tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62925352994661744772024-02-07T23:40:29.160-08:00MCCPTA AdvocacyLynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-85476754258470102432018-04-09T08:20:00.002-07:002018-04-09T08:20:06.962-07:00MCPS Regulations… YAWN, Right? - Guest poster Cynthia Simonson - MCCPTA VP Educational Issues<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>MCPS Regulations… YAWN, Right?</strong></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>Cynthia Simonson, MCCPTA VP of Educational Issues</em></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3">NO! Don’t yawn yet! This is a regulation change I think parents might find interesting!<br />Let’s start with a little background. MCPS is a behemoth of an organization. Nationally, we are the<br />14</span><span class="fontstyle3" style="font-size: 7pt;">th </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3">biggest school system and we are governed by more regulations than I have the patience to<br />count! Don’t believe me? Check out this index --</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3"><br /></span><span class="fontstyle3" style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/policy-index.aspx">http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/policy-index.aspx</a>#</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3" style="color: #0563c1;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3" style="color: #0563c1;"> </span></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To give you an idea of the magnitude, there are ~70 regulations covering topics that begin with the letter “A.” So, it should come as no surprise, with this many regulations governing our school district, not every regulation change goes through a “public comment” process – especially if the changes are administrative in nature. </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>(Check out the MCPS process through this link -- </em></span><em><span class="fontstyle2" style="color: #a0a090;">policies and regulations process</span><span class="fontstyle2">.) </span></em><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3">One recent change -- MCPS updated the </span><span class="fontstyle3" style="color: #1561c0; font-size: 12pt;">IKC-RA, </span></span><span class="fontstyle4"><strong><em><span style="color: #1561c0;">Grade Point Averages (GPA) and Weighted Grade Point Averages (WPGA). </span></em></strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Like most things in life (particularly in MoCo), over a<br />number of years it seems some advocated for a change to this regulation and just as many advocated for things to stay the same. MCPS managed to adjust this regulation so it changed for those that wanted change and stayed the same for those that wanted it to stay the same. To me, the advocacy involved in this regulation is an example of parents “paying it forward” for the benefit of future students who are years from recognizing the impact of this change!</span></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>What DIDN’T Change: </strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Any high school course taken AND the grade earned (even if it is earned in<br />middle school) will be listed on the student’s high school transcript.</span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most often, these courses include world language courses, math courses in the sequence<br />starting with Algebra 1, and for some, the Introduction to Engineering Design that some middle<br />schools offer that fulfills the “tech credit” necessary for graduation.</span></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>What DID Change: </strong></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span class="fontstyle3">While the course and grade earned remains on the transcript, beginning with the students that will enter 6</span><span class="fontstyle3" style="font-size: 7pt;">th </span><span class="fontstyle3">grade in 2018-19 school year, there will be an </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>option </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">for these students and their parents/guardians to decide whether to include high school course grades earned in middle school in the high school GPA and WGPA calculation.</span></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Who Does This Impact:</strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Truth be told, for the student that takes one or possibly two high school credits while in middle school, this change might not make a big difference. But, for the students that take a number of high school courses in middle school (</span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>and there are actually A LOT of students doing this</em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">), this change can have an impact. What I like about the change is it gives parents/students the </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>option</em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">! I have three daughters so I can use my own family as an example of why I like it:</span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><span class="fontstyle5"> </span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For my third daughter who will enter high school with 10 semesters of credit (9 – As, 1—B), I<br />would have argued to keep the regulation the same -- she should get “credit” in her high school<br />GPA for those grades earned! She held a 4.0 many semesters of middle school and worked hard<br />to get those grades in the high school courses. She should see the full benefit of those points<br />factored into her GPA/WGPA. </span></span><em><span class="fontstyle2">(In this revised regulation, she gets to keep her points earned!)</span></em><span class="fontstyle5"></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle5"> </span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For my older daughters who held at least a 3.71 every semester of middle school, most of their<br />“non-A” grades were in high school level courses. I would have argued that students should not<br />be penalized for stretching themselves and taking more challenging courses in middle school. I<br />would have argued to NOT include those points in their high school GPA/WGPA. </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>(In this revised<br />regulation, they could opt to exclude the points from the GPA/WGPA calculation!)</em></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Real World Impact of this Change:</strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Six years ago, little did I realize the impact those Bs and Cs in high school courses earned in middle<br />school would have later in high school. I admit, I was pretty “relaxed” about grades because I think<br />working 3 years above grade level is impressive in itself. “Who cares if they are getting Bs or an<br />occasional C in these higher level courses?” Colleges, so I learned later.<br />Knowing what I know now, if given the choice, it actually would have been in their best interest to<br />exclude their middle school grades from their high school GPA calculation. Here are a couple of impacts we have found by having those Bs/Cs included:</span></span><span class="fontstyle5" style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span class="fontstyle5" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Impact 1: </strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Middle school grades can lower overall GPAs and make students ineligible for the<br />various school honor societies (which starts to feel very important during the college application<br />process).</span></span><span class="fontstyle6">o </span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Each MCPS high school has different minimum requirements for the honor societies<br />(those requirements have a tremendous amount of latitude governed by another MCPS<br />regulation – </span></span><span class="fontstyle7"><span style="color: #a0a090; font-size: x-small;">JIA-RA</span></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">) so this impact is certainly not </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>evenly </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">felt across the entire county.</span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A point parents might also find interesting…</span></span><span class="fontstyle6">o </span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Honor societies are often important to high achieving students that are most likely to<br />carry a large number of credits earned in middle school.</span></span><span class="fontstyle8"></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle8"><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The only way for current students to improve their GPA is to repeat courses taken in middle school to expunge the middle school grades and replace the grades.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle8"><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><span class="fontstyle5"> </span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Impact 2: </strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As students near the end of their junior year, they realize many college opportunities<br />– including scholarships and fellowships require minimum </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>official </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">unweighted GPAs to even be<br />considered for the awards.</span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><span class="fontstyle6" style="font-size: 12pt;">o </span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have always believed (and still do) that colleges generally recalculate GPA based on<br />their own priorities. But the MCPS </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>official </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GPA of the student is STILL the </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>official </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">GPA of<br />the student, regardless of the college recalculation that occurs. My experience is that<br />sometimes, that official GPA matters!</span></span><br />
