Calendar June 5–Aug.

10
Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative
Summer Workshops, spon-
sored by the U.S. Department
QA &
> Reading Is Fundamental’s National Book
Program delivers free books and literacy
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
of Education. Held at more than resources to those children and families who
a dozen sites nationwide, this What reading opportunities need them most. The program is available in all VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007 www.ed.gov
free workshop series is designed are available for students 50 states and reaches young people of all ages
for teachers to learn best prac-
tices from fellow educators who
during the summer? in a variety of settings, including schools, com-
munity centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, migrant
Charter Schools, School Safety Spellings, Education Community
R
esearch shows that many children labor camps, churches and health clinics. Visit
have had success in raising stu-
dent achievement. For specific
dates and locations, visit
experience a decline in reading
proficiency during summer vacation.
Thirty-two percent of U.S. fourth-graders
http://www.rif.org or call 1-877-RIF-READ.
> Gulf Coast Summer Reading Initiative—
a public-private partnership among the
and NCLB Drive Dialogue
Discuss President’s Agenda
https://www.t2tweb.us, or
call 1-888-831-1338.
reported that they never or rarely read for
fun outside of school, a significantly higher
percentage than the international average
of 18 percent.
U.S. Department of Education, First Book and
Scholastic, Inc.—is providing new books this
year to replenish those lost in schools, libraries,
community organizations and homes in areas
L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Education
Margaret Spellings traveled to Los Angeles
for a series of events at which she discussed
the importance of charter schools, school safety and
reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
results for students,” said Spellings.
Later, the secretary conducted a roundtable
discussion on campus and school safety with federal
officials, local law enforcement, mental health
experts, and university administrators and students 2
I N S I D E

Spellings Speaks on High

To encourage students to actively read over affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
On May 3, following President George W. at California State University, Northridge. In School Dropout Crisis
the summer and thereby enhance student Visit http://www.bookrelief.org or call
Bush’s proclamation of National Charter light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech
achievement the following school year, several 1-866-READ-NOW. Around the Country—
Schools Week (April 29–May 5), in April, President Bush asked the
initiatives across the country are available. > Local libraries are good resources for addi-
June 25 > Reading Rockets—an educational initia-
Secretary Spellings began the day federal departments of Education, California and the District
tional opportunities for reading. If your child
The Achiever will be on summer vacation during July with a visit to Animo Inglewood Justice, and Health and Human Ser- of Columbia
Presidential Scholars Pro- tive of the flagship public television and doesn’t have a library card, summer is a great
and August, and will resume production in September. Public Charter High School, whose vices to review the broader questions
gram Medallion Ceremony, radio station WETA, with funding from the time to sign up for one. In addition to a wide student population is largely His- raised by the shootings and find 5 Calendar
U.S. Department of Education—offers a selection of books to borrow, many libraries panic. Since 2003, the percentage of ways to help college, state and local
Washington, D.C., sponsored
wealth of reading strategies, lessons and have high-quality, child-friendly summer read- students at this school who are profi- officials confront these issues.
Q&A—Summer Reading
by the U.S. Department of activities designed to help young children Opportunities
ing programs. For the location of your nearest cient in math has risen by 40 points, “As a mother of a college sophomore
Education. This year’s cere- learn how to read and struggling readers public library, visit the American Library and in reading by almost 18 points. In and a high school freshman, I know that Education News Parents
mony will honor 141 out- improve their comprehension skills. Visit Association at http://www.ala.org or call addition, 79 percent of the class of 2006 went there is nothing more important than keeping Can Use
standing graduating American http://readingrockets.org or call 703-998-2001. 1-800-545-2433. Arts Resources at the FREE Web Site on to attend a four-year university. our children safe,” Spellings said.
high school seniors for their “Charter schools like Animo Inglewood High The secretary is seeking public comment 6 Arts Resources at the
academic achievement, artistic School are helping students learn through innova- about campus and school safety online at FREE Web Site
News Show Highlights Summer Programs tive, effective tools, and are proving that breaking [email protected]. Using input from this as well
excellence, leadership and originated in the late 19th century and influ-

R
agtime music, Herb Block’s editorial tradition and taking risks can yield tremendous as from regional meetings held across the country,
community service. For cartoons and Pakistani theatre are enced early jazz styles. This section includes a

P
rograms that academically engage and > continued on page 2
complimentary tickets to among the resources recently added biography of famous ragtime composer Scott
focus on reading nurture low-income and U.S. Department of Education Drawing on the Arts
to the federally supported Web site Joplin along with segments of his classic 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
the Kennedy Center per- and learning disadvantaged youths dur- “Maple Leaf Rag,” which helped spread the
formance by Presidential during the summer
months to ensure stu-
ing the summer; profiles
corporate, community and
http://free.ed.gov. A one-stop shop for hun-
dreds of teaching and learning resources ragtime craze.
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication Arts Integration at Oklahoma School Provides

Scholars in the Arts, e-mail
[email protected],
dents return to school
prepared to achieve will
library-based initiatives
designed to encourage
from more than 35 federal agencies, the
Federal Resources for Educational Excel-
lence (FREE) site includes the following
> Enduring Outrage—also from the Library
of Congress—presents more than 30 cartoons
by Pulitzer-Prize-winning political cartoonist
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Multiple Paths for Learning
or call 202-401-0961. be the focus of the June students to read and learn (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.

‘‘
additions, which focus on the arts. Herb Block published between 1940 and Today’s classrooms require more than the conventional paper-
edition of Education during the break; and Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
> Ragtime—from the Library of Con- 1994, which focus on a range of topics from and-pencil approach to instruction, believes Principal
News Parents Can Use, spotlights the efforts of editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
September gress—presents sheet music, essays, and pollution to racism. [email protected]. Susan Combs. “We’re teaching an era of children
the U.S. Department of organizations dedicated to
Library Card Sign-Up Month,
sponsored by the American
Education’s monthly
television program.
providing disadvantaged
students with access to
video and sound clips related to this dis-
tinctly American music genre that
> Gift of the Indus: The Arts and Culture
of Pakistan—from the Kennedy Center—
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
The arts who are growing up at a fast-pace on flashy TV, video
games, and things of that nature. Then we want them
introduces, through various video clips, the [email protected].
Library Association. Launched
in 1987, this observance brings
After the final school
bell has rung, far too few
books and reading materi-
als in the summer and throughout the year.
music, theatre, dance and visual arts of Pak-
istan, a nation created in 1947 as a homeland
Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
are giving to come to school and sit at their desks for eight hours
and focus.”

