Knox County Board of Education / Knox County Commission Retreat

Board members and Commissioners spent Friday evening and most of the day Saturday identifying ways to work better together. The retreat was utilized to allow members from both elected bodies to build relationships, understand the roles and responsibilities of each elected body, agree on goals and identify more productive ways to communicate between the two elected bodies.

My take on the retreat - I believe the retreat was a huge success on many fronts and open lines of communication have been established. This is the first time both elected bodies have ever met together in this type of setting, (both elected bodies were involved in a lawsuit back in 2001-2003 and this was not productive for the people of Knox County). Back in September 2011, when I took on the role as Chairman of the Knox County Board of Education, I noted that I wanted better communication and relationships between the School Board and County Commission. I believe this weekend's retreat is one big step toward this goal.

I want to thank Commission Chairman, Mike Hammond, for his leadership and his work in co-chairing the retreat. I also thank all Commissioners and School Board members for their willingness to attend, participate and make the retreat a success!

Kindergarten Round-Up April 5, 2011 School Amherst 3:30-6:00 Ball Camp 3:00-6:00 Farragut Primary 3:30-5:30 Hardin Valley 3:00-6:00

Student Transfer - Dates

Student transfer window is February 7 - 21
The Knox County Schools general transfer window for the 2011-12 school year will be open February 7, 12:00 AM – February 21st, 11:59 PM. The transfer department will be accepting transfer requests for students seeking transfer (to a school other than their zoned school) for the 2011-2012 school year.

General Transfer Window Announced for 2011-12 school year
The Knox County Schools general transfer window for the 2011-12 school year will be open February 7, 12:00 AM – February 21st, 11:59 PM. The transfer department will be accepting transfer requests for students seeking transfer (to a school other than their zoned school) for the 2011-2012 school year.
Knox County Schools Transfer Department now uses a “lottery-style” process to determine transfer placements – this process increases equity of opportunity for all families in the transfer process. The lottery-style format eliminates the need to line up at schools early in the morning on the first day of the transfer window to receive a time-stamped transfer request.
In order provide increased convenience and be more family friendly, parents or legal guardians may now request a transfer online by logging into their Parent Portal account. Transfer applications in hard copy format are also available at all of the Knox County Schools, as well as the enrollment office located in the Andrew Johnson Building (912 S. Gay Street, Room 103).
Parents or legal guardians will be afforded the opportunity to identify three schools to which they would like to request a transfer for their child. Every effort will be made, based on space available, to offer a transfer to one of the three identified schools.
Transfers may be requested for the following reasons: 1. by teachers to transfer their child to the school in which they teach2. by employees3. for entry into a Magnet School or to continue in the Magnet School feeder program4. for continuation in the Project GRAD program5. for pursuit of an academic course of study 6. for students who have a sibling presently enrolled at the requested school who will continue to be enrolled in the year the requested transfer is effective. A sibling is defined as a brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or foster child living in the same household.7. for students not meeting any of the above criteria
Seats available are determined based on the Knox County Schools budget allocation model that includes enrollment projections for all schools and grades. All previously granted transfers are good through the terminal grade of the school to which the transfer was granted and there is no need to re-apply. Official notification of the status of a transfer request will be made in hard copy format through the U.S. mail, and notification will be made no later than four weeks after the transfer window closes with the exception of requests for transfer for students who will be in Kindergarten.
Summer Transfer Period, June 1, 2011 12AM - June 8, 2011 11:59PM
The summer transfer window will open and parents/legal guardians of Kindergarten students, students new to Knox County, students who have had change in family circumstances such as custody or guardianship or students who moved their residence since February 20, 2011 may apply for a transfer June 1, 2011, 12:00 AM through June 8, 2011, 11:59 PM.
Proof of one of the above circumstances MUST be provided with the transfer application with the exception of kindergarten students. Proof can be lease agreement, closing statements for purchase of new home, court documents, and end of year report cards (private school). Parent(s) will need to print the child’s name and birth date on the proof being supplied and submit with their application by mail, email, in person or by faxing to (865) 594-1504.

There are three ways parents may apply for a transfer: NOTE: To apply online, click the links given below.
1. by internet (students currently in KCS), using parent portal
2. by NCR transfer application form available at 912 S. Gay St., Room 103
3. by downloading an application form on the internet and mailing it to: Supervisor of Enrollment, P. O. Box 2188, Knoxville, TN 37901

Out of county transfer requests will only be considered after all Knox County students have been processed.

Knox County Schools will use a “lottery-style” process to determine transfer placements.

Transfer requests under the “No Child Left Behind Act of 2001” will be accepted prior to the opening of school. School begins August 15, 2011 for one-half day.

