PAGE One Magazine, Oct.-Nov. 2013

October/November 2013

Coffee and Camden Civic Partnerships and Technology Propel Student Engagement in Two Southeast Georgia Counties

‘A PAGE Turning Event’ Honors Georgia Power and Paul Bowers

Have a Safety Plan Starting Community Conversations

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Official Publication of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators www.pageinc.org Providing professional learning for educators to enhance professional competence, confidence and leadership skills, leading to higher academic achievement for students, while providing the best in membership, legal services and legislative support.

Officers President Dr. Emily Felton President-Elect Leslie Mills Secretary Chris Canter Treasurer Lamar Scott Past-President Dr. Tim Mullen Directors

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Vol. 35 No. 2 October/November 2013

contents

FEATURES 04

offee and Camden: Civic Partnerships and C Technology Propel Student Engagement in Two Southeast Georgia Counties

4

Departments 02

F rom the President:

03

From the Executive Director:

14

Professional Learning:

16

Foundation News:

Students Deserve a Teacher’s Full Attention … to Teaching The Testing Pendulum Has Swung Too Far Citizen by Citizen: A Blueprint for Starting and Sustaining Community Conversations

16

Georgia Power and Paul Bowers Honored at Ninth Annual ‘A PAGE Turning Event’ Barge, Essig and High-Achieving Students Address PAGE Foundation Annual Meeting

GBPI

KSU Professors Prep GAD Teams for Competition

Honor Your Favorite Teacher

Georgia Budget & Policy Institute

Meet the 2013-14 State SPAGE Officers

The Schoolhouse Squee

It’s Time to Register for the SPAGE Fall Conference

Foundation Volunteers Needed for Two Fun Events!

30

28 Legal: Georgia Law Requires Each School to Have a Safety Plan

News and Information 29 2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence Named 30 Members in the News The Schoolhouse Squeeze: GBPI Report Spotlights 30 School Funding Woes 32

In Memoriam – Lillian Cantrell, 1928–2013

32

2013-14 PAGE Planner

On the cover: Meghan Wehmeier





Claire Su

Photo by Al Harless THOUGHTFUL ANALYSIS, RESPONSIBLE POLICY

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PAGE ONE magazine (ISSN 1523-6188) is mailed to all PAGE members, selected higher education units and other school-related professionals.

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PAGE ONE magazine is published five times a year (January, March, May, August and October) by New South Publishing, Inc.; 450 Northridge Parkway, Suite 202; Atlanta, GA 30350; 770-650-1102.

Copyright ©2013

October/November 2013

The articles published in each issue of PAGE ONE magazine represent the views of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of PAGE, except where clearly stated.

You are invited to submit articles dealing with current education issues. The editor reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of articles for publication. Articles may be edited to meet space requirements. Georgia educators are encouraged to submit photographs for use as the cover for PAGE ONE magazine and other photographs to illustrate story subjects. Send manuscripts and photographs to: Tim Callahan, Editor, PAGE ONE magazine; PAGE; P.O. Box 942270; Atlanta, GA 31141-2270.

Notice to Members Contributions or gifts to the PAGE Foundation are tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.

However, under other provisions of the IRS code, costs for PAGE lobbying activities on behalf of members are not deductible. PAGE estimates the nondeductible portion of your 2013-14 dues allocated to lobbying is 7 percent. Please call the PAGE office at 1-800-3346861 (outside Atlanta) or 770-216-8555 (metro Atlanta) if you have questions.

PAGE ONE 1

From The President Dr. Emily Felton

Students Deserve a Teacher’s Full Attention … to Teaching

C

an a teacher ever just teach? Teachers are all too familiar with having to carry out a new initiative one year, only to have it scrapped the next year and replaced with a newer initiative. State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge gave voice to the frustration of teachers when he said, “They want us to leave them alone for a period of time. They really are tired of politicizing education.”

The new Common Core Georgia Performance Standards are a prime example of politicizing education. They prepare students for success in the 21st century workplace by requiring them to use critical thinking, problem solving and higher-order thinking skills. Over the past two years, teachers have used the Georgia Performance Standards. Beyond providing clear expectations for instruction, assessment and student work, the GPS isolate and identify the skills and knowledge that students need to problem solve and make connections with other information.

The transition from one standard to the next is costly. It requires funds for new instructional materials and for the training of teachers and administrators. It also requires school systems to invest a lot of time. Educators are constantly kept in a state of limbo and are forced to play the “I wonder what is next?” game. Through it all, educators keep their game face on, but when is enough enough? When do the lawmakers stop politicizing education and support what is best for students?

Georgia’s teacher evaluation process also politicizes education. During the 2008-09 school year, the state’s new teacher evaluation process—Classroom Analysis of School Standards (CLASS) Keys—was field-tested by hundreds of schools. CLASS Keys covers five strands of teacher effectiveness: curriculum and planning; standards-based instruction; assessment of student learning; professionalism; and student achievement. This year, the passage of House Bill 244 mandated a statewide evaluation system for teachers. Hence, the Teacher Keys Effectiveness System (TKES) was born. In 2014-15, all Georgia counties will implement the TKES evaluation program. The new evaluation system is organized into 10 strands and uses a four-point rubric to determine if a teacher’s performance is “exemplary,” “proficient,” “needs development” or “ineffective.” Moreover, TKES only allots five business days for the multiple observations, feedback and commentary.

In regard to Georgia schools, what a difference a year makes!

I understand the importance of refining processes and continual

2 PAGE ONE

How can one master one’s craft unless he or she can devote a modicum of uninterrupted time to it?

improvement. As an unknown author once said, “He who dares to teach must never cease to learn.” However, how can one master one’s craft unless he or she can devote a modicum of uninterrupted time to it? Teachers are malleable, but they also need consistency and transparency.

Teachers, I urge you to step up your involvement with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators. If you know of a teacher who is not involved, tell him or her what PAGE has to offer. Make plans now to join me on Feb. 18, 2014, for PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, where we have lunch and interact with our state legislators. To stay informed, visit the PAGE website regularly and download the Georgia Legislature Week in Review podcast.

Fifty years ago during the March on Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King made a tremendous impact on American history by letting his voice be heard. Now’s the time to let your voice be heard and make a difference. n To view an online video about Dr. Felton, scan this QR code or visit www.pageinc.org.

October/November 2013

From The Executive Director Dr. Allene Magill

The Testing Pendulum Has Swung Too Far

F

olks, we have lost our minds on testing. We had good intentions, but we have gone way, way off track.

As do all educators, I believe that student assessment is a critical part of teaching and learning. We need to know what our students know, and more important, what they do not know.

Beyond informing parents, communities and policymakers about the performance of educators, testing data helps us identify students who could be easily glossed over in the reporting of school or grade averages.

The problem is that we’re now using testing to overcorrect, to the detriment of education.

We must move from a testing focus to a product focus. Kids need work that allows them to learn, design and construct products that reflect their understanding and that hold meaning for them.

October/November 2013

The much-reviled No Child Left Behind Act focused everyone on data and data-driven instruction. In sensible moderation this can be good. But this data movement has led to an over proliferation of tests. I recently reviewed a school system testing schedule that filled an entire single-spaced, small-print page.

Beginning in early August and ending in mid-July, there was hardly a week devoid of testing; it was easier to count the days in the school year when no testing was to take place. Keep in mind that few school systems still offer a full 180-day school year, and the impact of continual testing grows.