national attention to using

local libraries as sources of
students engage in summertime activities
designed to continue their practice of academic
skills—particularly critical reading skills—
Each month, Education News Parents Can
Use showcases: schools and school districts
for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This
section highlights the rhythmic folk music of
or [email protected].
The Achiever contains news and information us the Combs heads an elementary school in Oklahoma City
that has adopted an arts integration program that she says has
from across the country; conversations with about and from public and private organizations

lifetime learning. Visit learned during the school year. As a result,

many students experience “summer learning
school officials, parents and education experts;
and advice and free resources for parents and
the Punjab, the martial dances of the Pashtun,
and the elaborate geometry seen in buildings,
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart- opportunity charged the senses of both students and staff. “We’re more con-
scious when we’re planning, [asking], ‘Am I teaching to the
http://www.ala.org or call carpets and textiles. ment of Education of any products or services
different children? Am I addressing all of the skills each day? Am
1-800-545-2433.
loss,” which leaves them ill-equipped for the
academic challenges of the next school year.
educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
> Van Gogh’s Van Goghs—from the National
Gallery of Art—features, along with his life
offered or views expressed. This publication
also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
and maintained by outside organizations and
to expand ... I making sure that it’s interesting and fun?’ … If we really want
children to retain what they’re learning, we have to think about
This month’s broadcast: showcases several webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and click on story, a sampling of paintings by this ingen- provided for the reader’s convenience. The
how we’re teaching them.”
award-winning and effective summer learning “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use”; or Department is not responsible for the accuracy
ious and prolific Dutch artist, who was mostly
programs; explores innovative strategies to call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. of this information.
> continued on page 3
self-taught and whose works paved the way
page 5 page 6
for the expressionist art of the 20th century.
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

she hopes to identify best practices, existing My School” for the “Safe & Drug-Free “NCLB is working—student scores are on Since the program’s 2002 start at Linwood 80 percent of fifth-graders at Linwood have knowledge even the program’s arrival, said Brewer, Counterclockwise: Teacher Tammy Chapman speaks with second-grader Destiny about
obstacles and possible solutions to report back Schools” link. the rise and the achievement gap is closing. We Elementary School—where the majority of proven consistently proficient or above in further.” “but we wanted to improve her project; Principal Susan Combs shares a laugh with students Francisco, Francisco,
to the president. In addition, the Education Also, while in Los Angeles, Spellings deliv- must build on this progress by providing com- students qualify for federally subsidized reading and math. Furthermore, when third- That is because the arts program is what we were doing, Vanessa, Angel and Jonathan; and teacher Susan Brewer with third-grader Ethan. On the
Department recently released a new Web page ered opening remarks at the 60th annual munities with new tools to turn around meals and half of the children are English and fourth-graders were tested in 2006, pro- moving students beyond the rudimentary the things that we’ve cover, third-grader Carina presents her illustration for a class lesson. Photos by Glen Ellman.
on school safety with related resources at National Education Writers Association meet- chronically underperforming schools and new language learners—the school repeatedly ficiency rates for grades 3–5 also outpaced practices of memorization and recitation by already implemented
http://www.ed.gov. To access the page, select ing, where she spoke about the importance of resources to strengthen our nation’s high has made adequate yearly progress those of Oklahoma City providing a myriad of creative channels for in our own disorgan- an excellent educational environment. … So cadre of seasoned educators, professional
“Administrators,” and then “Lead & Manage reauthorizing NCLB. schools.”
(AYP). In fact, Public Schools, learning the same subject matter, explains ized way.” we were looking for a system of sustainability artists and other experts. Teachers learn to
in almost with the most teacher Susan Brewer. “We have found ways The arts curriculum is really that had within it all of the things that we work collaboratively, using research-based
every year it impressive to go deeper—with application, evaluation part of a larger framework called should commit to in schools. And, certainly, practices to map the curriculum so that
Spellings Speaks on High School Dropout Crisis

Photo by Paul Wood

has exceeded results in and synthesis [of the material]. Those are Oklahoma A+ Schools. The concept was arts instruction and the significant use of the interdisciplinary themes emerge that foster
All 50 governors have agreed to adopt > Strengthen-

O n May 9, Secretary Spellings spoke the state’s grade 4: the real thinking skills.” conceived as a research model in North arts should be one of those things.” integration across classes and the use of
at the National Summit on America’s a common, more rigorous graduation rate ing math targets by at in reading, For instance, to learn about various liter- Carolina to promote comprehensive, whole- Six years later, following the program’s various learning styles. Stu-
Silent Epidemic in Washington, measure. … Data is helping us shine a light and science groundbreaking dent learning, consequently,
least a 40-per- 92 percent, ary genres, fourth-graders wrote a rap song school reform based on
D.C., about the federal role in ending the on the magnitude of the crisis. And as I like instruction;
centage-point compared to about different books they have read, from a commitment to eight success in Okla- becomes process-oriented
high school dropout crisis. An excerpt to say, what gets measured gets done. … > Calling on
… This administration is already moving business and margin. the city’s fairy tales to biographies. They then designed key components: homa, the initial as it draws on more
from her speech follows. This 74 percent; in costumes and props representing the books’ 1) arts; 2) curriculum; consortium of advanced thinking skills.
forward with policies to help ensure every higher educa-
child is given a chance to graduate, and that tion officials achievement math, 85 per- characters to accompany their presentation 3) multiple intelligences; 15 schools, For the instructional
their diploma is a ticket to success, not to work with has earned cent, compared at the monthly “Informance,” a school 4) experiential learning; which included staff, discovering how to
just a certificate of attendance. … Our states to better
eacher of the Year policy blueprint for align curricula to meet workforce and college
Linwood the
Oklahoma Title I Academic Achievement
to the city’s
66 percent.
assembly blending academic information
and artistic performance that allows students
5) enriched assessment;
6) collaboration;
Linwood
Elementary,
appeal to the different
ways children learn
T No Child Left Behind expectations; and
Award this year for the second time, and, in “Through those things that people may to showcase their knowledge and talents. 7) infrastructure; and has evolved has been the program’s
[NCLB] reauthoriza- > Creating an Adjunct Teacher Corps that will
tion includes several bring math and science professionals into the 2006, an honor from the National Center for think are ‘extra,’” said Combs, “we are As another example, the younger children 8) climate. Results from into a network greatest gift. While the three
key proposals to help classroom to share their expertise. … Urban School Transformation as one of just teaching our state’s Priority Academic studying fractions created a collage of birds the initial four-year evalua- of 39 schools in learning styles—visual, audi-
meet these needs and We’re also calling for the expansion of AP five schools presented with the Excellence in Student Skills, which are the minimum and flowers from simple tion of the program in 20 districts, with tory and kinesthetic—have long
address the dropout and IB [Advanced Placement and International Education Award. criteria that children should shapes measuring 23 schools were so com- an additional been familiar pedagogical terms, teachers
o n , issue head-on. Baccalaureate] classes. We know that rigorous On average, learn. So the arts are one-half, one-fourth pelling that A+ schools seven schools were introduced to a wider spectrum of
a Peters
a l, ” sa id Andre u sh a t First, we would course work is one of the best ways to improve giving us the opportu- and one-eighth inch began expanding beyond slated to join “multiple intelligences” that identify eight
potenti by Presid
ent B
lo c k st udents’ e Ye a r C ri st o increase Title I student achievement. Studies show that by
l to u n er of th Mon te nity to expand to see how math has North Carolina, attracting this fall. Initially potential pathways to learning: from logical-
an ama
zing too al Teach acher at ver spending by more taking just one or two Advanced Placement
u si c is e 2 0 0 7 Nation rs o n , a music te r h e r efforts o that basic implications in every- the attention of education a project of the mathematical to naturalistic.
“ M re d a s th 2 6 . P e te n iz e d fo h e se than $1 billion courses increases a student’s chance of going
hono April recog m. T
who was se c e re mony on ll s, W a sh., was s m u si c progra th e r to improve and to college and the odds of graduating in four day life. reform-minded officials in DaVinci Insti- “We’ve all been pushed out of our com-
Hou a istrict’ o
a White ranite F school d ses musi
c with
r y S c h ool in G n d th e th a t fu n a n d strengthen our public years. … This fusion of search of a model with tute, a nonprofit fort zones so that we can find ways to reach
Elementa to expa gram ructio
10 years ulum pro t for inst high schools serving We’re also working with state and local the visual sound arts integration and think tank, it is children who don’t learn the same way we
the past g a c ro ss-curric n e w e quipmen l c h oirs at
the
o d u c in ,0 0 0 in se v e ra l low-income students. education entities to increase the rigor of career and per- a promise for improving student learning currently administered by the University of do,” said Brewer, a self-described “linguistic”
include
intr an $55 tion of ationa
ra is in g more th encing the crea c o m p ri sing 15 n r These targeted and technical education programs to ensure that forming across the board. Central Oklahoma. learner.
classes, nd influ mittee e Yea
ances, a ls. A com cher of th resources will bring all students receive challenging academic course
perform h ig h sc hool leve e N a ti onal Tea re se n t the arts with Jean Hendrickson was a member of the Now the executive director of Oklahoma Providing multiple opportunities for
r y a n d o o se s th h o re p more equity to the sys- work and are better prepared for high-skill,
elementa ons ch of the Ye
ar, w
rtment o
f other research team that brought the model to A+ Schools, Hendrickson was impressed students to demonstrate their strengths,
a ti o n o rganizati T e a c h e rs e D e p a tem—something that’s high-wage occupations in current or emerging
educ
ong the
State ell as th f Colum- immediately by the professional develop- she adds, has been especially successful
o m a m te r ri to ri es, as w is tr ic t o desperately needed if professions. subjects Oklahoma. “As a principal in Oklahoma
fr . d the D
and U.S tivity an program had been a City schools for 17 years, I had pretty much ment provided through the model. Rather with their Hispanic students learning
50 states ti o n A c e a r- o ld we’re going to have any Finally, we propose to build on the governors’
Educa e 57-y
Defense y ING, th of Chief hope of transforming call for a more accurate graduation rate. By 2012 common spent my life looking for a framework that than having newly trained teachers shoulder English. “When you work with different
ia . S p o nsored b th e Council
b je c t o f s . “dropout factories” into we would require all states to disaggregate this instructional would sustain best practices in many areas. the task of implementing a complex pro- ways to experience those concepts, [the
is a pro icer
hool Off
State Sc flourishing high schools. data by race and ethnicity so we can see clearly strategy … We know that schools have to support gram with no future support—a scenario students] understand them much better.”
We also propose increasing who’s dropping out and report it as part of their among teach- all of the children all of the time in all of the she says she has seen too many times—the
funds for reading intervention so that accountability plans. … Without accountability, —BY NICOLE ASHBY
… Every ers prior to areas, or they run the risk of not sustaining A+ model provides ongoing training by a
year, nearly a teachers can help struggling students get we’re just posting numbers and hoping for the
million kids fail to back on track before they fall too far behind. … best. Our children deserve better than that. …

