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School Board News Bulletin
September, 2003

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Illinois students achieve higher scores on SAT, ACT exams

Illinois schools begin using 'credit' procurement cards for purchasing

Presidents asked to return survey on ISBE, regional offices

Public support for vouchers declines

Anti-bullying survivor, author and crusader to speak at conference

ISBE defers suggested hike in GED test fees

Boards make the call regarding cell phones via policy

NEWS FROM IASB

Many more school districts posting their policies online

Principal Appreciation Day is October 24 this year

More IASB fall division meeting plans detailed

NEWS HEADLINES

LEGAL F.A.Q.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION

Governor acts on remaining education bills

Other education-related bills

Illinois students achieve higher scores on SAT, ACT exams
State's public school students outperform their nonpublic school peers on SAT

Mean scores of Illinois students on the verbal portion of the SAT college placement exam for 2003 rose 5 points to 583; math scores did not change from 596. Likewise, Illinois students' composite ACT exam scores inched up one-tenth of a point from last year to 20.2.

SAT gains over the past ten years are higher for students in Illinois than in any other state. Specifically, Illinois student scores in 2003 are 33 points higher for verbal and 38 points higher for math than in 1993 and continue to rank among the best in the nation.

Confounding the critics of public schools, the state's public school students this year outperformed their nonpublic school peers on the SAT. Nearly 73 percent of Illinois students who took the SAT were public school students. Their mean SAT mathematics score was 608 in 2003, exceeding nonpublic students' mean score by 29 points. Likewise, Illinois public school students' mean verbal scores totaled 586, five points higher than the mean score for nonpublic school students.

Nationwide, mean scores in mathematics increased by 3 points to 519, the highest level in 35 years; and SAT verbal scores increased by 3 points to 507, the highest level in 16 years. The nation's mean math SAT score of 519 represented a 16-point gain within the past decade, while the average verbal score of 507 represented a 7-point gain.

A strong showing was turned in by Asian American SAT test takers - whose mean verbal scores were, for the first time, higher than the national mean. Mexican American and African American test takers showed gains of two and one point, respectively, from last year.

Only 14,673 Illinois students, or 11 percent of seniors, took the SAT this year, compared to 48 percent nationally. Many took the test to submit to elite colleges. Test officials caution that scores tend to decline with a rise in the percentage of test-takers.

A 1996 Harvard study, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildering: The Use and Misuse of State SAT and ACT Scores" showed Illinois ranking fifth best among states on the SAT exam when scores were adjusted for meaningful comparison between states. Authors Brian Powell and Lala Carr Steelman (Harvard Education Review, Vol. 66, Number 1, pages 27-59) also found that the more money a state spent on schools, the higher its standardized test scores. Specifically, the study found that "each additional $1,000 per student translates into approximately 14.8 points on state SAT scores."

State's ACT results improve also

Illinois test scores released earlier in August from the ACT college entrance exam also were improved from last year. Students in the state averaged a composite score of 20.2, compared to 20.1 last year. Illinois students scored well below the national mean ACT score of 20.8 in 2003. Illinois is one of only two states, however, that give the ACT test to all high school students before graduation. Illinois' mean ACT scores were 21.6 back in 2001, when only 71 percent of the state's students took the exam.

But the ACT organization signed contracts three years ago to administer the exam to all high school students in Illinois, expanding the pool of test-takers here to include many students who had no intention of attending college. As a result, ACT officials say, thousands of students have discovered for the first time that they can perform at college level and many have applied to college after all.

One student in the Chicago area earned an ACT composite score that was nearly five points higher than her school's average, according to Betty Cittadine, director of the College Bridge Program for Chicago Public Schools. Surprised by her college-level ability, she subsequently began applying to schools and hopes to attend college this fall.

"The ACT not only opened her eyes, but also opened some doors for her," said Cittadine.

Sources: The Associated Press, "Illinois students' ACT scores below national average," August 20, 2003; and ACT and SAT test results.