<span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span><span class="fontstyle0"><strong>Moving Forward!</strong></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe the aim of this change in the regulation is to create a win-win for all students. I think MCPS<br />achieved it! I know not everyone will be happy about the change. (Of course, I ask, when has everyone in MoCo </span></span><span class="fontstyle2"><em>ever </em></span><span class="fontstyle3"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">been happy?) While I see the point of those that are critical of the change, I also see why MCPS made the change and think they did a fair job in examining the pros and cons to create a viable compromise to a concern that was raised years and years ago!</span></span>
</span>Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-18901459046928446562018-03-10T08:34:00.001-08:002018-03-10T08:34:30.940-08:00Let's FIX THE FUND - they told us Casino Revenues would AUGMENT education funding --- let's make it happen!! Tracie Potts - MCCPTA<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b>YOU'VE Got the Power!</b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Parents and students are </span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">so</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> frustrated with schools these days. Kids are struggling through classes. Homework's a nightmare. Classes are too hot or too cold. Buildings are old or too small and there's not enough money to fix them all. And lately incidents of violence have us wondering: are our kids even safe once we put them on the bus? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">MCPS, parents, students - we're all trying but results seems elusive. Or slow. To be honest, it's maddening. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Sometimes better policies and enforcement helps. But more often than not, the fixes we need require more <i>money</i>. Where does it come from? Casinos! Remember all that casino money that was promised to schools that didn't quite happen? Now Governor Hogan and some lawmaker are proposing what education advocates have been asking for all along: a "lock box" on those funds to make sure they provide </span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">additional</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> funding for schools, as promised. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This kind of effort can easily become mired in politics. HOW to do it. WHEN to do it. Exceptions. What we need is a clear, prompt, focused effort to infuse MILLIONS more into our schools, so we can fix buildings, add staff (and pay them competitively), add and keep programs. Basically, a boost to significantly improve educational opportunities for our kids. How do we do that? <strong>FIX THE FUND!</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">MCCPTA is supporting the <strong>Maryland State Education Association's "Fix the Fund" rally on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_77490695" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">March 19</span></span></span> in Annapolis.</strong> We've been told, as recently as a few months ago, that lawmakers are tired of hearing from the same groups and lobbyists but they </span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">really do listen</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> when "average Joe parent and their kid" take the time to testify, meet with lawmakers or - in this case - rally in support of education. We need to take full advantage of that and <i>drive maximum participation to this event. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><u><em>If just 5 people from every Montgomery County school joined the rally, that's 1,000</em></u> people marching through Annapolis urging our elected officials to "Fix the Fund." <u>Can you get 5 people to go from your school?</u> Plus: if every other Maryland county sent just a fraction of that, we're talking </span><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">thousands</span></i><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> of parents, teachers and students putting pressure on lawmakers to act. That's impressive. That kind of presence speaks volumes. And it makes a difference. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As frustrating as it is when education gets caught up in politics, never forget - democracy always rises above. YOU'VE GOT THE POWER! Sometimes we forget just how influential our collective voices can be when we come together to advocate for our kids. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Last weekend I attended a PTA leadership meeting where a colleagues said her school's having a hard time engaging parents because they're so frustrated when they don't see change happening. They just give up. Stop coming to meetings. Stop speaking out. My heart dropped. I thought: that's exactly the <i>opposite </i>of what we need to do. Don't retreat - MARCH! Get those frustrated parents to hit the streets! It worked in Alabama. It worked for civil rights. It <i>can</i> work for our students in Montgomery County. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Marching is just the beginning, but it's an important start. It's not just symbolic. Elected officials know if 1,000 people take time after work on a <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_77490696" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Monday</span></span></span> night to drive 45 minutes to Annapolis with their kids, THEY CARE. And they know when you care, you'll VOTE. That's important to <i>them</i>. Let's tell them what's important to <i>us</i>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It's time to TAKE ACTION! Download the flier HERE:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<a class="m_-6857779887009504192OWAAutoLink" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/office_mccpta_org/ESH_nf9HoyNOndpk1NYrH7sBZ9GlcwUAOufykSVOwFzigw?e%3DJWGIfu&source=gmail&ust=1520785752210000&usg=AFQjCNHRboo9FHO-Cz1xA4YS7jLUy-Luxg" href="https://mccpta-y.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/office_mccpta_org/ESH_nf9HoyNOndpk1NYrH7sBZ9GlcwUAOufykSVOwFzigw?e=JWGIfu" id="m_-6857779887009504192LPlnk885834|2:doclink" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://mccpta-y.sharepoint.<wbr></wbr></span>com/:b:/g/personal/office_<wbr></wbr>mccpta_org/ESH_<wbr></wbr>nf9HoyNOndpk1NYrH7sBZ9GlcwUAOu<wbr></wbr>fykSVOwFzigw?e=JWGIfu</span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span> <br />
<div id="m_-6857779887009504192LPBorder_GT|1:LPlnk885834[|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1][|2:doclink|3:0|4:0|5:1|6:mccpta-my.sharepoint.com/personal/office_mccpta_org/Documents/MCCPTA/Meetings/DA/2017-18/Feb%202018/Meeting%20materials/Officer%20Reports/FixtheFund_MARCH19_Flier.pdf|7:1]" style="margin-bottom: 20px; overflow: auto; text-indent: 0px; width: 100%;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-69801752387338108922018-02-26T18:11:00.003-08:002018-02-26T18:11:51.387-08:00Career and Technology Education expansion in our traditional high schools - by Victoria Henley, MCCPTA representative to the CTE Task Force
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There was a </span><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MCPS Career and Technology Education retreat <span style="color: #111111;">held on Thursday, January 11, 2018, at the Thomas Edison
HS of Technology, located next door to the newly renovated Wheaton High School
in Wheaton, Maryland. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">In December 2016, the Board of Education
contracted with the Education Strategy Group (ESG), a Bethesda based consulting
firm, to conduct a comprehensive review of MCPS Career and Technology Education
(CTE) Programs of Study (POS). Funding for this study was approved by the Board
as part of its Fiscal Year 2017 Operating Budget. </span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The retreat I attended focused on reviewing the recommendations
and collected feedback received by MCPS and Education Strategy Group (ESG),
since the release of the initial report in September 2017. As participants, we
were asked to prioritize the recommendations and suggest a multi-year timeline
for implementing the recommendations. MCPS and ESG consulting would take our
input into consideration as they prepare the final report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This retreat did NOT discuss the future of
Thomas Edison HS of Technology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Career and Technology Education retreat brought together Dr.