Linwood Elementary School

graduate high school with their peers. It’s hard A significant portion of our NCLB reautho- For the full May 9, 2007, remarks, visit
to believe such a pervasive problem remained rization calls for increased rigor in our high http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and
in the shadows for so long. That’s in large part schools, including: then “Speeches.”
due to state reporting systems and data collec-
tion that masked the severity of the situation.
For example, in some districts, a student
AROUND THE COUNTRY
who leaves school is counted as a dropout CALIFORNIA—For the first time, in visual arts, dance, music, theatre and physical DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—The the second- and third-place prizes of $10,000 > Grade Span: Pre-K–5 > Special Education Students: 16%
only if he or she registers as one. In others, California public schools have received education in grades K–12. Each school district, National Endowment for the Arts and the and $5,000 were awarded to students from > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 84%;
a dropout’s promise to get a GED [General state funding specifically for programs charter school and county office of education is Poetry Foundation brought together 51 high Indiana and Virginia, respectively. In addition, in reading, 71% (based on fifth-graders
> Total Students: 345
Education Diploma] at an unspecified future in the visual and performing arts and entitled to $83.04 per student, and each district school students from every state and the the 12 finalists received a $1,000 award and assessed on the 2006 state exam).
date is good enough to merit “graduate” > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 56% Hispanic,
physical education. The first installment must use at least $2,500 per school site. In nation’s capital for a match of skills in poetry their schools $500 each toward the purchase of > Interesting Fact: Since the 2002
status. With such loose definitions of what it 21% white, 13% African-American,
of a $500 million block grant was dis- January 2007, districts received part of an memorization and recitation—called “Poetry books of poetry. Over the last year, state-level start of the arts integration program at
means to be a high school graduate, it’s no 6% American Indian, 4% Asian
tributed in May to provide professional ongoing $105 million grant to support arts and Out Loud”—in Washington, D.C., in late competitions nationwide have inspired more Linwood—a school where most of the
wonder this epidemic has been so “silent.” development, equipment and supplies music instruction. The remaining amounts of April. The top prize—a $20,000 scholarship— than 100,000 students at 1,000 high schools > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch students are from low-income families
Fortunately, today it’s a different story. Eligible: 92% and half are English language learners—
to enhance standards-based instruction each grant will be provided later this month. went to a District of Columbia student, while to discover classic and contemporary poetry.
it has made adequate yearly progress
> English Language Learners: 52%
page 2 page 3 page 4 (AYP) each year.
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

she hopes to identify best practices, existing My School” for the “Safe & Drug-Free “NCLB is working—student scores are on Since the program’s 2002 start at Linwood 80 percent of fifth-graders at Linwood have knowledge even the program’s arrival, said Brewer, Counterclockwise: Teacher Tammy Chapman speaks with second-grader Destiny about
obstacles and possible solutions to report back Schools” link. the rise and the achievement gap is closing. We Elementary School—where the majority of proven consistently proficient or above in further.” “but we wanted to improve her project; Principal Susan Combs shares a laugh with students Francisco, Francisco,
to the president. In addition, the Education Also, while in Los Angeles, Spellings deliv- must build on this progress by providing com- students qualify for federally subsidized reading and math. Furthermore, when third- That is because the arts program is what we were doing, Vanessa, Angel and Jonathan; and teacher Susan Brewer with third-grader Ethan. On the
Department recently released a new Web page ered opening remarks at the 60th annual munities with new tools to turn around meals and half of the children are English and fourth-graders were tested in 2006, pro- moving students beyond the rudimentary the things that we’ve cover, third-grader Carina presents her illustration for a class lesson. Photos by Glen Ellman.
on school safety with related resources at National Education Writers Association meet- chronically underperforming schools and new language learners—the school repeatedly ficiency rates for grades 3–5 also outpaced practices of memorization and recitation by already implemented
http://www.ed.gov. To access the page, select ing, where she spoke about the importance of resources to strengthen our nation’s high has made adequate yearly progress those of Oklahoma City providing a myriad of creative channels for in our own disorgan- an excellent educational environment. … So cadre of seasoned educators, professional
“Administrators,” and then “Lead & Manage reauthorizing NCLB. schools.”
(AYP). In fact, Public Schools, learning the same subject matter, explains ized way.” we were looking for a system of sustainability artists and other experts. Teachers learn to
in almost with the most teacher Susan Brewer. “We have found ways The arts curriculum is really that had within it all of the things that we work collaboratively, using research-based
every year it impressive to go deeper—with application, evaluation part of a larger framework called should commit to in schools. And, certainly, practices to map the curriculum so that
Spellings Speaks on High School Dropout Crisis

Photo by Paul Wood

has exceeded results in and synthesis [of the material]. Those are Oklahoma A+ Schools. The concept was arts instruction and the significant use of the interdisciplinary themes emerge that foster
All 50 governors have agreed to adopt > Strengthen-