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Illinois schools begin using 'credit' procurement cards for purchasing

Thirteen school districts in Illinois have assigned procurement cards to some employees this year and other districts are considering such a move. The cards work like credit cards that employees can use to make less expensive school-related purchases without all the headaches of purchase orders.

Employees can purchase school supplies for classroom projects or maintenance materials, for example. The cards are limited to specific amounts of money and some only can be used at certain stores. Cardholders will have to keep detailed receipts of their purchases and administrators will be able to track what the purchases are, according to Allen Albus, Naperville C.U. Dist. 203 assistant superintendent for finance.

"We spend other people's money," said Albus, who also is president-elect of the Illinois Association of School Business Officials (IASBO). "We have an obligation to show where it was spent, how it was spent and why it was spent."

IASBO is making a procurement card approach available to its member districts across the state. For more information, call Angie Lehman of IASBO at 815/753-9371.

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Presidents asked to return survey on ISBE, regional offices

An August 25 mailing sent to school board presidents from Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn contained a survey regarding the need for services and the quality of services delivered from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and its regional offices.

State law requires the creation of the "Service Evaluation Committee," under the direction of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, to design and develop a form to be sent to school districts to annually evaluate the nature and quality of the services provided by ISBE and the Regional Offices of Education (ROEs). By statute, the committee is composed of seven members, including representatives from IASB and the Illinois Association of School Administrators.

This spring the governor proposed legislation approved by lawmakers to scale back the services and appropriations of ISBE and the ROEs. The governor announced in August he plans to look at major reorganization of the education delivery structure in Illinois, specifically the services provided by the ISBE and the regional offices. Given the timeliness of this issue (both with the governor's pending actions and the implementation of NCLB), the survey gives school districts the opportunity to influence education services.

Survey designers say there has never been a stronger need for board presidents to respond to this annual survey. The completed survey must be returned by November 1 to: Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Attn. Susanne Hack, 100 W. Randolph, Ste. 15-200, Chicago, IL 60601.

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Public support for vouchers declines

The latest Phi Delta Kappa/ Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools shows support for vouchers is declining.

According to the poll, those in favor of allowing students and parents to choose a private school to attend at public expense dropped to 38 percent this year from 46 percent a year ago. Sixty percent of Americans now oppose this option, compared to 52 percent a year ago.

When reminded of the 2002 Supreme Court decision upholding the constitutionality of voucher programs, 56 percent of respondents expressed opposition to having their state enact voucher legislation.

In addition to waning support for vouchers, the poll results include other encouraging news for supporters of public education: The public continues to hold their public schools in high regard, and most Americans believe public school decisions should be made by the local school board.

The new poll results are available online at http://www.pdkintl.org .

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Anti-bullying survivor, author and crusader to speak at conference

Jodee Blanco, Chicago native and author of the New York Times best seller Please Stop Laughing at Me...One Woman's Inspirational Story, will speak at the upcoming IASB/IASA/ IASBO Joint Annual Conference on Saturday, November 22, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Blanco was a victim of physical and emotional peer abuse between 5th and 12th grades. She survived, and now is turning pain into purpose. Her credibility with teens and adults alike is saving lives.

A dynamic speaker, Blanco cares because she knows all too well how isolated and bereft the school outcast feels. Cheerleaders burned her with lit cigarettes; she was stoned for refusing to dissect a baby pig; she was ridiculed for walking out of a sex party and shunned for defending a disabled student; she was attacked by a group of students who shoved fistfuls of snow down her throat until she could no longer breathe. In high school, Blanco's pain was so great that she smuggled a butcher knife into her backpack. Thankfully, her mother intervened.

Because of her own shocking and eye-opening experience as the adolescent underdog, Blanco is able to shed light on what the problem really is like and ways to confront it effectively. She tells about the biggest mistakes well-intentioned parents make, and why schools are often unable to prevent disaster. She relates how bullying has been misdiagnosed by the mental health community. Even children with smart, caring parents are not immune to the dangerous consequences of school bullying.

Society pays a dear price for tolerating bullying in the broken spirits, revenge school killings and the betrayal of our promise to protect and nurture our children. But it doesn't have to be this way, and Blanco is in the vanguard of hope and techniques for real change.