State and federal education assessment tests do not represent the end-of-chapter/end-of-unit quizzes that teachers have traditionally used to assess learning in our classrooms. These days, those types of assessments are in addition to all the mandated tests, re-tests, etc. Given the long march of the testing calendar, I wonder how individual teachers will manage their own assessments.

Beyond the sheer quantity of test taking in our schools, there’s the even greater scourge of over interpreting test results.

Are they being used to enhance teaching and learning? The answer is: nowhere near enough. Instead, under NCLB and its grandson, Race to the Top, we’ve been using tests to evaluate our schools qualitatively (and clumsily, as if there are no other ways to measure good schools). Now we are in the process of using tests as the key measure of teacher effectiveness.

Teaching and learning are about so much more than test prep, test taking and test scoring. Our schools mean so much more. Our dedicated teaching professionals are being forced to march in lockstep to the test beat coming from Atlanta and Washington. Our children are being chewed up by this process, and our parents, rather than being enlightened, are confused and angry.

Someone, somewhere needs to shout, “Whoa!” Let me be among the first. We must move from a testing focus to a product focus. Kids need work that allows them to learn, design and construct products that reflect their understanding and that hold meaning for them.

To make that happen, educators must work face to face with peers, and we must insist on the time to do so. Collectively, we will have the greatest impact by sharing our school successes … n by having conversations with our communities.

PAGE ONE 3

Coffee and Camden

4  PAGE ONE

Civic Partnerships and Technology Propel Student Engagement in Two Southeast Georgia Counties

October/November 2013

By Lee Raudonis

W

hether students live in a dense city or in a remote area, they must learn far more than previous generations. They must learn to read with understanding,

write with clarity, calculate with accuracy and become adept at using cutting-edge tools to find, sort, interpret, analyze and utilize information.

In this issue of PAGE ONE, we visit two Georgia communities that have established strong civic partnerships and are using technology to propel student engagement and achievement.

These communities—both in southeast Georgia—are making great strides

October/November 2013

toward providing students with exceptional opportunities.

Coffee County, in Georgia’s lower Coastal Plain, is almost equidistant from Macon, Savannah and Jacksonville, Fla. Many of the 42,000 residents work in agriculture (mostly tobacco, cotton and

PAGE ONE 5

“Although this is small, rural community, it is highly progressive. … The entire community is working together to move the schools forward.” ­ Scott Smith, — Chair of Coffee’s School, Business & Industry Connection peanuts), but manufacturing, distribution, material moving, service occupations, education, health care and social services factor in as well. Unemployment is high (12 percent in 2012) and the median household income was $33,527 in 2010, compared to $49,466 for the state.

The Coffee County School System is composed of eight elementary schools, one middle school, a ninth-grade academy, one comprehensive high school, one alternative school (grades six through 12) and a new Career Academy (grades nine through 12). The system serves approximately 7,400 students, with 75 percent eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. Financial resources are tight, but the community is extremely supportive of its schools.

“Although this is a small, rural community, it In 2012, the Coffee High School robotics team advanced to the VEX is highly progressive,” says Scott Smith, human World Championships in Anaheim, Calif. resources manager for PCC Airfoils in the city of Douglas and chair of the School, Business and Industry Connection, established more than 20 years ago. “The a high-paying job in a local manufacturing industry that they school system is very receptive to business, and businesses are will keep for 30 years. Many of our manufacturing jobs have very concerned about the schools. The entire community is disappeared, and no one even knows what jobs may be available working together to continuously move the schools forward,” five or 10 years from now.” says Smith.

Through the leadership of Superintendent Morris Leis and Bring-Your-Own-Device Initiative Launched System offerings exceed state and federal requirements, and the strong support of fellow educators, business leaders and the community at large, the school system recently completed a there’s a heavy emphasis on technology. “A key belief in our strastrategic plan and launched several initiatives designed to propel tegic plan is that the integration of technology enhances student students into a productive work life in Coffee County or beyond. engagement,” says Chandler Newell, the school system’s director “The mission of the Coffee County Schools has changed from of technology. “We provide a technology-rich learning environ‘Destination Graduation’ to ‘Destination Graduation for College, ment to extend learning beyond the classroom walls.”

Interactive boards and projectors have been added to all Career and Life,’ says Leis.

Coffee’s schools, businesses and citizens are inextricably classrooms, and this September, the Bring-Your-Own-Device linked. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics initiative was launched, allowing students to bring their phones, (STEM) program bridges the schools and the business commu- tablets and/or laptops to class and incorporate them into their nity, and the school system partners with Wiregrass Technical work. The system has acquired the Safari Montage video-ondemand online system covering all content and subject areas.

College and South Georgia State College.

The AdvancED/SACS accredited district has fully embraced The Career Academy is also equipped with online content modhigh standards and accountability, says Leis. “We constantly ules called Pitsco Star Academy.

And there’s room for growth: The system’s expanded infrastrucmonitor what and how students are taught so that each student is presented with educational choices to prepare him or her for ture and bandwidth provide an abundance of resources and speed.

Many students will adapt readily to the new technologies. The success in the larger world. It is no longer realistic for anyone to think that they are going to graduate from high school and find Coffee County High School robotics team, under CTAE Director 6 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

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Coffee’s Bring-YourOwn-Device initiative allows students to incorporate their phones, tablets or laptops into their class work. the Douglas-Coffee County Chamber of Commerce and assistant director of the Economic Development Authority.

The local chamber sponsors the Great Promise Partnership grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (aimed at keeping at-risk middle school kids in school), and, in November, the Rotary Club will sponsor a Professional Development Seminar for high school seniors. “From stories we hear around the state, our business community and schools have a very unique relationship,” adds the chamber vice president.

Career Pathway Begins in Middle School

Top: Coffee Middle School informs students about career pathways, content areas and GA College 411. Above: Through the use of Vizitech 3D machines and Pasco and Vernier data collection sensors, Coffee High School students are demonstrating higher and faster levels of content mastery.

Brad Riner, has won major competitions.

In 2012, it advanced to the VEX World Championships in Anaheim, Calif.

Career Academy: Megatronics and More

Coffee County’s new Career Academy provides hands-on experience with current business technologies. The curriculum is based on what local industries say they need. For example, in conjunction with Wiregrass Technical College, the Academy offers a class in megatronics, a combination of knowledge from mechanics, electronics and computer science. “We hope very soon to obtain a grant so that we can provide this course on our own campus,” says Leis.

The Academy is designed to keep students engaged and in school. In addition to megatronics, it provides a pathway into

8 PAGE ONE

fields such as allied health, culinary arts and cosmetology. “We utilize individualized learning modules that require proof of learning and that allow students to progress at their own pace, giving trailing students the chance to catch up with classmates,” says Career Academy Principal Scott Gillis. “And those who wish to graduate early have that opportunity.”

Partnerships with businesses provide real-life experience. As part of Coffee’s School, Business & Industry Connection initiative, 36 students applied for 11 STEM internships this summer. Students worked at Southwire, PCC Airfoils, Coats & Clark, Optima Chemical and Coffee Regional Medical Center, among other businesses. “It was a great opportunity for students, and the sponsors were extremely impressed with the students,” reports Andrea Taylor, vice president of

Coffee County middle schools also play a key role in preparing students for enriching careers. “In our highly competitive society, middle school students need to explore what will be expected of them in various jobs,” says Sherri Berry, principal of Coffee Middle School. Resources to help guide their choices include a consumer science lab, CTAE classes and STEM courses.

With state-of-the-art classroom technology in elementary, middle and high schools, a deep curriculum that includes several AP and joint-enrollment college and technical college classes, a new Career Academy and outstanding community and business support, Coffee County offers an amazingly comprehensive and diverse education to the children of this rural area.