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Erick Lang, MCPS’ associate superintendent of curriculum and
instructional programs, AND</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> representatives from the business community, current CTE
students, former CTE students, MCPS relevant staff, and other
stakeholders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I represented MCCPTA. The
retreat was facilitated by Kathleen Mathers, a Director at ESG consulting.
Every participant brought to the retreat their energy, real-time data,
thoughtful discussion points, and professional experiences. I was personally
impressed by the wealth of knowledge and honest commitment to improving the CTE
programming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Undoubtedly, MCPS has
created a culture of high expectations in its schools. But, career preparation
and vocational training “has been marginalized, sometimes being inaccurately
perceived as the “direct opposite” of a college-prep education. After years of
focusing on preparing students to enter four-year colleges, MCPS is planning to
redesign and ramp up its career programs to keep pace with the changing world. MCPS
Superintendent Smith spoke about the new exciting career programming during his
proposed Operating Budget presentation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nationally, there has
been a resurgence of interest in career readiness. For various reasons, not
every high school graduate wants to, or will be able to attend a 4-year
university. According to ESG consulting, MCPS is one of only a hand-full of
large school districts around the country taking a serious look at Career
Readiness to be ahead of the curve. That is a good thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, among other large districts studied
in the state of Maryland by ESG consulting, MCPS was the only one with a
declining enrollment in career and technology education programs. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">During the 2015-2016 academic year, 29 percent of MCPS students
were taking one or more career technical education courses, compared to 35
percent in Howard County and 50 percent in Baltimore County.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In general, the
initial report from ESG recommends that MCPS bring leading employers together
in an advisory council led by the superintendent, train staff about the
regional labor market, and improve the quality and consistency of career
programs across high schools. MCPS Career and technology (CTE) education should
be redefined as offering rigorous academic coursework, 21st-century technical
instruction and real-world experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the retreat, we
were divided into 4 focus-area work groups. (CTE Vision, Employer Engagement,
Program Rigor and Implementation, and Stakeholder Communication). I
participated in the Stakeholder Communication work group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We discussed the
benefits of students becoming both college-ready and career-ready – that these
two things can co-exist and should be promoted as such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Vocational training should not be disregarded
as a second-place finish. Yes, there are differences in Vocational Training and
graduating from an Ivy League university-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and they will bring different results. So, as a priority, we needed to
look at what motivates a person to choose a specific career path. Was it
personal fulfillment, an opportunity to give back to a community, financial
gain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Determining these types of
motivators would be key in reaching prospective students and increase
excitement around CTE programming. The truth is that we all have a vocation (a
job)- whether as a practicing attorney, a marketing manager, educator, writer,
or scientist. It’s how much training and educational that we are personally
want, and willing to commit to obtaining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By definition, a vocation is, “</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">a
person's employment or main occupation, especially regarded as particularly
worthy and requiring great dedication.</span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">) From a communication standpoint, the work group recommended
that all stakeholders (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">students, parents,
middle school counselors, the local government, and the business community</i>)
must be encouraged to think more strategically and creatively about what CAN
and SHOULD be included within a high school experience. What opportunities
exist and will exist to prepare a student for the future?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Career and technology
education has widened in scope over the years, preparing students for jobs in
health care and information technology as well as more traditional areas such
as construction and automotive repair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It became clear that
developing a powerful marketing message is critical. Career readiness within
MCPS is not just vocational training, but all training a student receives to
prepare them for their future profession. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Collectively, we felt
another priority and goal of career readiness programming should be to expose
students to job options more broadly and the educational paths that lead to
them. By communicating to stakeholders the successes for CTE programs, MCPS
would become the desired destination for well-rounded experiences, career
readiness and college preparation. We suggested that the messaging should
clearly communicate that a MCPS student will be well-prepared and equipped to
succeed, regardless of whether he or she decides to pursue a vocational certification,
2-year degree, or a 4-year degree. The value must be communicated well.<s><o:p></o:p></s></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why should a student
who wants to become a biomedical engineer feel that taking a hospitality
vocational course is not worth it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
yes, you are correct, the hospitality course will probably have nothing to do
with his or her advanced engineering studies, but it might assist them as they
work to pay for college. Or, they might find the hospitality industry actually
interesting, and the student might change their major to Electrical or
Mechanical engineering in order to solve a hospitality industry problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was also discussed
that the parents should play a role in the educational process. Middle school
and high school counselors must work with students and their parents to create
a plan that works for that student’s particular interests. At the end of high
school, every graduate should leave MCPS with enough preparation and training
to successfully go directly into a career or continue their educational studies
in 2 or 4-year programs and beyond. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">During the retreat, we
noted that MCPS </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">currently offers strong career and
technology education, however access to these programs varies widely across the
school system. That needs to be addressed for college and career readiness to
be successful in the MCPS for ALL students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%;">In addition, we expressed that tailoring the stakeholders
messaging to clearly communicate benefits and value will increase interest and
credibility to the CTE programs. Benefits such as CTE programs helping students
gain real-world experience in their fields of interest or earn college credit
and industry-recognized credentials while they’re in high school. These great
offerings are mostly unknown by stakeholders. School counselors (especially
middle school counselors) must help to increase awareness of available programs
and speak to parents about the opportunities that exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As you might imagine, there was much more discussed. The other three
focus area work groups were just as engaged in prioritizing recommendations and
generating additional points to consider. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s anticipated that the group will reconvene sometime in March
2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I appreciated the opportunity to represent MCCPTA at this important
meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 12pt 0in 13.5pt;">
