Eblog by Dayton

Is there value ....

2011-03-24T15:47:00.005-05:00

The following is a cut-and-paste from the U.S. DoE's
publication, College Completion Tool Kit. I hope
this sparks a discussion in each of Iowa's communities.

"The days of being able to rely on high school
graduates to provide economic stability and vitality
are over. More than half of all new jobs in the next
decade will require a post secondary certificate
or degree. Accordingly, boosting the number of
college graduates should be a central goal in every
state’s workforce and economic development plan.
Raising college completion rates should be a central
part of the strategy for reaching that goal.
In the coming decade, individuals with professional
certificates and post secondary education degrees
at the associate, bachelor’s, and graduate levels are
projected to continue to experience higher levels of
employment and wage growth than those without."

Read the entire text by clicking here.

Homeless Students

2011-03-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

The recession is having a profound impact on the lives of families. Today, more children live in poverty than any other comparable group. Additionally, we are finding more and more homeless children
Iowa Administrative Code defines a homeless child or youth as a child or youth from the age of 3 years through 21 years who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes the following:
1. A child or youth who is sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; is living in a motel, hotel, trailer park, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; is living in an emergency or transitional shelter; is abandoned in a hospital; or is awaiting foster care placement;
2. A child or youth who has a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
3. A child or youth who is living in a car, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station, or similar setting; or
4. A migratory child or youth who qualifies as homeless because the child or youth is living in circumstances described in paragraphs
“1” through “3” above.
We have a commitment to these young men and women. North Cedar has two talented family advocates, Kim Hilby and Mark Norton. One of their responsibilities is to connect families and children to needed resources, for example, winter clothing. They also work hand-in-hand with area clergy, private groups, and government agencies. If you know of a student that may need assistance, perhaps they are homeless, please give us a call at 563-942-3358. We will do what we can.

Summer Vacation

2010-05-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

Each child's family has a huge impact on his or her educational success. The wealth of the family is not so important. The race of the family is not so important. The age of the family is not so important. What is important is the emphasis placed on education by the family.
Summer vacation is just around the corner. It is a time to relax, play, and work. It is also a time to make sure that reading skills remain "sharp" or are improved. The following ideas have been shown to work, and improve student success. Each is within our control. We can make sure that ...
• every child reads, or is read to, each day.
• every child's TV viewing is regulated. Reduce time in front of the TV.
Local libraries are a great source of help. Librarians are committed to their work, they will be glad to lend a hand.
Our communities spend millions of dollars each year providing students with the best education available. You can be a part of that success. As a family, turn off the TV and read.

Failure v. Mediocrity

2010-04-05T08:58:00.000-05:00

Most people are more frightened of failure than of mediocrity. It should be the reverse.

Failure is a broken leg — painful, but easily fixed. Mediocrity is a creeping disease — invisible and insidious — that disables so completely that there’s often no recovery.

D. Pink

Congratulations!

2010-03-29T14:21:00.001-05:00

Do smaller schools provide great opportunities for our students to participate? Yes. Does it matter? Absolutely! Whether it is art, theater, athletics, music, or academic competition, our sons and daughters have many opportunities to play an active role at North Cedar. Let me give two examples.
This year Mr. Glover came to me with an idea. Mrs. Crittenden suggested that we offer drama opportunities for our middle school students. We could use the newly remodeled Debbie Harms Theater. It would cost little and give more students an opportunity to participate in a healthy activity. It was a great suggestion, and they "ran with it."
On Thursday and Friday middle school students presented several short plays. The fifth grade presented "Mischief in Thebes" and "Lightning Strikes." The sixth grade presented "The Wizard's Spell" and "Cocoon." The seventh grade presented "Stage Fright." The eighth grade presented "The Red Door," "Guardian Angel," and "The Trial of Amanda Marie Locks." Over one-quarter of the middle school volunteered and participated. Fantastic!
Another example comes from the high school. This weekend I received an e-mail from Mrs. Barglof. In part it read ….
"I just wanted to let you know that the North Cedar quiz bowl team placed first at the NAQT tournament on Saturday. Members of the team are Evan Ruchotzke, Parker Koch, Justin Salat, Dylan Montz, and Alex Doser. Little North Cedar beat out the big schools of Bettendorf, Davenport Central and Muscatine to come out on top with a trophy. They also qualified for nationals in Chicago, which will be held on Memorial Day weekend. Evan Ruchotzke also received a medallion for the individual with the highest score. It was a great Saturday, to say the least!!"
Each of these examples illustrates a great way to represent our school. They are only two of the many ways our students become involved in student activities. The research tells us that participation in school activities has lasting, positive rewards. Encourage your children and others to participate in their school activities.