After visiting the schools, the drive along state Route 40—past fields of fullgrown tobacco plants and other crops nearly ready for harvest—allows time for reflection. Dozens of images linger, but the prevailing image is of three high school seniors expressing their aspirations to Coffee County High School Principal Rowland Cummings: Meghan Wehmeier hopes to attend Georgia Tech; Daniel Vickers plans to attend Wake Forest or Princeton and become a docOctober/November 2013

“At our school, there is no excuse to say I’m bored, because there are so many opportunities.”

— Meghan Wehmeier, senior, Coffee High School

High-Performing Camden Raises Its Own Bar

tor; and Yasmin Moffett plans to attend Belmont University and become a pharmacist. All three are quick to praise their teachers and schools for preparing them to realize their dreams.

“At our school, there is no excuse to say I’m bored, because there are so many opportunities,” relays Wehmeier.

October/November 2013

Camden County, about 100 miles east of Coffee, is famous for its Cumberland Island National Seashore. Since the construction of a submarine base in the late 1970s, Camden’s population has tripled to more than 50,000. Median household income—$53,000 per year—is much higher than the state average. Camden is the only county outside of metropolitan Atlanta in which more than 1.25 million people live within an hour’s drive (although most of them are in Florida).

The PAGE ONE team visited Camden on the first day of the 2013-14 school year. The county is home to one comprehensive high school (with a separate center for ninth graders), two middle schools, nine elementary schools and an alternative school.

The system serves approximately 9,600 students, 46 percent of whom are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The high school campus—one of the largest in Georgia—has a 1,285-seat auditorium and cutting-edge athletic facilities. Beyond its broad curriculum, the school offers 28 co-curricular activities and 23 varsity sports.

PAGE ONE 9

Camden schools are known for high performance in both sports and academics. The system’s leaders are as proud of recent test score gains as they are of the three state high school football championships.

The high school’s academic program is uniquely divided into six smaller learning communities: business and marketing; engineering and industrial technology; fine arts; government and public services; health; and environmental science. Five of the academies enroll all students in grades 10 through 12.

“The career academies offer 29 career pathways within 14 CTAE and four fine arts programs of study,” says Principal John Tucker.

“Each academy’s leadership team includes an assistant principal, guidance counselor and instructional specialist.”

Software IDs Students Needing Help

The system has long emphasized preparing students for both college and careers. Even prior to the state’s adoption of the College and Career Ready Performance Index, more than 60 percent of Camden’s graduates were earning dual diplomas in college prep and technical programs, reports counselor Kristi Wood. In addition to offering 18 AP courses, educators teach work skills that can help support the student through postsecondary attainment.

However, with swift global changes, a strong achievement record does not predict future success. “Most parents and students don’t realize the extent of growing global competition in the job market. American/Georgia/Camden students need to recognize that people from around the world will be seeking the same

10 PAGE ONE

Photo by Jeff Jeffares

Camden High School’s academic program is divided into six learning communities: business and marketing; engineering and industrial technology; fine arts; government and public services; health; and environmental science.

Left: Interactive SMART boards are present in every Pre-K12th-grade classroom in Camden County. Above: Camden has long emphasized preparing students for both college and careers. Pictured is welding class instructor Dale Cooper.

jobs they seek,” says Superintendent Dr. Will Hardin. “The world around us changes so quickly that agility is mandatory,” he adds.

Part of that agility is the shift to being a data-driven educational system. Camden County invested in DataDirector, which allows it to create tests, map student progress and develop interventions. Unlike the industrial model of education, with all students proceeding at the same pace, students identified as needing additional help receive it. Instead of an ability grouping, teachers have a mixed classroom and differentiate the instruction to meet needs. “Gone are the days of the teacher on the stage,” says Hardin. “Today, teachers are facilitators, helping all children to learn according to their modality and pace.”

The superintendent also cites increased rigor. “We are asking students to do more at an earlier age. With the emphasis being on task, as presented in the frameworks provided by the state, students must demonstrate comprehension and application of learning, not just regurgitate facts.”

Classrooms Are Infused with Technology

But the most significant change is the infusion of technology into the classroom. To illustrate, Hardin cites the book “Disrupting Class” by Clayton M. Christensen. “Christensen says that change requires a change agent of tremendous strength— and technology is that agent. Our system has made a heavy investment in technology through ESPLOST and a DODEA grant. We will be at a 2:1 student-to-computer ratio, with the end goal to get it down to 1:1. Students must use the medium they have grown up with to compete in a global economy for October/November 2013

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“As we venture deeper into the information age, students need to learn the difference between factual information and factual-sounding opinions.”

—Luther Gibbs, Director of Secondary Instruction, Camden County Schools

Interactive SMART boards engage students in active learning. In October, Camden was set to receive a shipment of multi-touch boards, enabling students to work collaboratively.

jobs that do not yet exist.”

The infusion of technology in Camden classrooms is facilitated through Leigh Dougherty and Terri Slattery, who provide technology training to teachers. “Most of our teachers are comfortable using technology in the classroom. The transition now is learning how to integrate the technology when every student in the classroom has a device,” says Slattery. “Moving toward a completely digital classroom will bring lots of challenges as well as great rewards for our students.”

Technology can also help students learn more deeply. At a STEM camp this summer, middle school students fer12 PAGE ONE

ried over to Cumberland Island. Once there, they took photographs, and when they returned, they created a PowerPoint about Cumberland’s ecosystem. “All of that technology really helped them take ownership of this project,” notes Dougherty.

In another example, a Camden AP biology class viewed a videoconference of a college professor demonstrating how to sequence DNA. “This was a fantastic opportunity for students to witness cutting-edge science in action. Technology truly opens up the world, provides handon experiences and makes learning more meaningful,” says Slattery. “It allows

teachers to reach students in many ways: they can manipulate 3D objects on a SMART board or use high-definition video to bring university resources to a classroom. High school students can learn using the same software and hardware they will use in business once they graduate,” Slattery adds.

Camden is also committed to teaching students how to better interpret all the information coming at them. “As we venture deeper into the information age, students need to learn the difference between factual information and factual-sounding opinions,” states Luther Gibbs, director of secondary instruction.

To that end, Superintendent Hardin says: “Perhaps the most important thing we need to do is further develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. We try to teach these skills, even to elementary students. It is not enough for them to know that two plus two is four. They need to know the principles behind it.

That holds true at every level. When you are faced with a problem, whether in mathematics or in literature, you may not have seen that specific problem, but if you have enough preparation and depth of knowledge, you can solve any problem you are faced with because of your ability n to think critically.”

To view a PAGE interview with Camden County School Superintendent Will Hardin, scan the QR code or visit www.pageinc.org/associations/9445/ pagetv/?page=887&tab=2&tab=2

October/November 2013

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Professional Learning Citizen by Citizen …

A Blueprint for Starting and Sustaining Community Conversations

By Dr. Jim Arnold, retired superintendent, Pelham City Schools

I

n his book “Schools Can’t Do It Alone,” Jamie Vollmer espouses the need for schools and communities to engage in deep, ongoing conversations to bridge the divide and forge strong partnerships in the interests of students. Why is it critical that these conversations take place on a local level instead of on the national stage? Because in any culture, the more intimately you converse—speaking in person versus via the Internet, for example—the more civil and enlightening the conversation will be.

