and provide the information requested. We look forward to hearing about your good news.