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ISBE defers suggested hike in GED test fees

Looking to cut costs, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has held off on a proposal for getting more funds from high school dropouts who apply to take a test they hope will give them their diplomas. State Superintendent of Education Robert Schiller has suggested raising the fee from its current $35 level to $80. ISBE board members deferred a vote on the matter in early September, however, saying they will seek alternatives.

Most jobs require at least a high school diploma, opponents of the move say, and many of the people who take the General Educational Development (GED) test are poor. What's more, it is common for applicants to take the test multiple times before passing.

The fee increase was considered because the governor's office has asked the state board to cut $1 million from its ISBE agency budget.

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Boards make the call regarding cell phones via policy

As NSBA's American School Board Journal recently suggested, "despite what educators think of cell phones, it's clear they are coming to school." The article, "Mixed Signals" noted that concerns "from September 11, Columbine and Amber Alerts" [statutorily mandated news dispatches about missing children] have led parents to try to stay in touch with their children throughout each day.

The number of parents who want their children to have cell phones is substantial. Nearly 30 percent of cell phone users with children under age 18 say they have at least one child who uses a cell phone, according to a survey released in September by the Yankee Group, a Boston-based telecommunications research firm. Seventy-five percent of those respondents said they foot the bill for their child's phone.

Last year Illinois became one of eight states to repeal bans on the use of pagers and cell phones in schools, and one of 10 states that grant policy-making authority to local boards regarding such devices.

A proposed policy from IASB's Policy Reference Education Subscription Service suggests that school districts place certain restrictions on the use and possession of cell phones and pagers. The sample policy, "7:190-AP-5 Student Handbook - Electronic Devices," suggests:

The possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices, other than paging devices and two-way radios, are subject to the following rules:

1. They must be kept out of sight and in an inconspicuous location, such as a backpack, purse, or locker.

2. They must be turned off during the regular school day unless the supervising teacher grants permission for them to be used or if needed during an emergency.

3. They may not be used in any manner that will cause disruption to the educational environment or will otherwise violate student conduct rules.

For more information about this or other policies, phone IASB's Policy Services staff at ext. 1125 or 1234; to learn more about PRESS or subscribe to the service, phone IASB at ext. 1232 or 1119.

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NEWS FROM IASB

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Many more school districts posting their policies online

A total of 14 school districts have now signed up with IASB to post and maintain their policy manuals online via the World Wide Web, taking advantage of a discount offered by IASB contractor MicroScribe Publishing, Inc. MicroScribe has offered to underwrite service fees for the first 30 school districts that sign up to publish their board policy manuals online. The company has contracted to convert and format school district policies into documents for Web publication, complete with links to legal references.

Specifically, MicroScribe vowed to waive a $4,000 fee, cutting the cost of using IASB's School Board Policies Online Service from $7,000 to $3,000.

To take a peek at local policy manuals already online at the IASB Policy Service site, visit the Web site located at www.iasb.com/policy/policy2.html.

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Principal Appreciation Day is October 24 this year

Friday, October 24, 2003, is Principal Appreciation Day in Illinois. The day is set aside to recognize the good work done by principals, assistant principals and deans on behalf of Illinois school children. John Dively, Principal of Carbondale High School and President of the Illinois Principals Association encourages parents, faculty and school groups to do something that day to thank and acknowledge the leadership their building administrators provide to make Illinois public and private schools successful.

For more information, please contact:

• David Turner, Executive Director, Illinois Principals Association, Springfield (217-525-1383)
• John Dively, Principal, Carbondale High School and 2003/04 IPA President (618-457-3371)

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More IASB fall division meeting plans detailed

A wide variety of hot topics are featured at this year's fall dinner meetings in IASB's 21 divisions. Leadership and Development (L&D) awards will be given out at these meetings. The latest information on division meetings can be found on the IASB Web site at http://www.iasb.com/calendar .