Our perceptions about our neighbors and our own community differ vastly from our perceptions of strangers and “outside” communities. For example, when polled, most parents say they are happy with local schools, but when pollsters expand the geographic region to say, the state or the nation, the opinion meter quickly drops into the negative zone … as in “America’s failing education system.” Similarly, while most people report they are fairly happy with their local politicians, they view politicians on the whole as untrustworthy or ineffective.

As educators embark on conversations with communities, we

ate a team, or teams, of educators. Beyond the superintendent and administrators, solicit the help of teachers, school board members, bus drivers and more. Not every teacher or employee wants to be a public crusader or speaker, but many will be eager to participate.

Have your teams of educators share among themselves positive stories about students—the types of stories that the public needs to know. Then map out the community for opportunities to meet with small groups of local citizens. Take advantage of personal connections each team member may have. Everyone has relatives in one club or group or knows someone who superintendents and administrators might not know.

Tailor messages for specific groups. Simply saying that your people are doing a great job means little; specific examples and stories make the message personal, powerful and memorable.

Discuss in advance questions that your teams might encounter.

Try out your questions and responses on each other before taking them public.

As part of preparing for an ongoing conversation with the community, it is important that all of your teachers and employees—team members or not—understand the importance of always speaking positively about their schools and students—no matter where they are in the community. Many parents will repeat what they hear a teacher or school employee say in the grocery store aisle, for example, because the information is relayed personally and not via the local news.

Our middle school agricultural students delivered a powerful presentation to members of a local civic group, many of whom had assumed that kids were generally up to no good. Most had no idea that we even had an agricultural program, and they were excited to hear what the students were learning. should heed this local versus national phenomena. Tip O’Neill once remarked that, “all politics is local.” This applies to education, too.

Begin with a Team of Educators

The first step in conversing with your community is to cre-

14 PAGE ONE

How to Share Your School Stories

Community centers and local businesses where residents gather are great environments in which to have conversations with local citizens. Every town has a coffee shop or diner where a small group of retirees or local leaders meet informally on most mornings. Joining these groups, even once a week, can provide a valuable forum for community ideas and school/ student achievement. Clubs such as Rotary or Civitan and Lions are always looking for guest speakers.

Your broad-based team of communicators should include local principals, coaches and teachers. They can spread the word about student and school achievements firsthand. And don’t October/November 2013

forget about the students themselves; they are powerful tools in facilitating community conversations. Our middle school agricultural students delivered a powerful presentation to members of For an in-depth a local civic group, many of whom had assumed guide to creating and that kids were generally up to no good. Most had no idea that we even had an agricultural program, sustaining community and they were excited to hear what the students conversations in your were learning. school district, go to At Shaw High School, I formed a principal’s leadership group of around 20 students. Not all www.pageinc.org and were student leaders, but I thought it important click on Professional to have successful and not-so-successful students Learning. represented from each grade level. Our rules were simple: Ask any question you want, but we will not discuss individuals or teachers by name. These monthly meetings quickly became the highlight of my schedule. Students see and hear more than we think they do, and they are not afraid to ask tough questions or give honest answers when presented with the oppor- which our students are making a difference locally and educatunity. Parents quickly learned about this group, and we made tionally. membership rotational to accommodate more students.

This idea needn’t be limited to athletic contests. Applying the same concept at PTO meetings, booster meetings, banquets or at Turning Detractors into Supporters an open house serves the same purpose.

You’d be amazed what community members don’t know about I know of some forward-thinking superintendents who occayour schools. People hear how our halls are not safe, that racial sionally meet with bus drivers as they gather before their aftertensions are at the point of explosion, that bullying is out of noon routes. In doing so, these superintendents not only affirm control, that discipline is lax, that achievement is at an all-time the value of these often unsung yet important school employees, low and that our students are indolent, lazy and disrespectful. but they have also heard some great ideas about reworking trafInviting the coffee shop crowd one or two at a time to have lunch fic patterns and routes. Bus drivers don’t always get to see kids with a few students in the library is a great way to turn detrac- at their best, so listening to the drivers’ opinions and reminding tors into supporters. These informal lunches with parents (you them of the importance of their daily work has a valuable public can invite specific ones a few at a time), students, teachers, PTO relations impact. officers, retired teachers’ groups, local In my district, the football coaches politicians and church groups can provide take their senior leaders to an elementary wonderful opportunities for individuals school each Friday to work with strugand small groups to express concerns and gling readers. The program has been so ask questions about the schools. Hearing successful that other high schools have parent and community concerns directly adopted the idea. In putting together a can be exceptionally valuable, and having presentation for the local Rotary Club, the community hear your students’ stories the football players also changed a few from someone besides the superintendent minds about the students as well as the amplifies the positive effects. value of athletics. One coach expanded the I know of a high school in South Georgia idea to include student visits to the local that makes a dozen or so 15- to 20-secnursing home. It has made a wonderful ond “Moment of Pride” announcements difference for the residents there. The during athletic events. These announcecheerleading coach organized the cheerments include highlights of student leaders into small groups to befriend and achievements in 4-H, FFA, band, college welcome new students during lunch periacceptance, community service, tutoring ods. Taking a cue from the cheerleaders, a programs and more. Anything that illusgroup of local ministers has adapted the trates the great work that our students are idea for welcoming new church members. doing inside and outside the classroom is Our students are doing great things every appropriate. These announcements can be day-and our parents, grandparents and assembled quickly in list form and made community need to hear these stories. Don’t over the public address system every 15 leave the message to chance. Organize, plan minutes or so during timeouts or breaks and begin telling your community ... one in the action. It’s a great way to keep your story at a time ... what an asset they have in n community aware of the many ways in our schools and our children.

Our students are doing great things every day — and our parents, grandparents and community need to hear these stories.

Don’t leave the message to chance.

Organize, plan and begin telling your community ... one story at a time ... what an asset they have in our schools and our children.

October/November 2013

PAGE ONE 15

Foundation News

Photos by Robert Matta

Georgia Power and Paul Bowers Honored at Ninth Annual ‘A PAGE Turning Event’

Gathered during the opening reception for the ninth annual “A PAGE Turning Event” honoring Georgia Power and Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers are (left to right): co-chair of the host committee and Coxe Curry & Associates Senior Consultant Ann W. Cramer; PAGE Foundation President John E. Varner; PAGE Foundation Chair and VALIC Regional Vice President Allen Thomas; honoree Paul Bowers; host committee co-chair and R L Brown & Associates, Inc., President Robert L. Brown, Jr.; and PAGE Executive Director Dr. Allene Magill.

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ore than 400 education, business, philanthropic and community leaders attended the ninth annual “A PAGE Turning Event” to recognize Georgia Power and Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers for exemplary support of public education improvement in Georgia. The event, sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation, was held on Sept. 16 in the Egyptian Ballroom of the Fox Theatre.

“Georgia Power’s involvement in public schools dates back several decades,” said PAGE Foundation President John Varner.

“You can find company employees investing their time and considerable talents in support of local schools throughout Georgia, and at the state level, company executives such as Paul Bowers have led efforts to address complex education 16 PAGE ONE

issues. The Georgia Power Foundation plays an important philanthropic role at both local and state levels with charitable support for nonprofits that help our youngest citizens succeed in school and in life. ‘A PAGE Turning Event’ is one way that the PAGE Foundation can recognize the meaningful work of Georgia Power employees and their president and CEO, and we are privileged to join with others in expressing our heartfelt appreciation.”

Robert L. Brown, Jr., president of R L Brown & Associates, Inc., and Ann W. Cramer, senior consultant for Coxe Curry & Associates, served as co-chairs of the Host Committee for the 2013 event. The gala began with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. WSB-TV anchor Jovita Moore served as mistress of ceremonies. A highlight of the evening was October/November 2013

Paul Bowers’ recognition of Carl Madison as his favorite teacher.