Our Financial Future

2010-03-12T08:21:00.000-06:00

Good Morning All,
It occurs to me that we have not talked lately about the legislature and our budget. I wish there was concrete information available. I will attempt to describe what we know and then provide an educated guess about next year's funding. As you read this information, please the District understands its responsibility is to students, staff, and taxpayers. Be confident we are doing what we can to keep programs running, everyone employed, and taxes reasonable. If you have questions, please phone or drop by.
First, for 2009 - 2010: By the end of the year we will be down approximately $516,900.
A. While the legislature approved a 4% increase in allowable growth for this year, it did not deliver. That state aid was reduced by 1.5% resulting in an estimated state aid shortfall (at the beginning of the year) of $54.86 per weighted student. For our district, that amounted to about $61,000.
B. The 10% state aid reduction for FY10 amounts to $410 times our weighted enrollment, about $455,900. (The 10% reduction resulted from a meeting of the Revenue Estimating Conference. This group reviews net tax revenues, estimates the next quarter receipts, and reports the information to the Governor and Legislature. Because of the recession, net receipts were down significantly. The State of Iowa "must" balance its budget, therefore the cut in state aid.)
Second, for 2010 - 2011: There are two common scenarios and both will depend on state revenues and the politics of state government.
It is estimated that our state aid will be reduced an amount between $341,000 and $781,700. The reasoning follows. Our source is local data, Iowa Department of Management, Iowa School Information Service (ISIS), and Bill Garner Consulting.
A. According to ISIS: The first estimate or scenario of the state short funding is $310 per weighted enrolled student. It results from the projected shortfall in the governor's recommended budget. The number is determined by dividing the $170 million that is under funded by the state's total weighted enrollment to come up with a per pupil number. That would impact us by an additional $341,300.
B. That same source states: A $710 is our concept of a worst case scenario - it's the carry forward of the FY 2010 across the board cut....
Added to this is the anticipated $310 shortfall expected next year. That would impact us by an additional $781,700.
While projections for the future appear bleak. However, we are in a better financial shape than the vast majority of schools, and we do have a plan.
This plan has four parts. First, we will realize savings due to retirement and resignation of staff. Second, taxes will increase. Our goal is to keep all increases to a minimum. Third, we are economizing. We will only be ordering necessities. Fourth, we will spend down our cash reserves. The result of our plan will be known at the end of the year. Even after these efforts, the losses will take several years to get back to normal.

America's Smallest School

2010-02-25T12:21:00.002-06:00

An interesting piece of research has been published by ETS; "The Family: America's Smallest School." "The focus of the publication describes a number of family characteristics and home conditions that influence children's cognitive development and school performance."

Three of these factors lack controversy and have been shown to work together to impact student learning. Each is within our control. We can make sure that...
• every student goes to school each day and is ready to work.
• every younger person is read to each day.
• every student's TV viewing is regulated. Reduce time in front of the TV.

Our community collectively spends millions of dollars each year providing students with the best education available. Lets take a step beyond the financial contribution. We can improve education at NC by applying those three principles.

Our Responsibility as a School

2010-02-25T12:00:00.000-06:00

Every school has a culture, its way of going about "business." Our school district is no exception. Our basic beliefs have a strong influence on what we do.