Members of IASB boards are encouraged to attend one or more of the fall division meetings. Program details for a few of these meetings could not be listed in the August Newsbulletin, including:

Corn Belt Division
October 7, 6:00 p.m.Pontiac THSD 90Pontiac High School
Program Panels: 1) Update on School Funding Issues, presented by Deanna Sullivan, Director of Governmental Relations, IASB; 2) Financial Planning: Forecasting for the Future, Donald E. Weber and Vladimir Dragosavljevic, Vice Presidents, Financial Advisory Services, PMA Financial Network, Inc.; 3) Play the Ace, a presentation on and demonstration of the Accelerated College Enrollment program, presented by Fred Peterson, Dean of Student Services, and Don Cavallini, Director of Outreach, both of Heartland Community College, and Jeff Krumwiede, Guidance Counselor, Lexington High School; 4) Current Issues Roundtable, discussion led by Robert Nielsen, Superintendent, Bloomington Dist. 87; 5) Are You At War With Your Media?, discussion led by Linda Dawson, Journal Editor, IASB.

Egyptian Division
October 7, 6:30 p.m.
Hamilton Co. CUSD 10
Jr./Sr. High School, McLeansboro
Program: Update on School Funding Issues, presented by Ben Schwarm, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations, IASB; followed by panel sessions on: 1) Effective Listening Skills, presented by Angie Peifer, Director of School Board Development, IASB; 2) Hot topics, presented by Ben Schwarm, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations, IASB; 3) Does The Board Have A Role In Student Learning, presented by Sandy Gundlach, Director of Field Services, IASB; and 4) Board Presidents Roundtable, presented by Debra Hall, President, Carmi-White Co. CUSD 5 Board of Education.

Blackhawk Division
October 21, 6:00 p.m.
Orion CUSD 223
Orion Middle School
Program includes three mini-keynote sessions: 1) Update on School Funding Issues, presented by Ben Schwarm, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations, IASB; 2) No Child Left Behind (NCLB), presented by Melinda Selbee, General Counsel, IASB; 3) Administrator Recertification, presented by Ron Vail, Administrator Academy Consultant for Regional Offices of Education (ROEs) 27, 28 & 49. These keynotes will be followed by simultaneous one-hour breakout sessions to continue the conversation on these same three topics.

Kaskaskia Division
October 22, 6:30 p.m.
Vandalia CUSD 203
Vandalia Jr. High School
Dinner Program: Regional Delivery of Educational Services, presented by Danny Garrett, Regional Superintendent, Clinton, Marion, and Washington Counties; followed by panel sessions on: 1) School Funding Issues, presented by Marleis Trover, Superintendent, Vienna High School Dist. 13-3, and IASB Associate Executive Director and Alliance Lobbyist Ben Schwarm; 2) Lessons in Leadership from Survivors, presented by Dr. Gerald Mastio, Board President, Marilyn Holt, Superintendent, and Butch Lockley, Elementary School Principal from East Richland C.U. Dist. 1.

Central Illinois Valley Division
October 22, 6:00 p.m.
Dunlap C.U. Dist. 323
Ridgeview Elementary, Peoria
Panel Sessions: 1) Update on School Funding Issues, presented by IASB Director of Governmental Relations and Alliance Lobbyist, Deanna Sullivan; 2) Financial Planning: Forecasting for the Future, presented by Fenil Patel, Portfolio Advisor, PMA Financial Network, Inc.; 3) Current Issues Roundtable, discussion led by Don White, Superintendent, Pekin Dist. 108; 4) Are You at War With Your Media? discussion led by Linda Dawson, Director of Editorial Services, IASB; 5) Current Legal Issues, presented by Dennis Triggs and Jay Greening, both attorneys with Miller, Hall & Triggs on topics including the Illinois Open Meetings Act, collective bargaining and other matters as time permits.

Two Rivers Division
October 28, 6:30 p.m.
Franklin C.U. Dist. 1
Franklin High School
Dinner Program: Update on School Funding Issues, presented by Deanna Sullivan, Director of Governmental Relations, IASB, and interested area legislators; followed by panel sessions as follows: 1) What's up with the Regional Offices of Education? presented by Raymond Scheiter, Regional Superintendent, Adams and Pike Counties; 2) Year 2: No Child Left Behind Act, presented by John Mannix, Associate Executive Director, IASB; 3) Improving Media Relations, presented by IASB Journal Editor, Linda Dawson.