For three years, Madison was Bowers’ high school football coach in Pensacola, Fla. Bowers acknowledged the powerful influence an individual teacher can have on a student: “As I look back now, I realize Coach Madison taught us more than the fundamentals of football. Coach Madison taught us the fundamentals of how to be successful in life.”

Previous “A PAGE Turning Event” honorees include: Georgia-Pacific and Georgia-Pacific Foundation President

Curley M. Dossman, Jr.; BellSouth and former BellSouth Georgia President Phil Jacobs; Southern Company and former Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO David Ratcliffe; The Coca-Cola Company and The Coca-Cola Foundation former Chair Ingrid Saunders Jones; GE and GE Vice Chairman John Rice; The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and Stephanie Blank and Arthur Blank; Sen. Johnny Isakson and Rep. John Lewis; and AT&T Georgia and n AT&T Georgia President Sylvia Russell.

To view a video report of “A PAGE Turning Event,” scan the QR code or visit www.pageinc.org/associations/9445/ pagetv/?page=882&tab=3&tab=3.

Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers and PAGE Executive Director Dr. Allene Magill

(l-r) Bowers’ favorite teacher Coach Carl Madison, Grace Madison, Karen Bowers and Paul Bowers

October/November 2013

PAGE ONE 17

Foundation News ‘A PAGE Turning Event’ continued

(l-r) Brandon Ponder, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education development director; Sylvia Russell, AT&T Georgia president; and Dr. Stephen Dolinger, Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education president

(l-r) Michael McMillian, GeorgiaPacific M. Agnes Jones Elementary Partnership coordinator; Tiffany Rivers, Youth Entrepreneurs Georgia program coordinator; and Telleha Howard, Georgia-Pacific Partnership coordinator

(l-r) 2014 Georgia Teacher of the Year Jemelleh Coes and Georgia Power Education Coordinator Cedric Sheffield

18 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

With Special Thanks to Our Sponsors VALEDICTORIAN AT&T Georgia Georgia-Pacific Georgia Power SALUTATORIAN Adams, Hemingway and Wilson, LLP Deloitte Delta Air Lines GE (l-r) Georgia’s 2013 National Distinguished Elementary School Principal Dr. Amy Duke and 2013 National Distinguished Middle School Principal Dr. Jesse Davis

Genuine Parts Company Lockheed Martin Newell Rubbermaid VALIC Wells Fargo Bank HONORS Ariel Investments, LLC The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Atlanta Housing Authority Atlantic Capital Bank Board of Regents, University System of Georgia The Coca-Cola Company Cox Enterprises Oglethorpe Power, Georgia Transmission, Georgia EMC Metro Atlanta Chamber Phil Jacobs & Coxe Curry and Associates Prior, Daniel & Wiltshire, LLC Robert L. Brown, Jr. & Steve Green Tom Wommack Troutman Sanders, LLP

Mistress of ceremonies and WSB-TV Channel 2 anchor Jovita Moore

October/November 2013

United Distributors, Inc.

PAGE ONE 19

Foundation News Barge, Essig and High-Achieving Students Address PAGE Foundation Annual Meeting

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Student Jackie Harmon, who achieved academic excellence in high school despite fearsome domestic violence and temporary homelessness. Harmon’s inspirational story included her plans to become a doctor upon graduation from college and service in the U.S. Army. On behalf of the PAGE Foundation, Board Chair Allen Thomas presented Harmon with a gift intended to offset some of Harmon’s undergraduate degree expenses.

Students and coaches for the 2013 state co-championship teams of the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon brought their own inspiring stories of academic excellence to the annual meeting. Under the leadership of coaches Christopher Pae and Melodie Carr, the Berkmar High School and Parkview High School decathletes traveled to Minneapolis in April to represent Georgia in United States Academic Decathlon National Competition. Trustees learned that the teams competed well at the national level

and that Larry He of Parkview won Georgia’s first-ever USAD gold medal for his performance in the essay competition.

The meeting also featured substantive reports on PAGE’s expanded investment in professional learning for all educators, efforts to measure teacher effectiveness, the evolving nature of virtual learning and the redesign of the Future Educators Association of Georgia and the Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators programs.

Gainesville-based Rushton & Company presented its independent financial audit of the PAGE Foundation for fiscal year 2013.

With no material findings, the auditors gave the foundation a clean report for the period.

With a unanimous vote, the board reelected its officers for the next 12 months.

Howard Morrison of Savannah will remain PAGE Foundation vice chair and Dr. Martha Venn of Macon and Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver of Eatonton will remain secren tary and treasurer, respectively.

Photos by Jeff Jeffares

eorgia State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge and Georgia Budget & Policy Institute Executive Director Alan Essig launched the 2013 PAGE Foundation Annual Meeting on Sept. 16 with high-level reports on major issues confronting public education. Of particular significance to trustees was Essig’s new report on the effects of state austerity funding cuts on local school systems in Georgia. According to Essig, the cuts, which began under Gov. Sonny Perdue, have dramatically reduced the ability of many school systems to meet the educational needs of students. This is especially true in non-affluent school systems in Georgia. Founded in 2004, the GBPI is a nonprofit and nonpartisan institute that analyzes the impact of state budgets and taxes on major areas of public interest, such as health care, education and the economy.

Trustees and annual meeting guests also heard from 2012 Spalding County STAR

PAGE Executive Director Dr. Allene Magill (far left) and PAGE Foundation Board Chair Allen Thomas (far right) welcomed new trustees (l-r) Dr. Robin Hines, Michael Daniel, Dr. Michele Taylor, Scott Williams and Dr. Steve Smith. Not pictured: PAGE PresidentElect Leslie Mills, Henry Kelly and Rodney Bullard.

20 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

(above) In opening the annual meeting, PAGE Foundation Board Chair Allen Thomas of VALIC said that 2013 has been a very good year for the foundation. (left) Dr. Judy Henry of PAGE’s Professional Learning staff moderated a panel on teacher effectiveness. Panelists included (l-r) Bryan Edge, Karen Wild, Jennifer Hayes and Dr. Emily Felton.

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PAGE ONE 21

Foundation News Teachers Determine the Future. You Can Help.

Consider a tax-deductible gift to the PAGE Foundation before Dec. 31, 2013 As a 501(c)(3) organization, the PAGE Foundation promotes a world-class education for all Georgia children through initiatives that recruit, develop, retain and recognize highly accomplished teachers. The Foundation provides programs, recognition and connections to students and educators throughout Georgia.

Foundation highlights from 2013 include: • At the 2013 United States Academic Decathlon Championships, Larry He of Parkview High School won a gold medal in Essay, a first for Georgia.

• 2013 saw record-setting membership in programs supporting our pre-service teachers. More than 15,000 middle school, high school and college students par-

ticipated in the Foundation’s Future Educators Association of Georgia (FEA Georgia) and Student PAGE (SPAGE) programs.

• 511 teachers were recognized as STAR Teachers by their STAR Students.

The PAGE Foundation receives its support from PAGE members, private foundations, individual donors and corporations. Donations support the Foundation’s programs as well as PAGE’s professional learning initiatives.

PAGE Foundation Programs: • FEA Georgia • SPAGE

You Can Help.

Please consider a gift to the PAGE Foundation this year. Your tax-deductible gift goes directly to support the work of the Foundation. Please visit www.pagefoundation.org/ support or call 770-2168555 or 800-334-6861.