<span style="color: #111111; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 150%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-88083490836338250292018-02-26T14:02:00.001-08:002018-02-27T06:19:52.416-08:00A sampling of bills of interest in Annapolis during the 2018 General Assembly - by Neal Orringer MCCPTA VP Advocacy<strong><span style="color: red;">Casinos/Rally(!): </span><span style="color: black;"> </span></strong><span style="color: black;">Last night, I emailed you about the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://actionnetwork.org/events/education-rally-on-march-19%231&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNGzvWUSM-R5GRB4zXDXcO5_5ufhJQ" href="https://actionnetwork.org/events/education-rally-on-march-19#1" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk409981" style="color: black;" target="_blank">Fix the Fund Rally</a><span style="color: black;"> in Annapolis (<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617467198" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">March 19</span></span></span>). This rally marks renewed momentum to ensure casino revenue is used to </span><span style="color: black;">supplement</span><i style="color: black;"> </i><i style="color: black;">not </i><u style="color: black;">supplant </u><span style="color: black;">dollars for public schools in the state's Education Trust Fund. This must be done by constitutional amendment, to prevent future Governors or Legislatures from breaching the commitment made six years ago to increase Maryland's public schools. If the General Assembly approves bills </span><span style="color: #222222;"></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3Dhb1697%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNHdI4NH8pVXwtKJR34_h1TlNwHWWw" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb1697&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk287920" style="color: black;" target="_blank">HB 1687</a><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">or </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain..aspx?id%3Dsb1122%26stab%3D01%26pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNGYtwxM9dzT0knjeD6Dz59AgRd1fw" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain..aspx?id=sb1122&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk959843" style="color: black;" target="_blank">SB 1122</a><span style="color: black;">, voters will decide this Fall to make this promise a reality. </span><br />
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>90-Day Session: </b>The <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frm1st.aspx?tab%3Dhome&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNHw0VgzHC6JIAP4fmjOml2COTuU3A" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frm1st.aspx?tab=home" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk756217" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">Maryland General Assembly</span></a> meets in regular session for 90 calendar days each year beginning the 2nd <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617467199" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Wednesday</span></span></span> in January to act on 2,500+ bills and the State's annual capital and operating budgets. Dozens of education-related bills have been filed and committee hearings/mark-ups are getting underway. Legislation ranges from bills to issue reimbursement for AP, CTE, & IB exams (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26id%3Dhb0197%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNH9va0h5NmMk85olv5m34txdLgJeg" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0197&stab=01&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk462415" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">HB 197</span></a>) to authorizing state agencies to compete with local health authorities to inspect school facilities (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26id%3Dsb0469%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNF85j4T4ShHdPzz82mYrRcORKDhRw" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0469&stab=01&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk339140" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">SB 469</span></a>); from increases in test/standards for reading teachers (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain..aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26id%3Dhb0493%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNHzvqftH02ahx6Jxz8I-sMQ2thnlg" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain..aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0493&stab=01&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk76487" target="_blank" title="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&amp;tab=subject3&amp;id=hb0493&amp;stab=01&amp;ys=2018RS
Ctrl+Click or tap to follow the link"><span style="color: #1155cc;">HB 493</span></a>) to requirements that the State cover costs of breakfasts and lunches for students eligible for reduced-price meals (<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26id%3Dhb0315%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNHITABreOI-L__VORjCSVDK6bnS9w" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0315&stab=01&ys=2018RS" id="m_9001870433543995834gmail-m_-4223270832971176140m_4292738333475005102LPlnk246136" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">HB 315</span></a>). Below are a couple of details on other bills of interest. <b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<ul style="color: #222222; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>School Calendar: </b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id%3Dhb0679%26stab%3D01%26pid%3Dbillpage%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNGiJQJOHCPdbFHnjrckN3rjNiVJgA" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0679&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">HB 679</a> overturns the annual school end-date set by the Governor by executive order in August 2016. It requires a public school to complete the school year on/before the 3rd <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617467200" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">Friday</span></span> in June as opposed to the current limit of no later than <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1617467201" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">June 15</span></span>. After accounting for the 180-day school day minimum as well as mandatory State holidays and election days (for most counties), the bill will allow for a total of as few as 10 and as many as 15 days for local school systems to accommodate any additional holidays (including a spring break), teacher professional development days, and/or school closures due to weather and other exigencies within their respective school years. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Details: </i>Entitled: "Public Schools - School Year - Completion Date," Sponsored by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dsponpage%26tab%3Dsubject6%26id%3Dpena%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNH2uCjTpPPpZHXTDyoEz6BdczLjgQ" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=pena&stab=01&ys=2018RS" style="color: #615eb2; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Delegate Pena-Melnyk</a>. Status: In the House - Hearing was held 2/22.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="color: #222222;">PARCC: </b>The Ways & Means Committee unfavorably reported on HB 723, which would have confined PARCC segments to 40min. <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Delegates Ebersole withdrew the bill since it would not have actually allowed students time to simulate researching/writing. (Most sections of the PARCC assessment in literacy involve sustained reading of two or more texts followed by a substantial writing piece. A longer test session over 40 minutes in duration is optimal for students; a limit of 40 minutes would drastically impact the type of questions/tasks students could complete in an uninterrupted session, particularly in literacy. On the other hand, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3DHB0366%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNG-h7JiKa0HniyYFrmqvdX9g60s_g" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=HB0366&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">HB 366</a> had a hearing and is still being considered. </span>This bill allows students with disabilities to be exempt from taking the PARCC assessment unless the parent/guardian has agreed that the student may participate, and it is documented in the Individualized Education Program (IEP). The MCPS Board of Ed is opposed to the bill since it potentially release school systems from needing to provide evidence-based, differentiated instruction to students with disabilities and would adversely impact the imperative for school systems to narrow the achievement gap between students with disabilities and their typical peers. Failing to measure the student outcomes of the special education subgroup would undermine the goal of the MCPS strategic planning framework which assumes that every child can learn when given the proper supports and services.</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Details: </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Entitled: "Education - PARCC Testing - Children With Disabilities (Ben's Rule)." Sponsored by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dsponpage%26tab%3Dsubject6%26id%3Dvogt01%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNFC9gOwr3T97FGgUvLysz7C9__5zA" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=vogt01&stab=01&ys=2018RS" style="color: #615eb2; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Delegate Vogt</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">, Status: In the House - Hearing held 2/2</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;"><b>Early Literacy: </b>The General Assembly sometimes opposes meaningful legislation to address the achievement gap due to perceived funding constraints. For example, the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee voted down </span><span style="color: #262626;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3DSB0485%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNEvHx95frhylj_H3xgZydR1M6SC8w" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=SB0485&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">SB 485</a><b> </b>which would have <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; float: none; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">established </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">an Early Literacy Program </span></div>