Western Division
October 28, 6:00 p.m.
Spoon River Valley CUSD 4
Spoon River Valley Jr./Sr. High School
Panel Sessions: Update on School Funding Issues, presented by Ben Schwarm, Associate Executive Director of Governmental Relations, IASB; Financial Planning: Forecasting for the Future, Donald E. Weber and Vladimir Dragosavljevic, Vice Presidents, Financial Advisory Services, PMA Financial Network, Inc.; Administrator Re-Certification, Norman Durflinger, Assistant Professor of Education, Illinois State University; Collective Bargaining Issues, presented by George Kohut, Labor Consultant, Miller, Tracy, Braun, Funk & Guenther, Ltd.

South Cook Division
October 29, 6:00 p.m.
Radisson Hotel Alsip

Lake County Division
October 29, 6:30 p.m.
Antioch

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Only 21 percent of American teachers are men, the lowest proportion in 40 years, meanwhile only 9 percent of elementary school teachers are men. In contrast, men made up one-third of the teaching corps in the 1960's, 70's and 80's. Their numbers have fallen since the beginning of the 1990's. The latest statistics are derived from a new survey by the National Education Association (The Associated Press, August 27, 2003) ... Those computer viruses that recently plagued e-mail inboxes also created havoc for Cleveland Municipal Schools. The three viruses, "Blaster," "Naichi" and "Sobig" crippled Cleveland public high schools' computer network in late August. (Yahoo! News, August 26, 2003) ... By next fall every student in the 4th through 6th grade in District 54, Schaumburg, will be assigned an Apple iBook for use at home and in school-nearly 5,200 computers at a cost of more than $6 million. This is believed to be the biggest laptop distribution program ever in Illinois. The aim is to "use them as research and writing tools that will lead to students performing better on reading and writing exams." (Chicago Sun-Times, September 8, 2003) ... More than 200,000 kids under age 14 are treated for playground injuries each year in America, says the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Experts recommend "improvement of adult supervision on playgrounds; public education about age-appropriate playground equipment; and improved maintenance of playground equipment and surfaces." (Health Day News, September 8, 2003)

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LEGAL F.A.Q.

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How well do you know Illinois school laws?

Q: What is the minimum school day?

A: A school day must consist of no less than five clock hours under the direct supervision of teachers in order to meet State Board of Education standards and to qualify as a full day of school in calculating state aid entitlements. Some exceptions are authorized.

105 ILCS 5/18-8.05

Q: What are the exceptions to the minimum five clock hour school day?

A: There are six exceptions:

1) Two and one-half hours may be counted as a half-day for students in grades 2 through 12.

2) Four clock hours may be counted as a day of attendance for first-graders and full day kindergartners.

3) Two clock hours may be counted as a half-day of attendance for first graders and full day kindergartners.

4) One clock hour may count as a half-day of attendance for handicapped children below the age of six who cannot attend a two-hour session because of handicap or immaturity.

5) Days of attendance may be less than five clock hours on the opening and closing days of the school term, and upon the second or third day of the school term if the first and second days are used as institutes or teachers' workshops. Four clock hours may be counted as a day of attendance upon certification by the regional superintendent and approval of the State Superintendent of Education.

6) A session of three or more clock hours up to a maximum of five half-days per school year may be counted as a full day of attendance when the remainder of the day is used for an in-service training program for teachers. Two full days may be used for parent-teacher conferences. Any full day used reduces the number of allowable half-days by two. In either instance, the programs must have the prior approval of the State Board of Education's Public School Approval Section.

105 ILCS 5/18-8.05 (F) (2) et seq. 23 Il. Admin. code 1.420Source:

Illinois School Law Survey, Seventh Edition, by Brian A. Braun, IASB, March 2002.