Schools also face common challenges. The way we respond provides clues to our basic values and beliefs.
• Are we holding students to high standards?
• Are we making sure that ever learner succeeds?
• Are we encouraging parents and other community members to participate?
• Are we accepting responsibility for student learning?
The last question is fascinating! It gets to the issue, "Who has ultimate responsibility for student learning?"

There are a two fundamental answers. One view is that students and their families are responsible for learning. Parents and the larger community must push each student to succeed. It then becomes the responsibility of the learner to do his or her best, to work hard, and to succeed. It is the school's responsibility to provide high quality teachers and curriculum. However, ultimately the outcome rests with the student. This view has merit. To be a great school, parents and the entire community must communicate the importance of learning. They must provide the resources to accomplish the mission. The school must provide great teachers and a challenging, relevant curriculum. The student must work hard. This appears to be a winning formula.

The second view acknowledges the shared responsibility of learning. However, there is one additional factor. As a school, it is our responsibility to make sure it all happens. This shifts responsibility. This is our belief, and we take it seriously. It is no small task.

The True Cost (Opportunity Cost) of Senioritis

2009-08-25T16:42:00.003-05:00

In order to get something, something must be given up. For example, if I choose to get a different motorcycle I must give up that new TV. If I choose to go to Washington DC on vacation, I do not get to go to Seattle. In economics we call that which is given up the opportunity cost ... a lost opportunity. Now, on to the point.

For some students, the senior year is like a sprint. They start hard, and they finish hard. They take difficult classes, and do their best. They are rewarded by getting scholarships and attending the better universities. When they graduate, and "if all the stars are aligned," they get good jobs.

For others the senior year of high school is like a vacation. They start with the idea that it does not matter. They take classes that may produce the best GPA. They believe that grade point is more important than content and learning. They only do the minimum to get by.

High Expectations

2009-04-14T13:06:00.004-05:00

A fundamental shift is taking place in the world’s economy. It is an evolutionary change. ... evolution at the speed of light.
After WW ll products made in the USA were considered the best on the market. “Made in America” became the gold standard. The American worker became the most productive on the planet. As a result, our standard of living soared. There seemed to be no end to this trend of prosperity. That is changing.
Then a serious challenge came from Japan, a country devastated by war. At one time products produced in Japan were considered inferior. However, the Japanese had a vision. It is best described by the word “kaisen,” meaning continuous improvement. It applied to all aspects of life. Products were continually being upgraded. Schools and students were also being pushed to the limit. The desire for a high quality education became famous worldwide. Parents paid extra for their children to attend Saturday School. The standard of living for the Japanese worker soon skyrocketed.
The economic revolution took hold in other countries in the region; South Korea, The Peoples Republic of China, and India. It is a testament to the capitalistic spirit. These countries, like Japan, are investing heavily in education. They hold their students to very high standards. Their high school, technical school, and college graduates are considered some of the best in the world. They are very competitive and their standard of living is increasing by leaps and bounds.
Are we up to the challenge? Are we willing to make the sacrifice to remain competitive? The historic trend has been for each American generation to “have it better” than the previous generation, but there is evidence that this trend may be reversing. High expectations, hard work and opportunity were the keys. However, opportunity is created, it does not happen by accident.
The key to opportunity is preparation and the key to preparation is education. A well educated person is the result of quality teaching, hard work, and meeting high expectations. We must hold each student to high expectations. Consider this your gift to future generations. You can be sure that there will be increased competition for the worlds scarce resources. Each of us holds a key. This is our opportunity to positively impact the community, state, and nation.

A Rerun: A Trophy Case at Home

2009-02-16T15:56:00.001-06:00

We value what we show the world. For example, walk into any high school you will see a trophy case. It is filled with artifacts that represent accomplishments. There are trophies, autographed balls, jerseys, pictures and other items that help us "remember the past."

They serve two functions. The first is to remember accomplishments. They represent times when individuals and teams met high expectations. They stand for excellence and high standards. They also tell the current generation: "Try extra hard and you too may be awarded this honor." In other words, it sets a high expectation and rewards its accomplishment.