</span><span style="color: #777777;">to implement evidence-based literacy programs in Title I schools (to to meet literacy proficiency targets before 4th grade. MCPS has 25 Title I schools with ~16,000 students enrolled in Title I schools, roughly half (8,100) are ESOL. Currently, there is not one position designated for providing targeted early literacy intervention. Identifying an interventionist would increase quality. of instruction. </span></span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Details: </i>Entitled: "Education - Maryland Early Literacy Initiative Program - Established." Sponsored by <span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Senator </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dsponpage%26tab%3Dsubject6%26id%3Dconway%2520j%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468534000&usg=AFQjCNE099xTYxd0e3NUjb1NKNUlypYO0w" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=conway%20j&stab=01&ys=2018RS" style="color: #615eb2; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;" target="_blank">Conway</a>. Status: Reported unfavorably and withdrawn.</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>More Funding for Head Start: </b>On the positive side, the Senate approved <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3Dsb0373%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468535000&usg=AFQjCNFsg79pWBxxOKuZLnfrzDuMB0-YQQ" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=sb0373&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;" target="_blank">SB 373</a>. This bill will require the state to supplement federal Head Start funding with additional appropriations. Currently, funding from the Maryland legislature provides $113,000 to Montgomery County to provide the Head Start summer program for children who are not enrolled in Title 1 schools for kindergarten. Of this amount of $113,000, MCPS received $106,000 to serve 120 children in a 4- or 5-week extended year program. The additional funding described in this bill would be divided among all of the Head Start programs in Maryland both Head Start (serving children aged 3–5) and Early Head Start (serving pregnant women and children aged 0–3). Each year in MCPS, there are approximately 1,200 Head Start-eligible students and only 648 can be served in the Head Start program (approximately 70 three-year olds-and 578 four-year-olds). The other Head Start-eligible children are served in the part-day prekindergarten program. The total cost for all Head Start-eligible 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds in Montgomery County would be approximately $31,125,000. Additional funding to support these children is much needed and appreciated. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Details: Entitled: "Education - Head Start Program - Annual Appropriation (The Ulysses Currie Act). Sponsored by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dsponpage%26tab%3Dsubject6%26id%3Dcurrie%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468535000&usg=AFQjCNEPSsSiAFMIrKEHA4Gsne5QN7iPlg" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=currie&stab=01&ys=2018RS" style="color: #615eb2; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Senator Currie</a>. Status: In the Senate - Third Reading Passed (45-0)</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">Guidelines for Dual Immersion Schools: </b><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3DHB0642%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468535000&usg=AFQjCNE3SeX6pTiumRvpA75KQvPZH8xdPg" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=HB0642&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">HB 642</a><b> </b>requies the State Board of Ed to establish regulations/guidance for implementing Dual Immersion school programs. There are currently three Dual Language Immersion Programs offered in MCPS. They are located at Brown Station, Kemp Mill, and Washington Grove elementary schools. All three programs meet the definition of “Dual Language Immersion Program” as provided in this bill, with one exception. The bill requires the use of two teachers, with one for each language. This is the expected model at MCPS; however, student enrollment at Brown Station Elementary School created the need for a fifth kindergarten classroom, and the odd numbered class is allocated only one teacher, who delivers the instruction in both languages. There are concerns that certain definitions/requirements in the legislation would hinder MCPS’ efforts in expanding Dual Immersion. As such, MCPS may be seeking amendments to support the intentions of this bill (but highlighting the importance of local control on the specifics of these programs).</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Details: Entitled: "</span>Education - Dual Language Immersion Program - Authorization." Sponsored by <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dsponpage%26tab%3Dsubject6%26id%3Dgutierrez%26stab%3D01%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519768468535000&usg=AFQjCNEDPkhcMraK4wFX1icLpuTau-opRA" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=sponpage&tab=subject6&id=gutierrez&stab=01&ys=2018RS" style="color: #615eb2; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Delegate Gutierrez</a>. Status: Hearing was held 2/16. Awaiting further Committee action.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>KIRWAN COMMISSION BILL: </b>I'm happy to report that the Early Literacy Program proposed under SB 485 has <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">in fact<span> </span></span> been integrated into a larger Education bill being advanced through the legislature on behalf of the Kirwan Commission. This bill, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid%3Dbillpage%26stab%3D01%26id%3Dhb1415%26tab%3Dsubject3%26ys%3D2018RS&source=gmail&ust=1519827412081000&usg=AFQjCNFErAxgkIOkOQhIrdnDBs0KHDp4Lg" href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb1415&tab=subject3&ys=2018RS" style="color: #0563c1;" target="_blank">HB 1415</a>, is seeking to tackle a host of priorities, from addressing the achievement gap to boosting teacher training resources/standards; provisions include:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Establishing the Learning in Extended Academic Programs (LEAP) grant program to provide additional funding for schools in which at least 90% of students qualify for federal free/reduced priced meals </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #262626;">Expanding </span>eligibility requirements for the Teaching Fellows for Maryland scholarship program; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Establishing grants for more schools to build innovative a Career and Technology Education programs; and </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(of course) extending the final report date for the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, many many bills have been filed and are being considered. If you hear of particular legislation and want more information, or would like us to advance priorities youre afraid are not being considered, please let me know.</span>Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-32268190638404926812018-02-25T16:56:00.002-08:002018-02-25T16:56:53.420-08:00AP Advocacy - 5 Steps to a 5 --- Guest Blogger Cynthia Simonson, MCCPTA VP Educational Issues
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">IT’S HERE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>IT’S HERE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Starting in mid-December, I start checking
the MCPS Office of Shared Accountability daily… waiting and waiting for the
annual report that gives us the results from last year’s Advanced Placement and
IB test<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>This year, the report dropped in late
January!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know not everyone geeks out on this particular report, but
I LOVE IT; I simply love it!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
part of this report outlines how MCPS performed and, to our credit, year after
year, we outperform the state of Maryland and the nation. That is certainly
worth celebrating, for sure, but, I think like a swimmer -- “how did we do
against ourselves?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’ve ever lived
with a competitive swimmer, you know about best times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This “sport” isn’t so different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look at different things in the appendices
(outlined below), I compare this year’s scores to how students did last year,
and I look at my specific school stats to see if we are performing where I
would expect in relation to the rest of the county. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/2018/2017%20AP%20IB%20Course%20Enrollment%20and%20Exam%20Participation%20Performance.pdf"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/2018/2017%20AP%20IB%20Course%20Enrollment%20and%20Exam%20Participation%20Performance.pdf</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What this report does, more than anything else, is it gives
parents material to frame questions and helps identify areas of advocacy as we
work toward being “better” than we were before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As a school system, we put a lot of emphasis on AP courses as being a
strong indicator of college readiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
think AP courses are an AWESOME entry point for students to experience the
rigor of college courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, it is