• PAGE Foundation Scholarships • STAR Student and STAR Teacher awards • PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD) • PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades

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October/November 2013

KSU Professors Prep GAD Teams for Competition

October/November 2013

Dressed for success: GAD State Director Cary Sell and Assistant Director Michelle Crawford inspire the Fall Workshop attendees to make it to the USAD National Competition in Honolulu.

Kennesaw State University’s Dr. William Rice leads the general session on this year’s novel selection, “The Sun Also Rises,” by Ernest Hemingway

Photos by Jeff Jeffares

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ore than 230 PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon decathletes, coaches and district coordinators gathered at Kennesaw State University’s Continuing Education Center on Sept. 6 for the 2013 PAGE GAD Fall Workshop. Sessions for the daylong workshop were led by KSU professors and GAD competition coordinators, who focused on this year’s curriculum, “World War I.” Dr. William Rice, chair of KSU’s English department, lectured on Ernest Hemingway’s classic, “The Sun Also Rises,” this year’s featured literary work.

Participants then chose among breakout sessions. The music session was led by Dr. Edward Eanes; art was led by Dr. Diana McClintock; math was led by Dr. Mary L. Garner; economics was led by KSU’s Coles College of Business lecturers Dr. Joshua Salisbury and Dr. Murat Doral; and an introduction to genetics was led by Dr. Brendan Callahan and Dr. Mike Dias. GAD competition coordinators Heather Dobson, Amy Tait and Jodi Murphy presented sessions on speech, essay and interview, respectively.

Two special sessions were dedicated to coaches and coordinators. Former decathlon coach Sam Kullens of Franklin High School in Los Angeles led a session on structuring practices, and novice GAD coaches received insight from veteran coaches Cynthia Cox (Carroll County), Carmen Kimsey Morris (Muscogee County), Dr. Michael Price (Richmond County), Melodie Carr (Gwinnett County) and Tim Gillespie (Floyd County).

Dr. Stan Crowder of the KSU Criminal Justice department ended the workshop with an exciting general session on motivation and teamwork.

PAGE presents the Georgia Academic Decathlon in partnership with KSU. The fall workshop kicks off the GAD season each year with sessions to improve team n preparation and competition.

For video highlights of the workshop, visit www.pagefoundation.org/GAD and click on the podcast link to view the September episode of “Inside the Georgia Academic Decathlon.”

Dr. Stan Crowder of KSU’s Criminal Justice department encourages audience participation during the closing session on motivation and teamwork.

PAGE ONE 23

Honor Your Favorite Teacher

By Dr. Emily Felton, PAGE president and assistant principal of Factory Shoals Middle School

My Greatest Lesson The Race Is Given to the One Who Perseveres

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any people have helped me get to where I am today.

A teacher in every grade level—from my 4th grade teacher, Ms. Schooler, to my 8th grade teacher, Mr. Howard—took a personal interest in me. But Mr. Jim Kirkland, my teacher and coach at William Mitchell High School in Colorado Springs, Colo., had the greatest influence.

Effective teachers do more than instruct: They inspire us to be all we can be. Coach Kirkland’s lessons extended far beyond the classroom.

He respected students as individuals and, whether they were assigned to his Emily Felton class or not, he treated every student as his own. He challenged us to do to dream and reach beyond my selfbetter, and when mistakes were made, imposed limitations in the classroom Coach Kirkland (above, left) he challenged us to find solutions and and on the track field.

Emily Felton (above, right) learn from those mistakes.

Although I started my career in the Coach Kirkland taught me to do corporate sector, education was always my best no matter the obstacles. He my passion. When I began teaching, instilled in me the confidence to realI followed in Coach Kirkland’s footize that I could do anything I set out steps, treating every student as my to accomplish. He knew my strengths own. Because I patterned my teaching and weaknesses. On the track field, style after his, I knew I couldn’t go he continually placed challenges in wrong. my path. My event was the 400-meter Writing this article was a trip down dash. I was good at it, and I knew it. I memory lane for me. I perused old was one of the best quarter-milers in newspaper clippings of track meets the state, but Coach didn’t want me to and pictures of my team’s 1983 state get complacent. Seeing potential in me track championship. Through the that I didn’t, he added the 800-meter experience, it became clear that what run to my event lineup. At first I complained. I couldn’t see the was instilled in me back then has played a major role in the forest for the trees. Wouldn’t you know, the first time I ran the woman I am today.

800-meter, I set a meet record? Because of him, I learned that I As you know, there is no greater gratification for a teacher could do it. He was the voice that drove me to believe in myself, than seeing former students excel in their chosen endeavors. and I have carried that lesson throughout my career.

Coach Kirkland, Ms. Schooler, Mr. Howard and many of my Dr. Benjamin Mays said, “It is not a disgrace not to reach the other former teachers continue to inspire me each day. Because stars, but it is a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.” As educa- of the life lessons that Coach Kirkland, especially, imparted on tors we must teach our students the value of having goals—we me, I have run the race and crossed the finish line and am now must teach them the value of dreaming and reaching for the teaching others that the race isn’t given to the swift or the strong, n stars. Coach Kirkland did that for me. He taught me how but to the one who perseveres.

Following in Coach Kirkland’s footsteps, I have treated each student as my own. I knew I couldn’t go wrong patterning my teaching style after his.

24 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

Meet the 2013-14 State SPAGE Officers

An online election held in June yielded a new slate of state officers for SPAGE. The officers will serve as ambassadors for SPAGE and help guide the state organization.

President Suzi Hancock Georgia Southern University

First Vice President Gregory Slusher Reinhardt University

Parliamentarian Amy Walls Brenau University

Second Vice President Lynn Murray Georgia Southern University

Graduate Delegate Maxine Dalton Piedmont College

Secretary Jacquelyn Anderson Kennesaw State University

Past President Erika Wyatt Graduate of Valdosta State University

It’s Time to Register for the SPAGE Fall Conference All new teachers need a little TLC …

The Student Professional Association of Georgia Educators (SPAGE) and the Middle Georgia State College School of Education present:

Teaching, Learning, Collaborating First-Year Survival Let’s face it: A teacher’s first year is tough. So you’ll know what to expect from day one, we have designed for teacher candidates a day of professional learning that complements your college teacher preparation program. This one-day course focuses on specific, real-world challenges facing new teachers. Topics include classroom, time and stress management; designing engaging work for students; what principals seek in candidates; interviewing; networking and much more!

Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Middle Georgia State College – Macon Campus Register online at www.pagefoundation.org/spage October/November 2013

Scan for more information.

PAGE ONE 25

Foundation News

Foundation Volunteers Needed for Two Fun Events!

The PAGE Foundation sponsors several programs that promote academic excellence among Georgia students and teachers, including the PAGE Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, the PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon (GAD), the PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades and PAGE Foundation Scholarships for current and future teachers. These programs would not be possible without the assistance of many dedicated volunteers.

PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon

PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades

State Competition Feb. 21-22, 2014 Volunteers are needed to serve as judges for the Speech and Interview competitions. Volunteers are also needed to serve as proctors for Testing and Super Quiz. Judges serve in groups of two or three for Speech and Interview presentations. Proctors work with a student assistant in a testing homeroom of 19 or more students. Super Quiz proctors monitor individual student responses during the course of the Super Quiz Oral Relay. A judges’ training session is conducted prior to the competition. Volunteers can choose to help out on Friday, Saturday or both days. Friday’s session lasts from 3:45-9:30 p.m. Saturday’s session begins at 7:30 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m., with Super Quiz proctors on site from noon until 3 p.m. Please visit www.pagefoundation.org/gad and click “Volunteer Information.”