For more information, log on to www.knoxschools.org and access the Transfer Department web page or Board Policy JBCD.

Strategies to Help Your Child Achieve More in School
Tennessee has moved to significantly higher academic standards to ensure that all of our children receive a high quality education. The resources below will help support parents and students as we expect more, and we achieve more!
TIPS FOR PARENTS
Ask your child’s teacher what support your child needs to be successful. Reinforce those concepts at home.
Expect homework nightly. Check their work. If you’re not seeing homework, check with your child’s teacher!
Contact the school principal or main office to inquire about extra supports within school.
Parents in the Knox County Schools should use Parent Portal (online tool where you can keep track of your child’s progress) so you know where your child is excelling and where they need extra help.
Go to www.knoxschools.org – the "Parent Portal" link is 4th down on the left.

Questions to ask teachers and principals

What can I do to stay more involved in my child's academic progress?
o Is my child working up to his/her ability?
o What steps are being taken by administration in our school to achieve the new standards?
o How do you accommodate differences in learning?
o What special help can the school offer my child to get him or her on track academically?
o If I need to reach you, what is the best way? (E-mail, phone, note, etc.)
For more ideas visit: http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-tips/parent_teacher_conference.jhtml

RESOURCES
Parents: A Valuable Resource for Academic Help
If there are a group of students in your school struggling with a specific concept, there may be parents who are willing to tutor. If your school is a PTA school, contact the Knox County Council PTA at pamtrainor@aol.com. The state PTA contact is (888) 782-5712 or ptaoffice@tnpta.org.
Businesses Surrounding Your School
Business professionals are often willing to take time during or after work to work with students on certain academic areas. Contact the Knoxville Chamber for guidance in connecting a business with your school. Contact Ahnna Estes at (865) 246-2658 or aestes@knoxvillechamber.com.
Is Your School a "Project GRAD" School?
In Knoxville, there are several high-need schools that offer extra tutoring and family engagement services during and after school (Beaumont, Belle Morris, Christenberry, Dogwood, Green, Lonsdale, Maynard, Sarah Moore Greene, South Knoxville, Spring Hill, Vine Magnet, Whittle Springs, Austin-East, and Fulton).
For more information on ProjectGRAD please call (865) 525-4030 or visit http://www.projectgradknoxville.org/.
Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, YMCA, YWCA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Other After-School Providers

These after-school providers can help with homework assistance and tutoring in specific areas where your child is struggling.
Boys and Girls Club: (865) 248-1200; Big Brothers Big Sisters: (865) 523-2179; YWCA: (865) 523-6126; YMCA: (865) 522-9622; Girl Scouts: (865) 688-9440; Boy Scouts: (865) 588-6514; Wesley House: (865) 524-5494

Literacy
Knoxville Area Urban League – Read and Rise (Up to 3rd grade), (865) 524-5511
Friends of Literacy (Adult literacy assistance), (865) 594-1507
East Tennessee Technology Access Center (Ages vary), (865) 219-0130
Mathematics
Mathnasium, (865) 769-6944 (private); Vol Math, (865) 414-8005 (private)
Science and Technology
Knoxville Area Urban League, The Digital Academy (high tech careers for at-risk middle school students) , (865) 524-5511
Vols4STEM, Science / Technology / Engineering / Math tutoring, jpcarson@tds.net
Tutoring
Many teachers have after-school tutoring during the week, either BEFORE or AFTER school. Contact your school.
Academy Student Resources, (865) 584-0400
Club Z Tutoring, (865) 671-3322
First Class SES Tutoring for high priority/Title I schools, (865) 594-1755
Huntington Learning Center, (865) 691-6688
Sylvan Learning Center of Maryville (865) 681-0121; Sylvan at Cedar Bluff, (865) 690-0671; Sylvan of Knoxville, (865)690-0671
Tutor Connection, (865) 521-7101

Parenting

Parent Information Resource Center (TN Voices for Children), (865) 523-0701, SOwnby@TNVoices.org
Knox County Family Science, (865) 215-2340

Financial Literacy
UT Federal Credit Union (General financial literacy), (865) 971-1971 Ext. 115, tbranam@UTFCU.org
UT Extension (General Financial literacy), (865) 974-8198, aaberry@utk.edu
Knox Housing Partnership (Specifically with home-buying), (865) 637-1679
Knoxville TVA Employee’s Credit Union (General financial literacy), (865) 544-5673, kcanan@tvacreditunion.com
Tennessee Jump$tart, 865-441-1383, www.tnjumpstart.org
CredAbility (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling), (865) 329-8006, (800) 251.2227, Anna.Seale@CredAbility.org