O n May 9, Secretary Spellings spoke the state’s grade 4: the real thinking skills.” conceived as a research model in North arts should be one of those things.” integration across classes and the use of
at the National Summit on America’s a common, more rigorous graduation rate ing math targets by at in reading, For instance, to learn about various liter- Carolina to promote comprehensive, whole- Six years later, following the program’s various learning styles. Stu-
Silent Epidemic in Washington, measure. … Data is helping us shine a light and science groundbreaking dent learning, consequently,
least a 40-per- 92 percent, ary genres, fourth-graders wrote a rap song school reform based on
D.C., about the federal role in ending the on the magnitude of the crisis. And as I like instruction;
centage-point compared to about different books they have read, from a commitment to eight success in Okla- becomes process-oriented
high school dropout crisis. An excerpt to say, what gets measured gets done. … > Calling on
… This administration is already moving business and margin. the city’s fairy tales to biographies. They then designed key components: homa, the initial as it draws on more
from her speech follows. This 74 percent; in costumes and props representing the books’ 1) arts; 2) curriculum; consortium of advanced thinking skills.
forward with policies to help ensure every higher educa-
child is given a chance to graduate, and that tion officials achievement math, 85 per- characters to accompany their presentation 3) multiple intelligences; 15 schools, For the instructional
their diploma is a ticket to success, not to work with has earned cent, compared at the monthly “Informance,” a school 4) experiential learning; which included staff, discovering how to
just a certificate of attendance. … Our states to better
eacher of the Year policy blueprint for align curricula to meet workforce and college
Linwood the
Oklahoma Title I Academic Achievement
to the city’s
66 percent.
assembly blending academic information
and artistic performance that allows students
5) enriched assessment;
6) collaboration;
Linwood
Elementary,
appeal to the different
ways children learn
T No Child Left Behind expectations; and
Award this year for the second time, and, in “Through those things that people may to showcase their knowledge and talents. 7) infrastructure; and has evolved has been the program’s
[NCLB] reauthoriza- > Creating an Adjunct Teacher Corps that will
tion includes several bring math and science professionals into the 2006, an honor from the National Center for think are ‘extra,’” said Combs, “we are As another example, the younger children 8) climate. Results from into a network greatest gift. While the three
key proposals to help classroom to share their expertise. … Urban School Transformation as one of just teaching our state’s Priority Academic studying fractions created a collage of birds the initial four-year evalua- of 39 schools in learning styles—visual, audi-
meet these needs and We’re also calling for the expansion of AP five schools presented with the Excellence in Student Skills, which are the minimum and flowers from simple tion of the program in 20 districts, with tory and kinesthetic—have long
address the dropout and IB [Advanced Placement and International Education Award. criteria that children should shapes measuring 23 schools were so com- an additional been familiar pedagogical terms, teachers
o n , issue head-on. Baccalaureate] classes. We know that rigorous On average, learn. So the arts are one-half, one-fourth pelling that A+ schools seven schools were introduced to a wider spectrum of
a Peters
a l, ” sa id Andre u sh a t First, we would course work is one of the best ways to improve giving us the opportu- and one-eighth inch began expanding beyond slated to join “multiple intelligences” that identify eight
potenti by Presid
ent B
lo c k st udents’ e Ye a r C ri st o increase Title I student achievement. Studies show that by
l to u n er of th Mon te nity to expand to see how math has North Carolina, attracting this fall. Initially potential pathways to learning: from logical-
an ama
zing too al Teach acher at ver spending by more taking just one or two Advanced Placement
u si c is e 2 0 0 7 Nation rs o n , a music te r h e r efforts o that basic implications in every- the attention of education a project of the mathematical to naturalistic.
“ M re d a s th 2 6 . P e te n iz e d fo h e se than $1 billion courses increases a student’s chance of going
hono April recog m. T
who was se c e re mony on ll s, W a sh., was s m u si c progra th e r to improve and to college and the odds of graduating in four day life. reform-minded officials in DaVinci Insti- “We’ve all been pushed out of our com-
Hou a istrict’ o
a White ranite F school d ses musi
c with
r y S c h ool in G n d th e th a t fu n a n d strengthen our public years. … This fusion of search of a model with tute, a nonprofit fort zones so that we can find ways to reach
Elementa to expa gram ructio
10 years ulum pro t for inst high schools serving We’re also working with state and local the visual sound arts integration and think tank, it is children who don’t learn the same way we
the past g a c ro ss-curric n e w e quipmen l c h oirs at
the
o d u c in ,0 0 0 in se v e ra l low-income students. education entities to increase the rigor of career and per- a promise for improving student learning currently administered by the University of do,” said Brewer, a self-described “linguistic”
include
intr an $55 tion of ationa
ra is in g more th encing the crea c o m p ri sing 15 n r These targeted and technical education programs to ensure that forming across the board. Central Oklahoma. learner.
classes, nd influ mittee e Yea
ances, a ls. A com cher of th resources will bring all students receive challenging academic course
perform h ig h sc hool leve e N a ti onal Tea re se n t the arts with Jean Hendrickson was a member of the Now the executive director of Oklahoma Providing multiple opportunities for
r y a n d o o se s th h o re p more equity to the sys- work and are better prepared for high-skill,
elementa ons ch of the Ye
ar, w
rtment o
f other research team that brought the model to A+ Schools, Hendrickson was impressed students to demonstrate their strengths,
a ti o n o rganizati T e a c h e rs e D e p a tem—something that’s high-wage occupations in current or emerging
educ
ong the
State ell as th f Colum- immediately by the professional develop- she adds, has been especially successful
o m a m te r ri to ri es, as w is tr ic t o desperately needed if professions. subjects Oklahoma. “As a principal in Oklahoma
fr . d the D
and U.S tivity an program had been a City schools for 17 years, I had pretty much ment provided through the model. Rather with their Hispanic students learning
50 states ti o n A c e a r- o ld we’re going to have any Finally, we propose to build on the governors’
Educa e 57-y
Defense y ING, th of Chief hope of transforming call for a more accurate graduation rate. By 2012 common spent my life looking for a framework that than having newly trained teachers shoulder English. “When you work with different
ia . S p o nsored b th e Council
b je c t o f s . “dropout factories” into we would require all states to disaggregate this instructional would sustain best practices in many areas. the task of implementing a complex pro- ways to experience those concepts, [the
is a pro icer
hool Off
State Sc flourishing high schools. data by race and ethnicity so we can see clearly strategy … We know that schools have to support gram with no future support—a scenario students] understand them much better.”
We also propose increasing who’s dropping out and report it as part of their among teach- all of the children all of the time in all of the she says she has seen too many times—the
funds for reading intervention so that accountability plans. … Without accountability, —BY NICOLE ASHBY
… Every ers prior to areas, or they run the risk of not sustaining A+ model provides ongoing training by a
year, nearly a teachers can help struggling students get we’re just posting numbers and hoping for the
million kids fail to back on track before they fall too far behind. … best. Our children deserve better than that. …