Very few homes have a trophy case, but each does have a refrigerator. When you combine a refrigerator, a magnet, a great paper, note from school, or report card you have your very own trophy case.

Invest in Yourself

2009-02-16T14:51:00.017-06:00

Pick up a newspaper or magazine, and you will find an article on the impact of the recession. There are reports of reduced consumer spending, reduced profits, reduced wages, and reduced employment. Combine these factors with reports of increased competition, both internal and external, and the news is bleak. It will get worse.

Yet there are opportunities. Many of the best were not around fifteen years ago. Life is changing rapidly, and the pace is expected to increase. We will be expected to keep up.

One way to prepare for this future is to invest in yourself. Set academic standards very high. Study to meet these goals. Do not underestimate your potential. By preparing a solid foundation, you have postured yourself to take advantages of new opportunities. With high personal expectations, hard work, and a little luck, you may find yourself recession proof!

The Student Athlete: Myron Rolle

2008-11-17T15:35:00.007-06:00

Perhaps you have heard of Myron Rolle. He is the FSU Seminole safety that has everyone wondering: "What's up?" The following are portions of an article by Stewart Mandell at SI.com.

When 6-2 Florida State visits 6-2 Maryland on Nov. 22, there's a decent chance the game could decide the ACC's Atlantic Division. Unfortunately for the 'Noles, they may be without one of their top defensive players.

Last summer, I wrote a feature about Florida State safety Myron Rolle, an accomplished student-athlete who was applying for the Rhodes Scholarship, the most prestigious academic honor an American undergraduate can receive. Each year, the Rhodes Trust affords 32 students from across the country the opportunity to study at England's Oxford University. It is believed that no major-level football player has won the award in more than a decade.

There's only one downside to his achievement. In the final step of what has already been an extensive application process, Rolle must appear in Birmingham, Ala., to interview before the Rhodes selection committee. Both the interview and subsequent announcement of the winners will take place on Nov. 22 -- the day of the Maryland game.

On Wednesday, however, Rolle told me: "I'm definitely going to Birmingham.

Most refreshing of all: His coaches agree.

"We couldn't be more proud of this happening for one of our players," FSU coach Bobby Bowden said Wednesday. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance and you wouldn't dare deny him that. I just hope he wins it."

Rolle, the youngest of five brothers from Galloway, N.J., and the son of two academic-minded Bahamian immigrants, has had his sights set on a career in medicine since middle school.

Again, this is a football player we're talking about.

"I always talked about being a Rhodes Scholar, but it was just so distant at the time. I didn't think of the magnitude of the award," said Rolle. "Now that it's possibly three weeks away, it has hit me."

Upon first hearing the news Monday, FSU athletic director Randy Spetman immediately began looking into the logistics of whether Rolle could possibly attend both the interview and the game.

"We'll make every effort possible to get him there," Bowden said. "Maybe he'll get back to play some."

Rollie knows what he wants. The bar is set high, and this is a lesson for us all.

Three Critical Beliefs

2008-11-07T13:28:00.002-06:00

• “High expectations are the key to everything.” Sam Walton
• "Whether you believe you can, or you can't, you are right!" Henry Ford
• “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." Thomas Edison

Here we have three famous quotes. The first tells us to hold ourselves and others to high expectations. The second says that we need to be confident in our abilities. The third tells us to apply these abilities. It is the combination of these ideas that produce results. A successful school system is no exception.
High exceptions set the direction and the level of success. For example, we are constantly working to improve student academic achievement. We use a variety of measures to gauge success; The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills, The Iowa Tests of Educational Development, The ACT, and several others. We will not be satisfied till each student is functioning at his / her potential. As part of the equation, each parent must emphasize the importance of learning for continuous improvement. Each student, and the school as a whole, should be held to that standard. High expectations produce results.
Second, we must provide each learner with the proper ideas, skills, and environment. A “can do” attitude is critical. When we apply the pressure of high expectations, we must provide the support necessary to meet that expectation.
You can help by ...
• establishing a study time each night.
• turning off TV and video games during that time.
• talking at home about school.
• monitoring grades and attendance.
• celebrating the successes.
• calling school if efforts are not getting results.
These simple practices generally improve grades, and improved grades should improve attitude!
Third, success comes at a price, hard work. Iowan’s are known for their willingness to tackle difficult tasks. The recent Olympics is an example. Another example is Norman Borlaug, a Cresco native. This Nobel Laureate is known around the globe for his tireless efforts to provide food to the masses. He literally improved the lives of millions. It took high expectations, knowledge and skills, commitment, and years of hard work.
It just makes sense. As a school, community, state, and nation we must hold ourselves to high expectations. We must acquire the skills necessary to accomplish our goals. We must believe in ourselves. Then we must work tirelessly. Each one of us is an important piece of this process.