Special Needs
Tennessee Voices for Children, (865) 523-0701
Under the Umbrella, (865) 249-7438 (private)
National Alliance on Mental Illness of Knoxville, (865) 602-7807

ORGANIZATIONS HELPING IN SCHOOLS
Kids Hope USA, http://www.missionamerica.org/Brix?pageID=21607 (Faith-based groups tutoring kids)
The Center for Literacy Studies (UT), (865) 974-4109, http://www.cls.utk.edu/
Full Service Community Schools (UT), (865) 974-8799, rkronick@utk.edu (Extra Services in Schools)
Partners in Education, Knox County Schools, (865) 594-1909, bacons@k12tn.net (Business Partnerships)
For more information, go to www.knoxschools.org.

TCAP - Q&A

Q: What are the TCAPs?
A: TCAP stands for the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program. TCAPs measure a child’s knowledge in reading, language arts, math, science, and social studies. These tests are administered each Spring for children in grades 3 through 8.

Q: Why did Tennessee move to higher academic standards?
A: In 2007, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce – representing America’s top employers – gave Tennessee an "F" in the category of Truth in Advertising, comparing Tennessee proficiency (our state assessments) to National proficiency (NAEP). Simply put, Tennessee failed for lack of high standards in the classroom. Times have changed. Thirty-five years ago, just 28% of U.S. jobs required training or education after high school. Today, 80% of jobs require some kind of training beyond high school. That means focusing NOW to make sure students are ready to succeed in high school when they get there. It’s all about raising the bar so our students can go on to succeed in a career or college – and in life.
Raising the bar was absolutely necessary to keep Tennessee students on a level playing field with their peers nationally. The new achievement levels are a much more accurate picture of how students are performing. The State of Tennessee is being honest about what it actually takes to get students ready for the 21st Century.

Q: Why change Tennessee schools?
A: Work and college in today’s world require different skill sets than in the past. Tennessee updated its schools to help all students succeed after high school whether entering the workforce or continuing their education.

Q: My child scored significantly lower – is he or she learning less?
A: Because we have significantly raised the academic bar, the scores you see on the TCAP Achievement test are likely to be shocking. Many students who are used to scoring in the proficient and advanced ranges may now see scores that are identified as "basic" or even "below basic." This does not mean your child is learning less under the new standards. In fact, he or she is almost certainly learning more – we’ve just raised the academic bar…and it is absolutely the right thing to do to ensure our children have the opportunity to be academically successful, economically competitive, and personally fulfilled in today’s complex world.

Q: How come my child’s interim report card is good, but the TCAP scores are not?
A: A students report card measures progress throughout the year and is issued at each 9-week grading interval (total of 4 throughout a school year). TCAP tests are given once a year in the Spring in grades 3-8 and measure a student’s knowledge at that particular point in time.

Q: What can I do to help my child do better in school?
A: If your child’s test scores or grades are slipping, consider these three steps:
1. Don’t get discouraged. Test scores and grades sometimes dip when schools put in place higher standards. This doesn’t mean your child is going backward in knowledge. But it does mean he or she needs to work harder to meet the higher standards, which are more demanding. Reassure your child that she’s capable of doing the hard work that’s needed to succeed.
2. Ask for help. Call your child’s teacher or school and put together a plan for helping him improve. Parental involvement is critical to helping a child achieve more. Schedule a time to sit down with the teacher and talk through your options. Meeting higher standards probably means your child will need to work harder to reach the higher standards, which are more demanding and require a deeper cognitive understanding of the curriculum.
3. Know the facts. Understand why high standards are important to your child’s future. Life is no longer about competing with people in the same town. Tennessee students will be competing with their peers in countries like Japan, China, and India. Times have changed. Thirty-five years ago, just 28% of U.S. jobs required training or education after high school. Today, 80% of jobs require some kind of training beyond high school.

There are many activities and initiatives happening within the school, such as new formative assessments, professional learning communities (PLC) to support teachers, interventions and small group learning activities for students, and focused instructional work to meet the new standards.

Outside of school, there are a variety of parent/teacher/student organizations (PTA, PTO, PTST, etc.) that can serve as a valuable resource. Additionally, the business community, United Way, Project GRAD, Great Schools Partnership, Knox Area Urban League, etc. may be helpful – please work with your school principal or teacher to develop a shared plan of action to help your child succeed.

TCAP Information

Next Tuesday, we will be releasing the results of the state assessments that our children took last spring (TCAP or End of Course). As you are aware, last year was the first year that students were subject to Tennessee’s new and more rigorous academic standards. Because we have significantly raised our educational expectations, scores on the state tests are likely to be lower than what parents may be used to seeing. Many students who are accustomed to scoring in the proficient and advanced ranges may now see scores that are identified as “basic” or even “below basic.”