Linwood Elementary School

graduate high school with their peers. It’s hard A significant portion of our NCLB reautho- For the full May 9, 2007, remarks, visit
to believe such a pervasive problem remained rization calls for increased rigor in our high http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and
in the shadows for so long. That’s in large part schools, including: then “Speeches.”
due to state reporting systems and data collec-
tion that masked the severity of the situation.
For example, in some districts, a student
AROUND THE COUNTRY
who leaves school is counted as a dropout CALIFORNIA—For the first time, in visual arts, dance, music, theatre and physical DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—The the second- and third-place prizes of $10,000 > Grade Span: Pre-K–5 > Special Education Students: 16%
only if he or she registers as one. In others, California public schools have received education in grades K–12. Each school district, National Endowment for the Arts and the and $5,000 were awarded to students from > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 84%;
a dropout’s promise to get a GED [General state funding specifically for programs charter school and county office of education is Poetry Foundation brought together 51 high Indiana and Virginia, respectively. In addition, in reading, 71% (based on fifth-graders
> Total Students: 345
Education Diploma] at an unspecified future in the visual and performing arts and entitled to $83.04 per student, and each district school students from every state and the the 12 finalists received a $1,000 award and assessed on the 2006 state exam).
date is good enough to merit “graduate” > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 56% Hispanic,
physical education. The first installment must use at least $2,500 per school site. In nation’s capital for a match of skills in poetry their schools $500 each toward the purchase of > Interesting Fact: Since the 2002
status. With such loose definitions of what it 21% white, 13% African-American,
of a $500 million block grant was dis- January 2007, districts received part of an memorization and recitation—called “Poetry books of poetry. Over the last year, state-level start of the arts integration program at
means to be a high school graduate, it’s no 6% American Indian, 4% Asian
tributed in May to provide professional ongoing $105 million grant to support arts and Out Loud”—in Washington, D.C., in late competitions nationwide have inspired more Linwood—a school where most of the
wonder this epidemic has been so “silent.” development, equipment and supplies music instruction. The remaining amounts of April. The top prize—a $20,000 scholarship— than 100,000 students at 1,000 high schools > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch students are from low-income families
Fortunately, today it’s a different story. Eligible: 92% and half are English language learners—
to enhance standards-based instruction each grant will be provided later this month. went to a District of Columbia student, while to discover classic and contemporary poetry.
it has made adequate yearly progress
> English Language Learners: 52%
page 2 page 3 page 4 (AYP) each year.
> continued from page 1 > continued from page 1

she hopes to identify best practices, existing My School” for the “Safe & Drug-Free “NCLB is working—student scores are on Since the program’s 2002 start at Linwood 80 percent of fifth-graders at Linwood have knowledge even the program’s arrival, said Brewer, Counterclockwise: Teacher Tammy Chapman speaks with second-grader Destiny about
obstacles and possible solutions to report back Schools” link. the rise and the achievement gap is closing. We Elementary School—where the majority of proven consistently proficient or above in further.” “but we wanted to improve her project; Principal Susan Combs shares a laugh with students Francisco, Francisco,
to the president. In addition, the Education Also, while in Los Angeles, Spellings deliv- must build on this progress by providing com- students qualify for federally subsidized reading and math. Furthermore, when third- That is because the arts program is what we were doing, Vanessa, Angel and Jonathan; and teacher Susan Brewer with third-grader Ethan. On the
Department recently released a new Web page ered opening remarks at the 60th annual munities with new tools to turn around meals and half of the children are English and fourth-graders were tested in 2006, pro- moving students beyond the rudimentary the things that we’ve cover, third-grader Carina presents her illustration for a class lesson. Photos by Glen Ellman.
on school safety with related resources at National Education Writers Association meet- chronically underperforming schools and new language learners—the school repeatedly ficiency rates for grades 3–5 also outpaced practices of memorization and recitation by already implemented
http://www.ed.gov. To access the page, select ing, where she spoke about the importance of resources to strengthen our nation’s high has made adequate yearly progress those of Oklahoma City providing a myriad of creative channels for in our own disorgan- an excellent educational environment. … So cadre of seasoned educators, professional
“Administrators,” and then “Lead & Manage reauthorizing NCLB. schools.”
(AYP). In fact, Public Schools, learning the same subject matter, explains ized way.” we were looking for a system of sustainability artists and other experts. Teachers learn to
in almost with the most teacher Susan Brewer. “We have found ways The arts curriculum is really that had within it all of the things that we work collaboratively, using research-based
every year it impressive to go deeper—with application, evaluation part of a larger framework called should commit to in schools. And, certainly, practices to map the curriculum so that
Spellings Speaks on High School Dropout Crisis

Photo by Paul Wood

has exceeded results in and synthesis [of the material]. Those are Oklahoma A+ Schools. The concept was arts instruction and the significant use of the interdisciplinary themes emerge that foster
All 50 governors have agreed to adopt > Strengthen-

O n May 9, Secretary Spellings spoke the state’s grade 4: the real thinking skills.” conceived as a research model in North arts should be one of those things.” integration across classes and the use of
at the National Summit on America’s a common, more rigorous graduation rate ing math targets by at in reading, For instance, to learn about various liter- Carolina to promote comprehensive, whole- Six years later, following the program’s various learning styles. Stu-
Silent Epidemic in Washington, measure. … Data is helping us shine a light and science groundbreaking dent learning, consequently,
least a 40-per- 92 percent, ary genres, fourth-graders wrote a rap song school reform based on
D.C., about the federal role in ending the on the magnitude of the crisis. And as I like instruction;
centage-point compared to about different books they have read, from a commitment to eight success in Okla- becomes process-oriented
high school dropout crisis. An excerpt to say, what gets measured gets done. … > Calling on
… This administration is already moving business and margin. the city’s fairy tales to biographies. They then designed key components: homa, the initial as it draws on more
from her speech follows. This 74 percent; in costumes and props representing the books’ 1) arts; 2) curriculum; consortium of advanced thinking skills.
forward with policies to help ensure every higher educa-
child is given a chance to graduate, and that tion officials achievement math, 85 per- characters to accompany their presentation 3) multiple intelligences; 15 schools, For the instructional
their diploma is a ticket to success, not to work with has earned cent, compared at the monthly “Informance,” a school 4) experiential learning; which included staff, discovering how to
just a certificate of attendance. … Our states to better
eacher of the Year policy blueprint for align curricula to meet workforce and college
Linwood the
Oklahoma Title I Academic Achievement
to the city’s
66 percent.
assembly blending academic information
and artistic performance that allows students
5) enriched assessment;
6) collaboration;
Linwood
Elementary,
appeal to the different
ways children learn
T No Child Left Behind expectations; and
Award this year for the second time, and, in “Through those things that people may to showcase their knowledge and talents. 7) infrastructure; and has evolved has been the program’s
[NCLB] reauthoriza- > Creating an Adjunct Teacher Corps that will
tion includes several bring math and science professionals into the 2006, an honor from the National Center for think are ‘extra,’” said Combs, “we are As another example, the younger children 8) climate. Results from into a network greatest gift. While the three
key proposals to help classroom to share their expertise. … Urban School Transformation as one of just teaching our state’s Priority Academic studying fractions created a collage of birds the initial four-year evalua- of 39 schools in learning styles—visual, audi-
meet these needs and We’re also calling for the expansion of AP five schools presented with the Excellence in Student Skills, which are the minimum and flowers from simple tion of the program in 20 districts, with tory and kinesthetic—have long
address the dropout and IB [Advanced Placement and International Education Award. criteria that children should shapes measuring 23 schools were so com- an additional been familiar pedagogical terms, teachers
o n , issue head-on. Baccalaureate] classes. We know that rigorous On average, learn. So the arts are one-half, one-fourth pelling that A+ schools seven schools were introduced to a wider spectrum of
a Peters
a l, ” sa id Andre u sh a t First, we would course work is one of the best ways to improve giving us the opportu- and one-eighth inch began expanding beyond slated to join “multiple intelligences” that identify eight
potenti by Presid
ent B
lo c k st udents’ e Ye a r C ri st o increase Title I student achievement. Studies show that by
l to u n er of th Mon te nity to expand to see how math has North Carolina, attracting this fall. Initially potential pathways to learning: from logical-
an ama
zing too al Teach acher at ver spending by more taking just one or two Advanced Placement
u si c is e 2 0 0 7 Nation rs o n , a music te r h e r efforts o that basic implications in every- the attention of education a project of the mathematical to naturalistic.
“ M re d a s th 2 6 . P e te n iz e d fo h e se than $1 billion courses increases a student’s chance of going
hono April recog m. T
who was se c e re mony on ll s, W a sh., was s m u si c progra th e r to improve and to college and the odds of graduating in four day life. reform-minded officials in DaVinci Insti- “We’ve all been pushed out of our com-
Hou a istrict’ o
a White ranite F school d ses musi
c with
r y S c h ool in G n d th e th a t fu n a n d strengthen our public years. … This fusion of search of a model with tute, a nonprofit fort zones so that we can find ways to reach
Elementa to expa gram ructio
10 years ulum pro t for inst high schools serving We’re also working with state and local the visual sound arts integration and think tank, it is children who don’t learn the same way we
the past g a c ro ss-curric n e w e quipmen l c h oirs at
the
o d u c in ,0 0 0 in se v e ra l low-income students. education entities to increase the rigor of career and per- a promise for improving student learning currently administered by the University of do,” said Brewer, a self-described “linguistic”
include
intr an $55 tion of ationa
ra is in g more th encing the crea c o m p ri sing 15 n r These targeted and technical education programs to ensure that forming across the board. Central Oklahoma. learner.
classes, nd influ mittee e Yea
ances, a ls. A com cher of th resources will bring all students receive challenging academic course
perform h ig h sc hool leve e N a ti onal Tea re se n t the arts with Jean Hendrickson was a member of the Now the executive director of Oklahoma Providing multiple opportunities for
r y a n d o o se s th h o re p more equity to the sys- work and are better prepared for high-skill,
elementa ons ch of the Ye
ar, w
rtment o
f other research team that brought the model to A+ Schools, Hendrickson was impressed students to demonstrate their strengths,
a ti o n o rganizati T e a c h e rs e D e p a tem—something that’s high-wage occupations in current or emerging
educ
ong the
State ell as th f Colum- immediately by the professional develop- she adds, has been especially successful
o m a m te r ri to ri es, as w is tr ic t o desperately needed if professions. subjects Oklahoma. “As a principal in Oklahoma
fr . d the D
and U.S tivity an program had been a City schools for 17 years, I had pretty much ment provided through the model. Rather with their Hispanic students learning
50 states ti o n A c e a r- o ld we’re going to have any Finally, we propose to build on the governors’
Educa e 57-y
Defense y ING, th of Chief hope of transforming call for a more accurate graduation rate. By 2012 common spent my life looking for a framework that than having newly trained teachers shoulder English. “When you work with different
ia . S p o nsored b th e Council
b je c t o f s . “dropout factories” into we would require all states to disaggregate this instructional would sustain best practices in many areas. the task of implementing a complex pro- ways to experience those concepts, [the
is a pro icer
hool Off
State Sc flourishing high schools. data by race and ethnicity so we can see clearly strategy … We know that schools have to support gram with no future support—a scenario students] understand them much better.”
We also propose increasing who’s dropping out and report it as part of their among teach- all of the children all of the time in all of the she says she has seen too many times—the
funds for reading intervention so that accountability plans. … Without accountability, —BY NICOLE ASHBY
… Every ers prior to areas, or they run the risk of not sustaining A+ model provides ongoing training by a
year, nearly a teachers can help struggling students get we’re just posting numbers and hoping for the
million kids fail to back on track before they fall too far behind. … best. Our children deserve better than that. …