important as we expand the pool of students accessing these courses, we expand
the supports also so when a student commits a year to study a college level
subject, they have every opportunity (and expectation) of passing the exam and
possibly getting the college credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is my belief, students shouldn’t be shocked by the exam
scores they receive in July.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they
have been taking a rigorous college level course all year, they should have
plenty of indicators from their formatives how they will perform on the exam. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes things happen… but that should be
the exception, not the rule!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Below is an outline of the content within the report. Data
can be powerful – use it well!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Appendix A:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starting on
page 8 of the document, shows me how many AP courses (and IB courses) my high
school offers in comparison to all the other county high schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The range of AP classes offered in 2016-17
goes from 9-33 (which mind you, isn’t as dramatic a range if low AP courses
correlates with IB offerings).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
maybe that would be something for a cluster coordinator to ask about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scrolling through Appendix A, I can see the
last three years of participation for my high school by demographics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we attracting more students?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Less students? What do I see in the trending
of specific populations?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What does this
tell me (and what questions do I have) about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">accessibility</i> of our courses to all students?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do the numbers at my high school look similar
to my benchmarking schools?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, why
not?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there something we can learn from
them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is there something they can learn
from us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Appendix B:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">access</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">success</i> intersect!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Page 22
shows not only who took the test, but who passed it (with a 3 or higher).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And again, I can scroll to my high school and
see by demographics who is passing and not passing the APs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I can look at my school in comparison…
and I think about conversations I’ve overheard about programs that are in place
in other parts of the county and ask questions at the next high school PTSA
“has our school ever considered having…?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>AND, page 30 is a special treat
because this gets to the detail of high school’s participation and whether the
numbers represent 1000 kids taking 1 exam each or 200 kids taking 5 exams
each.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Appendix C:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>THIS IS MY
CANDY… this is where it becomes very personal because from pages 33-52, you can
see each course and how the students performed by high school in the 20 most
popular courses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look at the mean for
the county for each class and how did my school perform against that mean?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look to see what courses we didn’t offer
and make note to ask more about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
again, I look at my benchmarking schools – how are my “training partners”
doing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I really focus on schools
that are posting “rock star-like numbers” and sometimes I reach out to those
clusters and ask “what is happening over there” to gain more insight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the past year, I’ve been reaching out to
my Principal on any courses I have questions about and I have been talking to
other parents – does this seem right to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If there are courses that have been underperforming against the mean
year after year – which I can see by looking back at this SAME report that is
published each year here -- <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/</span></span></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I ask parents
in my community about their students’ experience in certain classes and go back
to the Principal to ask what explains this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is it a preparation issue? Do we need to create more professional
development opportunities?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something else
I have dared to ask “can I see the correlation data?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t seen it yet, but, when many parents
have similar stories of their children getting As in the course but, 2s on the
exams, I have questions… To my way of thinking, if a big group of students are getting
As in the class, I’m expecting – if the course is covering all the material
with rigor -- most of those students will post 4s or 5s on the exam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With our new data system being launched, that
can help target support to teachers and students – giving every child their
best chance at success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Watch for that
in coming years!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-78373826109953739162017-12-19T06:29:00.003-08:002017-12-19T06:29:45.021-08:00Reinvigorating the MCCPTA Blog - Public Education funding in Maryland -- what to pay attention to in an election yearI started this blog with an Advocacy emphasis during my tenure as MCCPTA VP Advocacy a couple of years back. It's been quiet for awhile now -- but not any more.<br />
<br />
Look to see an upcoming series of posts on issues of all sorts -- to respect your inboxes, and to inform. Guest posters will include our officers, advocacy committee members, the issue-area experts for each of the Advocacy Priorities the Delegates Assembly approved in October, and more.<br />
<br />
MCCPTA has an excellent team of officers this year, and great energy in our membership - committees and subcommittees working actively on issues we care about, actively reaching out for additional members, and sharing their work with all of us.<br />
<br />
The budget committees -<strong> CIP</strong> and <strong>Operating</strong> - are in high gear. <strong>Health and Safety</strong> has groups working on school climate (combatting hate in all its forms), mental health, school nutrition, wellness initiatives, opioid crisis and other addictions and more. <strong>Reflections </strong>is in high gear, <strong>Curriculum</strong> and its subcommittees are working on MANY issues - the new ES report cards, sifting through and understanding the data on graduation college readiness (with the new reporting rubric), finding ways to make the process of course selection in middle and high school one that INCLUDES parents and students in meaningful ways, <strong>Cultural Arts</strong> is ready and willing to share volumes of resources to help PTAs support cultural arts programs in schools, the <strong>GT committee</strong> will soon sponsor another forum, the <strong>Special Education</strong> committee continues its strong work on issues, and making MCCPTA aware of opportunities and events. The <strong>Advocacy </strong>Committee is in high gear, keeping our collective eyes on the Kirwan Commission, the Knott Commission, the governor's executive order on the school calendar, the upcoming General Assembly session, working with our community partners on candidate forums and candidate questionnaires. The list goes on, the work never stops, and there is always room for you to join in...<br />
<br />
MCCPTA is a wide <strong>AND</strong> deep organization because of the power, passion, experience, expertise and energy of our collective members. Individuals working on the issues they care about, and sharing with the rest of us!<br />
<br />
Learn more, and join us -- check out our webpage at <a href="http://www.mccpta.org/">www.mccpta.org</a><br />
<br />
Enough of the overview, now to the other purpose of this post -- how to stay critically informed about education related issues on the State level, and how to hold our elected officials, and elected official 'wannabes' accountable.<br />
<br />
It seems these days as if we are perpetually in an election year -- political messaging and partisan bickering is everywhere -- and much of the rhetoric and policy coming out of the current White House has very real and very damaging impacts on our public schools, public education, and MCPS students. That's the subject of another post.<br />
<br />
But it actually IS a state-wide election year in Maryland -- all of our county and state offices will be on the ballot in the June 26, 2018 primary and the Nov. 6, 2018 General Election. And frankly, with the new term limits in MoCo meaning more than half of our nine county council seats will not have an incumbent running, the county executive race is wide-open, and the 6th District Congressional seat being open --- <strong>everybody</strong> seems to be running for something, and many incumbents at all levels are shifting focus - running for new offices and giving up their current seats.<br />