The Academic Bowl takes place in January. Regional competitions will be held across the state on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, during the morning and early afternoon. Each region needs a minimum of 20 volunteers to assist with reading questions, judging and timekeeping during the competition. This opportunity requires a time commitment of 4-6 hours.

Approximately 40 volunteers are needed for the State Championship to be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014, in Milledgeville at GCSU. This competition requires a time commitment of about 6 hours. Please visit www.pagefoundation.org/academicbowl and click “Volunteer.”

26 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

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Legal

Georgia Law Requires Each School to Have a Safety Plan

By Jill Hay, PAGE General Counsel Dear DeKalb County PAGE Members, PAGE recognizes the difficult and often dangerous jobs that you as educators face each day. PAGE President Dr. Emily Felton just wrote in the August/September issue of PAGE ONE magazine that “heroes” are one of the many roles you are called to fulfill … never imagining that that hat would have to be donned in yesterday’s situation at Ronald McNair Discovery Learning Academy.

We applaud you for your professionalism, resiliency, tenacity and dedication to your students. …

Shirley Y. Wright PAGE Membership Services Representative District 4

T

his excerpt of an email sent to DeKalb County PAGE members in August reminds us of the importance of providing a safe environment for students and school employees. Given the recent unfortunate instances of violence in Georgia schools, as well as in other states across the country, we thought it timely to review a Georgia law regarding school safety.

Georgia statute O.C.G.A. 20-2-1185 requires that every public school prepare a school safety plan. Each plan must address

In preparing plans, public schools shall seek input from students, parents, teachers, community leaders, other school and district employees, local law enforcement, fire service, public safety and emergency management agencies.

preparedness for natural disasters, hazardous materials or radiological accidents, acts of violence and acts of terrorism. The goal is to address how best to respond to crisis situations and to help curb violence.

In preparing plans, public schools shall seek input from students, parents, teachers, community leaders, other school and district employees, local law enforcement, fire service, public safety and emergency management agencies. The plans shall be reviewed and, if needed, updated annually and submitted to the local emergency management agency.

School safety plans must address security issues in school safety zones* and security issues involving transportation of students to and from school and school functions when such transportation is furnished by the school system.

Finally, the law requires that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) provide training and technical assistance to public schools. This assistance includes, but is not limited to, crisis response-team development, site surveys, safety audits, crisis management planning, exercise design, safe school planning, emergency operations planning, search and seizure, bomb threat management and model school safety plans.

For more information, visit the GEMA website at www.gema. ga.gov and click on “School Safety.” This document provides resources, training information and contact information for school safety coordinators by assignment areas. Everything is free of charge n to schools. *According to O.C.G.A. 16-11-127.1, school safety zone means “in or on any real property owned by or leased to any public or private elementary school, secondary school, or school board and used for elementary or secondary education and in or on the campus of any public or private technical school, vocational school, college university or institution of postsecondary education.”

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October/November 2013

2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence Named In August, 28 Georgia schools with the highest performance or highest progress in their congressional district earned the 2012 Georgia Schools of Excellence in Student Achievement award.

“These schools are the epitome of excellence,” said State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge. “It took us a while to name the 2012 Schools of Excellence, but we wanted to measure them based on our College and Career Ready Performance Index rather than the old measure.”

2012 GEORGIA SCHOOLS OF EXCELLENCE

Highest Performance 1. Esther F. Garrison School of Visual and Performing Arts, Chatham County 2. J.S. Pate Elementary, Crisp County 3. Centralhatchee Elementary, Heard County 4. R.D. Head Elementary, Gwinnett County 5. Oakhurst Elementary, Decatur City 6. Hembree Springs Elementary, Fulton County 7. Harris Elementary, Gwinnett County 8. Quail Run Elementary, Houston County 9. Towns County Middle, Towns County 10. Mulberry Elementary, Gwinnett County

11. Marietta Center for Advanced Academics, Marietta City 12. A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet, Richmond County 13. Elite Scholars Academy, Clayton County 14. Jones Elementary, Bremen City Highest Progress 1. Center Elementary, Ware County 2. John Johnson Elementary, Decatur County 3. McIntosh High, Fayette County 4. DeKalb Early College Academy, DeKalb County 5. Kipp Strive Academy, Atlanta Public Schools 6. Garrison Mill Elementary, Cobb County 7. Big Creek Elementary, Forsyth County 8. Centerville Elementary, Houston County 9. World Language Academy, Hall County 10. Frank N. Osborne Middle, Gwinnett County 11. Kennesaw Charter, Cobb County 12. Broxton-Mary Hayes Elementary, Coffee County 13. King Springs Elementary, Cobb County 14. Trion Elementary, Trion City Each school received a $1,000 check from Georgia Natural Gas.

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onlinedegree.columbusstate.edu/ga PAGE ONE 29

Members in the News South Forsyth Marketing Teacher Earns Fountain Award

Debra Moore, an advanced marketing, entrepreneurship and marketing principles teacher at South Forsyth High School in Cumming, earned the Fountain Award in September. Moore, A PAGE member, was nominated by former student Jordan Cushman. The Brigham Young University graduate now works at Google in business development, sales and marketing.

“Mrs. Moore opened up the exciting world of marketing to me. … As a result of the things I learned through her business classes and the DECA club, I realized what I wanted to study in college and what I wanted to do after graduation,” Cushman wrote in his application.

The Schoolhouse Squeeze GBPI Report Spotlights School Funding Woes

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new report by the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute illustrates how school districts are struggling against a relentless financial squeeze. The state legislature has cut billions in school funding in recent years, while plunging home values have driven down the main local revenue source, property tax. Meanwhile, the number of low-income students is soaring just as districts are working to lift student achievement to higher levels than ever, the report states.

GBPI

Geo rgia Bud get & Poli cy Inst itut e

The Schoolhouse



Squeeze



Claire Suggs | Sept

er 2013 Other highlights from the report include: • Lawmakers are shortchanging school districts by $633 per student this school year by providing less funding than called for under the Quality Basic Education program, the primary source of state money for public schools.

• State funding per student dropped an average of 15.3 percent from 2002 to 2014, in inflation-adjusted dollars.

• Local school district property values plunged an average of 17.5 percent in 132 of the state’s 180 school districts from 2008 to 2012. emb

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, Ga 30303 | Ph: 404.420.1324

| Fax: 404.420.13

29 | www.gbpi.o rg

Cushman also noted a time when Moore helped him work through some personal challenges. ”I often observed that Mrs. Moore noticed when students were having difficulties with something other than school. She clearly cares about her students beyond the classroom and would regularly offer support to others, as she did me. … I would not be where I am now had it not been for her,” Cushman added.

State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge surprised Moore with the award during a visit to South Forsyth High School.

Named after teacher and coach Monty Fountain, the Fountain Award is sponsored by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and is awarded quarterly. n

PAGE ONE Magazine Professional Association of Georgia Educators Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation Title of Publication: PAGE ONE Magazine: Professional Association of Georgia Educators. Publication Number: 1523-6188. Date of filing: September 27, 2013. Frequency of issue: Five times yearly. Number of issues published annually: Five. Location of known office of publication: New South Publishing, Inc., 450 Northridge Parkway, Suite 202, Atlanta, GA 30350. Owner: Professional Association of Georgia Educators, 2971 Flowers Road South, Suite 151, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Extent and Nature of Circulation: Circulation of single issue published nearest to filing date: Total copies printed, 75,467. Sales through vendors, dealers, carriers and over the counter: 0. Mail subscriptions, 73,806. Total paid circulation, 73,806. Free distribution (by mail carrier or other means, including samples) 1,580. Total distribution, 75,386.