Linwood Elementary School

graduate high school with their peers. It’s hard A significant portion of our NCLB reautho- For the full May 9, 2007, remarks, visit
to believe such a pervasive problem remained rization calls for increased rigor in our high http://www.ed.gov and select “Press Room” and
in the shadows for so long. That’s in large part schools, including: then “Speeches.”
due to state reporting systems and data collec-
tion that masked the severity of the situation.
For example, in some districts, a student
AROUND THE COUNTRY
who leaves school is counted as a dropout CALIFORNIA—For the first time, in visual arts, dance, music, theatre and physical DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA—The the second- and third-place prizes of $10,000 > Grade Span: Pre-K–5 > Special Education Students: 16%
only if he or she registers as one. In others, California public schools have received education in grades K–12. Each school district, National Endowment for the Arts and the and $5,000 were awarded to students from > Locale: Urban > Percentage Proficient: In math, 84%;
a dropout’s promise to get a GED [General state funding specifically for programs charter school and county office of education is Poetry Foundation brought together 51 high Indiana and Virginia, respectively. In addition, in reading, 71% (based on fifth-graders
> Total Students: 345
Education Diploma] at an unspecified future in the visual and performing arts and entitled to $83.04 per student, and each district school students from every state and the the 12 finalists received a $1,000 award and assessed on the 2006 state exam).
date is good enough to merit “graduate” > Race/Ethnicity Enrollment: 56% Hispanic,
physical education. The first installment must use at least $2,500 per school site. In nation’s capital for a match of skills in poetry their schools $500 each toward the purchase of > Interesting Fact: Since the 2002
status. With such loose definitions of what it 21% white, 13% African-American,
of a $500 million block grant was dis- January 2007, districts received part of an memorization and recitation—called “Poetry books of poetry. Over the last year, state-level start of the arts integration program at
means to be a high school graduate, it’s no 6% American Indian, 4% Asian
tributed in May to provide professional ongoing $105 million grant to support arts and Out Loud”—in Washington, D.C., in late competitions nationwide have inspired more Linwood—a school where most of the
wonder this epidemic has been so “silent.” development, equipment and supplies music instruction. The remaining amounts of April. The top prize—a $20,000 scholarship— than 100,000 students at 1,000 high schools > Free and Reduced-Price Lunch students are from low-income families
Fortunately, today it’s a different story. Eligible: 92% and half are English language learners—
to enhance standards-based instruction each grant will be provided later this month. went to a District of Columbia student, while to discover classic and contemporary poetry.
it has made adequate yearly progress
> English Language Learners: 52%
page 2 page 3 page 4 (AYP) each year.
Calendar June 5–Aug. 10
Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative
Summer Workshops, spon-
sored by the U.S. Department
QA &
> Reading Is Fundamental’s National Book
Program delivers free books and literacy
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
of Education. Held at more than resources to those children and families who
a dozen sites nationwide, this What reading opportunities need them most. The program is available in all VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007 www.ed.gov
free workshop series is designed are available for students 50 states and reaches young people of all ages
for teachers to learn best prac-
tices from fellow educators who
during the summer? in a variety of settings, including schools, com-
munity centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, migrant
Charter Schools, School Safety Spellings, Education Community
R
esearch shows that many children labor camps, churches and health clinics. Visit
have had success in raising stu-
dent achievement. For specific
dates and locations, visit
experience a decline in reading
proficiency during summer vacation.
Thirty-two percent of U.S. fourth-graders
http://www.rif.org or call 1-877-RIF-READ.
> Gulf Coast Summer Reading Initiative—
a public-private partnership among the
and NCLB Drive Dialogue
Discuss President’s Agenda
https://www.t2tweb.us, or
call 1-888-831-1338.
reported that they never or rarely read for
fun outside of school, a significantly higher
percentage than the international average
of 18 percent.
U.S. Department of Education, First Book and
Scholastic, Inc.—is providing new books this
year to replenish those lost in schools, libraries,
community organizations and homes in areas
L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Education
Margaret Spellings traveled to Los Angeles
for a series of events at which she discussed
the importance of charter schools, school safety and
reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
results for students,” said Spellings.
Later, the secretary conducted a roundtable
discussion on campus and school safety with federal
officials, local law enforcement, mental health
experts, and university administrators and students 2
I N S I D E