<br />
And <strong>public education</strong> is the holy grail -- it is essential. The mission of PTA is to make every child's potential a reality, and long ago we realized that providing access and opportunity to high quality education was the only way to achieve that. Did you know that the Maryland Constitution places only two explicit responsibilities on the General Assembly -- passing a balanced budget each year <strong>and providing for a free, adequate system of public education.</strong> If you ever talk to someone running for state-wide office and they don't know that, or don't acknowledge that they are constitutionally required to make <strong>public </strong>education the highest priority -- I would look for another candidate<br />
<br />
All subjects for more blog posts -- because now is the time of year we focus on budgets in the County, and State-wide issues, because the 90-day General Assembly session kicks off on January 10, 2018. But, because 2018 is an election year, everything coming out of Annapolis this session will be more political than usual --- see above -- EVERYBODY is running for something!!!<br />
<br />
The State portion of our public school funding is formula driven --- in the 2002 "Bridge to Excellence" Act, the General Assembly set out a specific, mandatory, formula driven funding method to ensure a certain basic level of per pupil funding for every public school system, and public school student, in Maryland. Though the governor has a lot of budget power in Maryland - more in fact than any other U.S. governor -- the governor can't avoid the mandatory funding formulas in the law. So -- it's an election year -- when you hear candidates and office-holders make claims about public school funding (because they're all going to say education is the highest priority), ask these questions:<br />
<ul>
<li>Are you talking about <strong>public</strong> education? (Because there's been a lot of redirection of public money to private schools in the past couple of years)</li>
<li>When you say 'increased education funding' - are you talking about spending even one penny more than the Bridge to Excellence formulas require you to spend?</li>
<li>Because -- education spending has increased in Maryland every year for the past 15 -- but in most years that's just because the number of public school students has increased. The Bridge to Excellence funding formulas are all 'per pupil' based -- number of students goes up, education spending goes up..... number of students goes down, education funding goes down.</li>
<li>Beware of the governor's animus towards 'formula-driven funding' -- saying things like it removes autonomy, flexibility, and accountability from the budget cycle. Truth is -- almost all formula-driven funding in Maryland is specific to public education. So attacking the formulas IS attacking funding for our public schools</li>
<li>And remember -- the current governor refused to spend $68 million in dedicated public school funding his first year in office -- in the FY2016 budget the GCEI formula funds were never released to the school districts like MCPS where education costs are higher than average. The governor had two choices -- release the allocated funds to public schools, or let the money sit there. He let the money sit there.</li>
<li>And - looking at the work of the Kirwan Commission (Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education) they're making some serious recommendations about educational priorities in Maryland --- early childhood education, enhanced means of professionalizing the teacher workforce, creating a high quality cadre of diverse educators, CTE education etc. etc. But to really make Maryland schools the envy of the world takes commitment, substantive work vs. cosmetic changes, and FUNDING. What do our elected officials and candidates say about that?</li>
</ul>
The Baltimore Sun has been doing some excellent reporting on the work of the Kirwan Commission - here's a link to a recent article:<br />
<a href="http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-kirwan-delay-20171025-story.html">http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-kirwan-delay-20171025-story.html</a><br />
<br />
The organization Strong Schools Maryland is also doing great work following the work and priorities of the Kirwan Commission, and sharing substantive information about the educational priorities and issues identified in the Commission's work -- here's a link to Strong Schools website:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.strongschoolsmaryland.org/about-us-1">https://www.strongschoolsmaryland.org/about-us-1</a><br />
<br />
There's always lots going on in Maryland if you care about public education -- so stay tuned!Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-67654134695860234202016-05-30T06:01:00.001-07:002016-05-30T06:01:24.282-07:00Advocacy Part II - What happens after a bill is passed?<div>
Even after hardworking advocates are successful in getting a bill through the General Assembly, there is still another step or two in the process before the bill becomes law.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Maryland, once the General Assembly acts to pass a piece of legislation, the governor has three options.</div>
<ul>
<li>the governor can sign the bill into law</li>
<li>the governor can veto the bill (the General Assembly then has the option of attempting to override the veto - override requires a three-fifths vote of the elected membership of both the House and Senate) </li>
<li>the governor can do nothing --- you may have heard a staffer, lobbyist or legislator say the governor 'put it in a drawer' - in which case the bill goes into effect the same as if it were signed, just without the governor's imprimatur.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The vast majority of bills passed in any General Assembly session are passed in the final weeks... the final days are a flurry of floor votes, conference committees, and concurrences. The governor is authorized to act on any piece of legislation as soon as the bill is passed - which means the governor can sign or veto a bill during session. It is relatively rare for the governor to veto a bill during session, because as soon as the governor vetoes, the legislature can attempt an override. In the 2016 General Assembly session there were several vetoes during session this year, immediately overridden. Here's an article discussing some:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-house-of-delegates-overturns-hogans-vetoes/2016/04/07/d2500e12-fcc4-11e5-80e4-c381214de1a3_story.html&source=gmail&ust=1464537087421000&usg=AFQjCNHyF4luWzXzonVwW040EYfQQvHexg" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-house-of-delegates-overturns-hogans-vetoes/2016/04/07/d2500e12-fcc4-11e5-80e4-c381214de1a3_story.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1155cc;">https://www.washingtonpost.<wbr></wbr></span>com/local/md-politics/<wbr></wbr>maryland-house-of-delegates-<wbr></wbr>overturns-hogans-vetoes/2016/<wbr></wbr>04/07/d2500e12-fcc4-11e5-80e4-<wbr></wbr>c381214de1a3_story.html</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because so much happens at the end of the legislative session, usually the governor's office is presented with a large volume of passed legislation in a short space of time. The governor and his staff then have a maximum of 50 days to determine what action to take on each bill. Things generally take a pretty well-known path.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Even before the end of the legislative session, the governor's office announces multiple official post-session bill signing ceremonies --- there are usually about five or six of them. Then, after the governor's office is presented with the list of passed bills, the staff go through the list to determine which bills the governor will sign, and then assign each of those bills to one of the pre-determined bill signing ceremonies.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The bill signing ceremonies provide an opportunity for hardworking legislators and advocates to be present, be recognized, have a nice official photo op. with the governor etc. -- I'm sure you've all seen some of those photos - the governor, the speaker, the Senate president at the dais with a line of legislators and advocates behind.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You'd think that would be a pretty straightforward, transparent process -- but really not so much. Sometimes, the governor's office notifies primary bill sponsors of the date on which their bill will be signed well in advance, but often there is little notice. Many times the governor's office will release a list of bills to be signed only a day or two before the relevant signing ceremony.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Practically speaking, the Speaker's office and Senate president's office maintain a list of bills passed during session, and monitor the bill signing announcements that come out of the governor's office -- -checking bills off as they go. After the last bill signing ceremony a list of unsigned bills remains. Usually - and this year is no exception - the last bill signing ceremony takes place about a week before the final deadline for gubernatorial action on session legislation. So then, you literally just wait to see what will happen with the remaining bills. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Bills vetoed after the end of the General Assembly session have to wait til the General Assembly convenes again to attempt veto overrides.... and that's more than seven months. Effectively that means when the governor vetoes a bill passed by the General Assembly with a veto-proof majority, the veto isn't the death of the bill, just a delay. Which begs the question.... if you know the bill will eventually be enacted, why thwart the work of the General Assembly? But it happens.....</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-64627005145916993292016-05-24T05:27:00.000-07:002016-05-24T05:27:55.297-07:00Follow-up - Bills of special interest to students.... and more work to do!This set of bills, that I thought might be of specific interest to students, fared pretty well in the General Assembly --- with one notable exception. The bills related to issues as diverse as voting rights for Montgomery County's Student Member of the Board of Education, creation of an anonymous text-messaging system for students to use to report bullying, and protecting the First Amendment rights of student journalists.<br />