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LEGISLATIVE ACTION

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Governor acts on remaining education bills

Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich has taken action on the remaining substantive education bills adopted in the spring session, including issuing an amendatory veto on a bill requiring defibrillators in school. The governor signed into law all of the adopted bills establishing Illinois criteria for meeting federal No Child Left Behind Act requirements on testing and accountability; these are described below.

Automatic External Defibrillators (AED), SB 777 (Crotty, D-Oak Forest) would require AEDs to be placed in all indoor physical fitness facilities, including those on school grounds. The original bill would have required AEDs at all physical fitness facilities, including outdoor areas such as soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and football stadiums. The Alliance worked to amend the bill to make it less onerous for school districts.

The governor's amendatory veto of the AED mandate bill would make further changes. The bill currently states that it applies to facilities that provide services for "preserving, maintaining, encouraging, or developing physical fitness or well-being." The governor changed this to cover facilities that provide services "focusing primarily on cardiovascular exertion." He also narrowed its scope so the bill does not apply to facilities that serve fewer than 100 individuals. The governor made several other changes as well.

The bill now goes back to the legislature for consideration in the November veto session. Lawmakers can accept or reject the governor's changes, but if all legislative motions fail, or if the legislature does nothing with the bill, it will die.

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Other education-related bills

Special ed tuition, HB 1180 (Mitchell,J., R-Sterling) makes significant changes to provisions on the "extraordinary and private tuition" components of the special education program included in the educational services block grant. The bill was amended by the governor to implement these changes on a one-year pilot basis, making it applicable in Fiscal Year 2004 only. The legislature will take action on the amendatory veto in November.

Implementation of NCLB student testing requirements, HB 2352 (Mitchell, J.) contains the recommendations of the Assessment and Accountability Task Force regarding student testing as part of the state implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act. By the 2005-2006 school year it requires ISBE to annually test: 1) all pupils enrolled in the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades in reading and mathematics; 2) all pupils enrolled in 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th grades in writing; 3) all pupils enrolled in the 4th and 7th grades in the biological and physical sciences; and 4) all pupils enrolled in 5th and 8th grades in the social sciences. It also requires ISBE to sample student performance in the learning area of physical development and health in grades 4 and 7 through the science tests and in the learning area of fine arts in grades 5 and 8 through the social sciences tests. The bill makes changes concerning the maximum time allowed for testing students in various circumstances, the time period within which state testing must occur, and the use of short answer questions. The bill also makes changes regarding additional tests and assessment resources that may be used by school districts for local diagnostic purposes. The bill was signed into law by the governor and is now Public Act 93-0426, effective August 5, 2003.

Proficiency exams in driver education, SB 70 (Cullerton, D-Chicago) removes a provision that allows a school district to adopt a policy to permit proficiency examinations for the practice driving part of the driver education course at any time after the completion of three hours of practice driving under direct individual instruction. The bill, opposed by the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance this spring, was vetoed by the governor.

The legislature will take action on the governor's veto in November.

NCLB accountability sanctions, SB 878 (del Valle, D-Chicago) contains "accountability provisions" the state must enact to be in compliance with the No Child Left Behind Act. These provisions are a product of the state superintendent's Task Force on Assessment and Accountability. The bill lays out the steps a school or school district must go through if it continues to fail to meet adequate yearly progress (AYP) requirements set by ISBE, and establishes an appeals process for schools or districts that believe they were placed in academic warning or watch status erroneously.

After two consecutive years of failing to make AYP, the school or district would be placed in "academic early warning status;" after four years of failing to make progress the school or district would move to "academic watch status." For a school or district that still does not meet adequate yearly progress after six years, these interventions and sanctions ultimately could lead to:

• ISBE placing the school or district in "nonrecognition" status;
• ISBE authorizing the regional superintendent to remove school board members; or
• the state superintendent directing the reassignment of pupils or the reassignment or replacement "of school district personnel who are relevant to the failure to meet adequate yearly progress criteria."

The governor signed the bill into law and it is now Public Act 93-0470, effective August 8, 2003.

Source: Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance, Alliance Legislative Report (93-27), August 28, 2003

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