Spellings Speaks on High

To encourage students to actively read over affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
On May 3, following President George W. at California State University, Northridge. In School Dropout Crisis
the summer and thereby enhance student Visit http://www.bookrelief.org or call
Bush’s proclamation of National Charter light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech
achievement the following school year, several 1-866-READ-NOW. Around the Country—
Schools Week (April 29–May 5), in April, President Bush asked the
initiatives across the country are available. > Local libraries are good resources for addi-
June 25 > Reading Rockets—an educational initia-
Secretary Spellings began the day federal departments of Education, California and the District
tional opportunities for reading. If your child
The Achiever will be on summer vacation during July with a visit to Animo Inglewood Justice, and Health and Human Ser- of Columbia
Presidential Scholars Pro- tive of the flagship public television and doesn’t have a library card, summer is a great
and August, and will resume production in September. Public Charter High School, whose vices to review the broader questions
gram Medallion Ceremony, radio station WETA, with funding from the time to sign up for one. In addition to a wide student population is largely His- raised by the shootings and find 5 Calendar
U.S. Department of Education—offers a selection of books to borrow, many libraries panic. Since 2003, the percentage of ways to help college, state and local
Washington, D.C., sponsored
wealth of reading strategies, lessons and have high-quality, child-friendly summer read- students at this school who are profi- officials confront these issues. “As
Q&A—Summer Reading
by the U.S. Department of activities designed to help young children Opportunities
ing programs. For the location of your nearest cient in math has risen by 40 points, a mother of a college sophomore and
Education. This year’s cere- learn how to read and struggling readers public library, visit the American Library and in reading by almost 18 points. In a high school freshman, I know that there Education News Parents
mony will honor 141 out- improve their comprehension skills. Visit Association at http://www.ala.org or call addition, 79 percent of the class of 2006 went is nothing more important than keeping our Can Use
standing graduating American http://readingrockets.org or call 703-998-2001. 1-800-545-2433. Arts Resources at the FREE Web Site on to attend a four-year university. children safe,” Spellings said.
high school seniors for their “Charter schools like Animo Inglewood High The secretary is seeking public comment 6 Arts Resources at the
academic achievement, artistic School are helping students learn through innova- about campus and school safety online at FREE Web Site
News Show Highlights Summer Programs tive, effective tools, and are proving that breaking [email protected]. Using input from this as well
excellence, leadership and originated in the late 19th century and influ-

R
agtime music, Herb Block’s editorial tradition and taking risks can yield tremendous as from regional meetings held across the country,
community service. For cartoons and Pakistani theatre are enced early jazz styles. This section includes a

P
rograms that academically engage and > continued on page 2
complimentary tickets to among the resources recently added biography of famous ragtime composer Scott
focus on reading nurture low-income and U.S. Department of Education Drawing on the Arts
to the federally supported Web site Joplin along with segments of his classic 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
the Kennedy Center per- and learning disadvantaged youths dur- “Maple Leaf Rag,” which helped spread the
formance by Presidential during the summer
months to ensure stu-
ing the summer; profiles
corporate, community and
http://free.ed.gov. A one-stop shop for hun-
dreds of teaching and learning resources ragtime craze.
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication Arts Integration at Oklahoma School Provides

Scholars in the Arts, e-mail
[email protected],
dents return to school
prepared to achieve will
library-based initiatives
designed to encourage
from more than 35 federal agencies, the
Federal Resources for Educational Excel-
lence (FREE) site includes the following
> Enduring Outrage—also from the Library
of Congress—presents more than 30 cartoons
by Pulitzer-Prize-winning political cartoonist
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Multiple Paths for Learning
or call 202-401-0961. be the focus of the June students to read and learn (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.

‘‘
additions, which focus on the arts. Herb Block published between 1940 and Today’s classrooms require more than the conventional paper-
edition of Education during the break; and Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
> Ragtime—from the Library of Con- 1994, which focus on a range of topics from and-pencil approach to instruction, believes Principal
News Parents Can Use, spotlights the efforts of editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
September gress—presents sheet music, essays, and pollution to racism. [email protected]. Susan Combs. “We’re teaching an era of children
the U.S. Department of organizations dedicated to
Library Card Sign-Up Month,
sponsored by the American
Education’s monthly
television program.
providing disadvantaged
students with access to
video and sound clips related to this dis-
tinctly American music genre that
> Gift of the Indus: The Arts and Culture
of Pakistan—from the Kennedy Center—
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
The arts who are growing up at a fast-pace on flashy TV, video
games, and things of that nature. Then we want them
introduces, through various video clips, the [email protected].
Library Association. Launched
in 1987, this observance brings
After the final school
bell has rung, far too few
books and reading materi-
als in the summer and throughout the year.
music, theatre, dance and visual arts of Pak-
istan, a nation created in 1947 as a homeland
Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
are giving to come to school and sit at their desks for eight hours
and focus.”

national attention to using

local libraries as sources of
students engage in summertime activities
designed to continue their practice of academic
skills—particularly critical reading skills—
Each month, Education News Parents Can
Use showcases: schools and school districts
for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This
section highlights the rhythmic folk music of
or [email protected].
The Achiever contains news and information us the Combs heads an elementary school in Oklahoma City
that has adopted an arts integration program that she says has
from across the country; conversations with about and from public and private organizations

lifetime learning. Visit learned during the school year. As a result,

many students experience “summer learning
school officials, parents and education experts;
and advice and free resources for parents and
the Punjab, the martial dances of the Pashtun,
and the elaborate geometry seen in buildings,
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart- opportunity charged the senses of both students and staff. “We’re more con-
scious when we’re planning, [asking], ‘Am I teaching to the
http://www.ala.org or call carpets and textiles. ment of Education of any products or services
different children? Am I addressing all of the skills each day? Am
1-800-545-2433.
loss,” which leaves them ill-equipped for the
academic challenges of the next school year.
educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
> Van Gogh’s Van Goghs—from the National
Gallery of Art—features, along with his life
offered or views expressed. This publication
also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
and maintained by outside organizations and
to expand ... I making sure that it’s interesting and fun?’ … If we really want
children to retain what they’re learning, we have to think about
This month’s broadcast: showcases several webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and click on story, a sampling of paintings by this ingen- provided for the reader’s convenience. The
how we’re teaching them.”
award-winning and effective summer learning “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use”; or Department is not responsible for the accuracy
ious and prolific Dutch artist, who was mostly
programs; explores innovative strategies to call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. of this information.
> continued on page 3
self-taught and whose works paved the way
page 5 page 6
for the expressionist art of the 20th century.
Calendar June 5–Aug. 10
Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative
Summer Workshops, spon-
sored by the U.S. Department
QA &
> Reading Is Fundamental’s National Book
Program delivers free books and literacy
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
ED PUBS
P.O. BOX 1398
JESSUP, MD 20794-1398
The

VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007

PRESORTED
FIRST- CLASS MAIL
UNITED STATES POSTAGE PAID
CAPITOL HEIGHTS, MD
PERMIT NO. 557
The
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
of Education. Held at more than resources to those children and families who
a dozen sites nationwide, this What reading opportunities need them most. The program is available in all VOL.6, NO.6 JUNE 2007 www.ed.gov
free workshop series is designed are available for students 50 states and reaches young people of all ages
for teachers to learn best prac-
tices from fellow educators who
during the summer? in a variety of settings, including schools, com-
munity centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, migrant
Charter Schools, School Safety Spellings, Education Community
R
esearch shows that many children labor camps, churches and health clinics. Visit
have had success in raising stu-
dent achievement. For specific
dates and locations, visit
experience a decline in reading
proficiency during summer vacation.
Thirty-two percent of U.S. fourth-graders
http://www.rif.org or call 1-877-RIF-READ.
> Gulf Coast Summer Reading Initiative—
a public-private partnership among the
and NCLB Drive Dialogue
Discuss President’s Agenda
https://www.t2tweb.us, or
call 1-888-831-1338.
reported that they never or rarely read for
fun outside of school, a significantly higher
percentage than the international average
of 18 percent.
U.S. Department of Education, First Book and
Scholastic, Inc.—is providing new books this
year to replenish those lost in schools, libraries,
community organizations and homes in areas
L ast month, U.S. Secretary of Education
Margaret Spellings traveled to Los Angeles
for a series of events at which she discussed
the importance of charter schools, school safety and
reauthorizing the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
results for students,” said Spellings.
Later, the secretary conducted a roundtable
discussion on campus and school safety with federal
officials, local law enforcement, mental health
experts, and university administrators and students 2
I N S I D E