Copies not distributed (office use, unaccounted for) 81.

Average circulation for each issue in preceding 12 months. Total copies printed, 76,955. Sales through vendors, dealers, carriers and over the counter, 0. Mail subscriptions, 74,786. Total paid circulation, 74,786. Free distribution (by mail, carrier or other means, including samples) 2,090. Total distribution, 76,876. Copies not distributed (office use, unaccounted for) 79. Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 97.3%.

Download the report at http://gbpi.org.

30 PAGE ONE

October/November 2013

Leadership Initiatives for all Educators PAGE High School Redesign Initiative The High School Redesign Initiative supports volunteering high schools and feeder schools.

It focuses on the critical need to support and sustain a focus on students and on the quality of the work provided to them.

Key Concepts: ■ ■ ■ ■

Systemic + Continuous Change Engagement + Design System Capacity Standards Social Systems

Location: Individual School District

PAGE Teacher Academy 2014-2016 Teacher teams, whose principals are members of the PAGE Principal Leadership Network, will focus on providing engaging experiences for in-depth learning.

Teams will attend eight sessions over two years.

Key Concepts: ■ ■ ■ ■

Engagement Design Collaboration Protocols

Location: PAGE Office

PAGE Teacher Leadership Institute 2013-2014 The PAGE Teacher Leadership Institute will consist of interrelated learning experiences for teacher leader development on behalf of school change. Series includes one 2-day session and two 1-day sessions. Teachers will work in school teams.

Key Concepts: ■ Engagement-Focused Classrooms + Schools ■ Collaboration ■ Facilitation ■ Design

Location: RESAs

PAGE Assistant Principal Leadership Academy 2013-2015 Assistant principals will focus on transformational change within schools.

Teacher teams will join them in year two to focus on the quality of the work provided to students.

Key Concepts: ■ Engagement + Design ■ Transformation ■ Principal + Teacher Leadership ■ Facilitation ■ Protocols ■ Capacity

Location: PAGE Office

PAGE Principal Leadership Network 2013-2014 Principals and two or three teachers from their schools will focus on creating engagement-focused schools that nurture profound learning for student and staff.

Key Concepts: ■ Transformation ■ Student + Staff Engagement ■ Profound Learning ■ School Design + Work Design Teams ■ Strategic Thinking ■ Capacity

Location: PAGE Office

Visit pageinc.org Professional Learning for details Copyright © 2013 The Professional Association of Georgia Educators. All Rights Reserved.

In Memoriam Lillian Cantrell 1928–2013 The PAGE family mourns the passing of our first president, Lillian Cantrell. A DeKalb County educator, Cantrell joined with PAGE founder Paul Copeland in 1975 to establish the Professional Association of Georgia Educators as a professional alternative for all Georgia educators. At that time, the Henderson Mill Elementary School principal presided over fewer than 500 PAGE members. Today, with more than 84,000 members, PAGE is the premier organization in Georgia for professional educators, a testament to the vision of our early leaders.

2013-14 PAGE Planner October 12-13 Teacher Leadership Institute, Metro RESA at PAGE Office

19-20 Teacher Leadership Institute, Middle GA and Heart of GA RESA, Bleckley County HS

19-20 Teacher Leadership Institute, SW and Chatt Flint RESA, South Georgia Technical College

26-27 Teacher Leadership Institute, Oconee and Coastal Plain RESAs

November 3-4 Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, PAGE Office, Atlanta

6 FEA Fall Conference, Middle Georgia State College, Macon

7 SPAGE Fall Conference, Middle Georgia State College, Macon

10-11 Principal Leadership Network, PAGE Office, Atlanta

32 PAGE ONE

16 GACE Program Admission Workshop, Mercer University – Macon

January 2014 11 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades Regionals

14 Teacher Leadership Institute, First District RESA

15 Teacher Leadership Institute, SW and Chatt Flint RESA, Isabella Center, Albany

15 Teacher Leadership Institute, NW and N GA RESA, Calhoun City Schools

16 Teacher Leadership Institute, Middle GA and Heart of GA RESA, Bleckley County HS

17 Teacher Leadership Institute, PAGE office

18 GACE Program Admission Workshop, Mercer University – Henry

22 Teacher Leadership Institute, Coastal Plains and OK RESA

25 PAGE Academic Bowl for Middle Grades State Championships, GA College & State University, Milledgeville

26-27 Principal Leadership Network, PAGE Office, Atlanta

February 1 GACE Program Admission Workshop, Middle Georgia State College, Macon

2-3 Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, PAGE Office, Atlanta

7-9 High School Redesign Initiative, PAGE Office, Atlanta

11 Teacher Leadership Institute, NW and N GA RESA, Calhoun City Schools

18 PAGE Day on Capitol Hill, Twin Towers, Floyd Room, Atlanta

21-22 PAGE Georgia Academic Decathlon State Competition, Berkmar HS, Lilburn

26 Teacher Leadership Institute, Middle GA and Heart of GA RESA, Bleckley County HS

27 Teacher Leadership Institute, First District RESA, Holiday Inn Statesboro

March 1 GACE Program Admission Workshop, College of Coastal Georgia, Brunswick

6 Teacher Leadership Institute, SW and Chatt Flint RESA, Isabella Center, Albany

7 Teacher Leadership Institute, Coastal Plains and OK RESA

11 Teacher Leadership Institute, PAGE office

16-17 Assistant Principal Leadership Academy, PAGE Office, Atlanta

23-24 Principal Leadership Network, PAGE Office, Atlanta

April 5 GACE Program Admission Workshop, Mercer University – Atlanta

22 State PAGE STAR Banquet, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta

June 6-7 PAGE Summer Conference, Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta *Please check website https://m360.pageinc. org/frontend/portal/ viewcalendar.aspx for the most current PAGE Planner.

October/November 2013

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Concentrations in Education and Leadership

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Concentrations in Accounting, International Business, and Supply Chain Management

• Master of Arts in Teaching English • Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics • Master of Education with a Major in Teacher Leadership • Master of Archival Studies • Master of Science in Psychology

Concentrations in Applied Developmental and Clinical Psychology

For more information, call (678) 466-4113.

Information about Open House for graduate admissions is available at http://graduate.clayton.edu.

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Mercer University, one of the South’s premier institutions of higher learning, brings academic excellence to undergraduate and graduate education programs through its highly acclaimed Tift College of Education.

With locations in Macon, Atlanta, Henry County, Douglas County, Eastman, Newnan and Savannah, Mercer’s Tift College of Education prepares more educators than any other private university in Georgia.

Programs Available: Bachelor of Science in Education • The Holistic Child • Early Care and Education • Early Childhood /Special Education • Middle Grades Education • Secondary Education

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Master of Arts in Teaching • Early Childhood Education • Middle Grades Education • Secondary Education

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• Curriculum & Instruction • Educational Leadership (P-12) • Educational Leadership (Higher Ed) Monica Batiste Ph.D. Educational Leadership P-12

Bernard Anderson Ph.D. Educational Leadership Higher Education

Kate Lambert B.S.Ed. The Holistic Child

School Counseling Programs* • M.S. School Counseling

• Ed.S. School Counseling

Initial Certification Programs

Mercer’s Tift College of Education is one of only 14 institutions currently approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to offer initial certification programs for Georgia’s school leaders.

TIFT COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

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*Offered jointly with Mercer’s College of Continuing and Professional Studies – ccps.mercer.edu/