Dr. McIntyre would like to invite you to join him at a Community Forum on Tuesday, September 28 at 6:00 p.m. at West High School to discuss these new, higher standards and address any concerns that parents or the community may have.

Transfers - The Facts

A lot of bad information is floating around in e-mails and phone calls regarding potential transfers from HVA. I am posting on this topic to make sure everyone has the facts and nothing but the facts!

• In early March, I asked Dr. McIntyre to look into the possibility of allowing transfers from HVA to FHS or Karns. HVA will be at full capacity for this coming school year and the possibility of allowing transfers would help HVA with enrollment numbers. This is a potential option to help enrollment at HVA, FHS and Karns.
• The current transfer period is over and a special transfer window would have to be opened.
• No rezoning, selective rezoning or any other term used with "zoning" is part of my request. Transfer applications only!
• The Board of Education may discuss this issue at our April meeting if Dr. McIntyre feels this option is needed.
• If the transfer window is opened we will provide more information.

If you are interested in a potential transfer please call the transfer office. They have been instructed to take your name and contact information. I would also like for you to e-mail me, TDeakins@gmail.com with the same information.

Thanks!

Thomas

State Report Card - Results & Information

The results are in. I am sure many of you have questions regarding Knox County's report card and the criteria used to determine the scores. Instead of typing a very long explanation, I am providing links to give you this information. Please note the timeline as it relates to baseline and scoring methods.
In 2003, Tennessee set the state growth standards for each subject based on the progress rate of students in 1998. Since that time, all TCAP Criterion Reference Test (CRT) scale scores have been converted into state Normal Curve Equivalents (NCEs) consistent with the way calculations were preformed in the base year of 1998.
Since 2003, many districts and schools have regularly met the state’s growth standard (1998 base year). Calculations based on 1998 data show current levels Tennessee students would be considered passing state tests in all subjects and all grades.
In 2009 - 2010, the Tennessee Department of Education is implementing new curriculum, assessment standards and graduation requirements. To demonstrate student progress towards these higher expectations, it was necessary to revise the formula used for grades on the Report Card.
This year, the Tennessee Department of Education reset the growth standard to reflect the average student performance in 2009 providing a fixed transition point prior to the implementation of standards and assessments.

Please visit http://www.tsba.net/ At the top of the page you will see three links that are new and provide information on the following:

• New State Report Card Information
• Growth Standard for 2009
• Tennessee Diploma Project PowerPoint Presentation

You can visit our website http://www.knoxschools.org/ and view the report card as well.

If you want to discuss this or other matters, please feel free to e-mail me TDeakins@gmail.com or call me at 865.966.1370.

Thomas

School Coupon Campaign Starts Thursday

The coupon books cost $10.00 with $7.50 going to the school where the book is sold. Schools with a high number of economically disadvantaged students share $.90 from the sale of each book. Encyclopedia Britannica On-Line for all Knox County Schools’ libraries is funded by $.15 of the proceeds and another $.15 funds the “Schooled for Success” program, an eighth grade career awareness initiative in each Knox County middle school. The cost of printing is $.90 per book. Only $.40 of the book’s cost goes to cover administrative and student incentive cost.

The school coupon book contains money-saving offers worth more than $6000, providing discounts on fast food, fine dining, personal and professional services, as well as shopping and entertainment. Students sell the coupon books, which feature discount coupons for over 300 area merchants, in a two-week campaign conducted this year from Sept. 17 through Oct. 2.

“Fifteen cents from each book sale funds the Schooled for Success program,” said Bacon. “This is an eighth grade career awareness initiative in each Knox County middle school. It is a year-long program that culminates in an internship for many eight grade students. Students complete a portfolio focusing on self-assessment, career exploration, career planning, pre-employment skills development and employment skills development. They also have the opportunity to participate in a career fair that traditionally has exhibitors from over 100 local businesses and community organizations.”

“We understand that people have a lot of different views of the coupon book and school fundraising activities in general,” said Bacon. “But we feel that the book is a real value. It lets a buyer recoup his or her investment through the use of the coupons. There are not many $10.00 investments that can return up to $6,000.00 over the course of a year.”

PERFECT ACT SCORES @ FHS

Farragut seniors, Kevin Ye and Shreyas Dahotre, both scored a perfect 36 on their ACT exams. Less than 1/10th of 1% of all students taking the ACT score a perfect score.

Farragut High School has had at least one student score a 36 on the ACT every year for the past 4 years.

We are very proud of these young men and their accomplishments!