Five Interesting Trends

2007-11-19T13:17:00.001-06:00

Predicting the future is big business. It is seen in the number of books focusing on the stock market, religion, ecology, and politics. ...and then there is talk radio and the internet. We have a fascination with the future, and the incentive to be prepared.

In August I attended the School Administrators of Iowa Conference. One session was particularly interesting. Gary Marx , the President of The Center for Public Outreach commented on sixteen trends that will “profoundly impact education and the whole of society” in this century. I will share five, without comment.
• For the first time in history, the old will outnumber the young.
• Social and intellectual capital will become economic drivers, intensifying competition for well educated people.
• Continuous improvement and collaboration will replace quick fixes and defense of the status quo.
• Technology will increase the speed of communication and the pace of advancement or decline.
• Standards and high stakes tests will fuel a demand for personalization in an education system increasingly committed to lifelong human development.

These are trends, the products of the educated guess, projecting the past into the future. There is a saying related to financial trends: “The longer a trend lasts, the greater the probability it will reverse itself.” What do you think?

The Cost of Prejudice

2007-10-19T10:30:00.000-05:00

James Watson won a Nobel Prize in 1962 for his work in the field of medicine. Recently he fueled an old controversy. Watson believes the people living in Africa are generally less intelligent.

For centuries people have attempted to link intelligence / humanness to skin color, height, head shape, religion, and geography. These attempts have been discredited.

Yet, some will grab Watson's idea and run. His statements fit their view of the world. Perhaps they feel it gives them a social, economic, or political advantage. They do not want time and resources spent on educating "the unfortunates." In the end their incentive is greed, and they expect a bigger piece of the economic pie.

My response to these folks: "You have got to be kidding!" Your attitudes produce bad policy. Your beliefs result in a waste of scarce, talented human resources. The opportunity costs resulting from prejudice and discrimination are immense.

Incentives, Election Day, and Reading

2007-09-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

Today we have the opportunity to vote. Free, public elections are a hallmark of democracy. This right, this power was not given freely to all. In my lifetime people persisted and people died.

We also know the incentive to participate is not there for many. What will it take to get more people to involved?

Also, we know that every child needs to hear others read. It helps them become better readers. Yet, some children do not have this opportunity.

From an economics point of view, we must figure out what it takes. We must determine the incentive that will motivate people to do what they already know is right.

Peak Performance

2007-08-03T13:35:00.000-05:00

Students will soon begin practice for fall sports. The best athletes condition year round. The same is true with successful musicians. It is understood that hard work results in quality performance. We want and expect each participant to succeed, to do his or her personal best.

Soon students will return to school. We hold each learner to high standards. In order to achieve their learning potential, each must come to school ready to learn. Parents can help. Shorten TV viewing hours. Designate a family reading time. Spend time at the library. Eat nutritious meals. Begin an early bedtime schedule. Discuss your hopes and high expectations. Set goals. Create an attitude that school is important. It is the path most people take to reach their dreams.

You want the best for your child. Get involved and stay involved. Prepare for success now. Then, continue to apply gentle, continuous pressure. Do not give up. While not always easy, it will get results.

If you have a strategy, plan, or "trick" that has worked, please share it with this blog. We will all benefit.