Spellings Speaks on High

To encourage students to actively read over affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
On May 3, following President George W. at California State University, Northridge. In School Dropout Crisis
the summer and thereby enhance student Visit http://www.bookrelief.org or call
Bush’s proclamation of National Charter light of the tragic events at Virginia Tech
achievement the following school year, several 1-866-READ-NOW. Around the Country—
Schools Week (April 29–May 5), in April, President Bush asked the
initiatives across the country are available. > Local libraries are good resources for addi-
June 25 > Reading Rockets—an educational initia-
Secretary Spellings began the day federal departments of Education, California and the District
tional opportunities for reading. If your child
The Achiever will be on summer vacation during July with a visit to Animo Inglewood Justice, and Health and Human Ser- of Columbia
Presidential Scholars Pro- tive of the flagship public television and doesn’t have a library card, summer is a great
and August, and will resume production in September. Public Charter High School, whose vices to review the broader questions
gram Medallion Ceremony, radio station WETA, with funding from the time to sign up for one. In addition to a wide student population is largely His- raised by the shootings and find 5 Calendar
U.S. Department of Education—offers a selection of books to borrow, many libraries panic. Since 2003, the percentage of ways to help college, state and local
Washington, D.C., sponsored
wealth of reading strategies, lessons and have high-quality, child-friendly summer read- students at this school who are profi- officials confront these issues. “As
Q&A—Summer Reading
by the U.S. Department of activities designed to help young children Opportunities
ing programs. For the location of your nearest cient in math has risen by 40 points, a mother of a college sophomore and
Education. This year’s cere- learn how to read and struggling readers public library, visit the American Library and in reading by almost 18 points. In a high school freshman, I know that there Education News Parents
mony will honor 141 out- improve their comprehension skills. Visit Association at http://www.ala.org or call addition, 79 percent of the class of 2006 went is nothing more important than keeping our Can Use
standing graduating American http://readingrockets.org or call 703-998-2001. 1-800-545-2433. Arts Resources at the FREE Web Site on to attend a four-year university. children safe,” Spellings said.
high school seniors for their “Charter schools like Animo Inglewood High The secretary is seeking public comment 6 Arts Resources at the
academic achievement, artistic School are helping students learn through innova- about campus and school safety online at FREE Web Site
News Show Highlights Summer Programs tive, effective tools, and are proving that breaking [email protected]. Using input from this as well
excellence, leadership and originated in the late 19th century and influ-

R
agtime music, Herb Block’s editorial tradition and taking risks can yield tremendous as from regional meetings held across the country,
community service. For cartoons and Pakistani theatre are enced early jazz styles. This section includes a

P
rograms that academically engage and > continued on page 2
complimentary tickets to among the resources recently added biography of famous ragtime composer Scott
focus on reading nurture low-income and U.S. Department of Education Drawing on the Arts
to the federally supported Web site Joplin along with segments of his classic 400 Maryland Ave. S.W.
the Kennedy Center per- and learning disadvantaged youths dur- “Maple Leaf Rag,” which helped spread the
formance by Presidential during the summer
months to ensure stu-
ing the summer; profiles
corporate, community and
http://free.ed.gov. A one-stop shop for hun-
dreds of teaching and learning resources ragtime craze.
Washington, DC 20202

The Achiever is a monthly publication Arts Integration at Oklahoma School Provides

Scholars in the Arts, e-mail
[email protected],
dents return to school
prepared to achieve will
library-based initiatives
designed to encourage
from more than 35 federal agencies, the
Federal Resources for Educational Excel-
lence (FREE) site includes the following
> Enduring Outrage—also from the Library
of Congress—presents more than 30 cartoons
by Pulitzer-Prize-winning political cartoonist
for parents and community leaders from
the Office of Communications and
Outreach, U.S. Department of Education
Multiple Paths for Learning
or call 202-401-0961. be the focus of the June students to read and learn (ED). Margaret Spellings, secretary.

‘‘
additions, which focus on the arts. Herb Block published between 1940 and Today’s classrooms require more than the conventional paper-
edition of Education during the break; and Comments? Contact Nicole Ashby,
> Ragtime—from the Library of Con- 1994, which focus on a range of topics from and-pencil approach to instruction, believes Principal
News Parents Can Use, spotlights the efforts of editor, at 202-401-0689 (fax), or at
September gress—presents sheet music, essays, and pollution to racism. [email protected]. Susan Combs. “We’re teaching an era of children
the U.S. Department of organizations dedicated to
Library Card Sign-Up Month,
sponsored by the American
Education’s monthly
television program.
providing disadvantaged
students with access to
video and sound clips related to this dis-
tinctly American music genre that
> Gift of the Indus: The Arts and Culture
of Pakistan—from the Kennedy Center—
Address changes and subscriptions?
Contact 1-877-4ED-PUBS, or
The arts who are growing up at a fast-pace on flashy TV, video
games, and things of that nature. Then we want them
introduces, through various video clips, the [email protected].
Library Association. Launched
in 1987, this observance brings
After the final school
bell has rung, far too few
books and reading materi-
als in the summer and throughout the year.
music, theatre, dance and visual arts of Pak-
istan, a nation created in 1947 as a homeland
Information on ED programs, resources
and events? Contact 1-800-USA-LEARN,
are giving to come to school and sit at their desks for eight hours
and focus.”

national attention to using

local libraries as sources of
students engage in summertime activities
designed to continue their practice of academic
skills—particularly critical reading skills—
Each month, Education News Parents Can
Use showcases: schools and school districts
for Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. This
section highlights the rhythmic folk music of
or [email protected].
The Achiever contains news and information us the Combs heads an elementary school in Oklahoma City
that has adopted an arts integration program that she says has
from across the country; conversations with about and from public and private organizations

lifetime learning. Visit learned during the school year. As a result,

many students experience “summer learning
school officials, parents and education experts;
and advice and free resources for parents and
the Punjab, the martial dances of the Pashtun,
and the elaborate geometry seen in buildings,
for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not
constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Depart- opportunity charged the senses of both students and staff. “We’re more con-
scious when we’re planning, [asking], ‘Am I teaching to the
http://www.ala.org or call carpets and textiles. ment of Education of any products or services
different children? Am I addressing all of the skills each day? Am
1-800-545-2433.
loss,” which leaves them ill-equipped for the
academic challenges of the next school year.
educators.
To learn about viewing options, including
> Van Gogh’s Van Goghs—from the National
Gallery of Art—features, along with his life
offered or views expressed. This publication
also contains hyperlinks and URLs created
and maintained by outside organizations and
to expand ... I making sure that it’s interesting and fun?’ … If we really want
children to retain what they’re learning, we have to think about
This month’s broadcast: showcases several webcasts, visit http://www.ed.gov and click on story, a sampling of paintings by this ingen- provided for the reader’s convenience. The
how we’re teaching them.”
award-winning and effective summer learning “Parents,” then “News Parents Can Use”; or Department is not responsible for the accuracy
ious and prolific Dutch artist, who was mostly
programs; explores innovative strategies to call toll-free 1-800-USA-LEARN. of this information.
> continued on page 3
self-taught and whose works paved the way
page 5 page 6
for the expressionist art of the 20th century.