<br />
Here's a quick summary:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 41 Anonymous two-way text messaging tip programs – </b>sponsor Del. Arentz<o:p></o:p></div>
This bill would amend the Safe Schools Reporting Act to expand the model policy developed by the State Board of Education for reporting bullying, investigating reports of bullying, and disciplining students who have violated school bullying policies. The bill would require local boards of education to create and publicize two-way anonymous text messaging programs for use by students and others involved in or witnessing bullying to anonymously report the incidents.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0041&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0041&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>The 2016 General Assembly session was the second go around for this bill, and once again it died in committee. A little editorializing here. I think this is a really good bill that aims to create a real, meaningful resource for students - allowing them to utilize technology they already use routinely (what does the latest research show -- the average US teenager sends over 100 texts/day??) to anonymously report concerns about their school environment and experience -- troubles on their bus, bullying, cheating, broken water fountains, etc. etc. </o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>I talked to several members of our Delegation to get their thoughts on the bill -- it looked good to me, but maybe I was missing something??? Why was the bill struggling so much? What I heard was that yes, this is a good bill --- that could benefit from more coordinated advocacy. I'm hoping to work with students, bill sponsors, school administrators and others interested in school safety issues over the summer to build a more robust advocacy effort around establishing this type of resource for students. If anyone is interested --- just let me know!!</o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB87 – Student Member of the Board (SMOB) Voting</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> – Montgomery County Delegation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is a Montgomery County local bill (meaning its provisions would apply only in Montgomery County) to extend the voting rights and Board participation of the Student Member of the Board of Education. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a link to the HB87 bill page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0087&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0087&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
This bill is almost the dictionary definition of legislation that takes a marathon, not a sprint! This was at least the 4th time the MoCo SMOB voting rights bill was filed in the General Assembly. Several years back it got close --- with near unanimous support of our Montgomery County Delegation -- but certain committee chairs killed it in committee. This year it moved forward with complete support - every member of our Montgomery County delegation supported it - and it finally passed!<br />
<br />
One interesting thing for fellow legislative nerds. Every year in the Maryland General Assembly, every county's delegation puts forward a variety of local bills -- legislation with purely local impact that, for one reason or another, must be approved by the General Assembly. Now, you would think that - as a courtesy if nothing else - when a local bill moves forward with the unanimous support of its Delegation - all other members of the General Assembly would defer to the will of the local jurisdiction to regulate itself. But if you click on the link above, and go to the "history" section of the bill page, you'll see yet another instance of legislators voting against bills that they have absolutely no interest in. <br />
<br />
Eight members of the House, and four members of the Senate, voted against the MoCo SMOB voting rights bill. Why on earth electeds like Sen. Hershey of Queen Anne County, or Delegate Kittleman of Carroll County voted against this bill, or even thought it was appropriate to vote against a bill of purely local effect in Montgomery County, eludes me. But that sort of thing happens all the time.....<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB115/SB582 - Public School Robotics Club Grant Program</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Reznik/Sen. King</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This bill created a grant program, administered by the State Dept. of Education, to support and expand robotics clubs in public schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bill would require the governor to provide at least $500,000 to seed the program.</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here’s a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0115&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0115&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>This bill passed easily, but the governor opted not to sign it. I doubt very much he'll veto it</o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB708/SB781 – Maryland Seal of Biliteracy</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Del. Gutierrez<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">A little bit of history. This bill was back for the third time this year - it failed even to get a vote in the House Ways and Means committee last year – even though it sailed through committee on the Senate side, and was unanimously approved in the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill establishes a Maryland Seal of Biliteracy Program to recognize public high school graduates, beginning with the graduating class of 2017, who have attained proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English. The purpose of the program is to promote linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy in one or more languages in addition to English and to provide recognition of the attainment of those skills by affixing a Seal of Biliteracy to the student’s diploma or transcript at graduation. Participation in the program by a local school system is voluntary; however, if a local school system chooses to participate, an individual school may not opt out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the General Assembly website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0708&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0708&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><u> </u></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p>The third time was the charm --- the Maryland Seal of Biliteracy was unanimously passed by both the House and Senate, and was signed by the governor on April 26. Congratulations to D18 Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez for the persistence and passion!</o:p><br />
<o:p><br /></o:p>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB764 – Student Journalists – Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press</b> – Sen. Raskin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill – to ensure student journalists enjoy the Constitutionally protected Freedoms of Speech and the Press, was sponsored by Senator Jamie Raskin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his other life, Senator Raskin is a nationally recognized Constitutional Law scholar, and a professor of Constitutional Law at American University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, he knows the subject.<br />
<br />
And - if you talk to Sen. Raskin, he'll tell you that part of his motivation for sponsoring this legislation was an experience he had several years ago at Montgomery Blair HS.<br />
<br />
In 2009, a student organization at Blair was producing a program debating the merits of marriage equality, in a fairly traditional debate format - proposition, with pro/con debate - two speakers supporting each side of the question. The students videotaped their debate, but school administration refused to let them air the video stating that the subject was too controversial. The students and their advisor reached out to Sen. Raskin to help them argue against the school's censorship of their work.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here’s a link to the bill’s page on the General Assembly website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0764&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0764&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>This was one of my favorite bills this year. It was filed a bit late (but before the filing deadline), and didn't have a crossfile. But the bill succeeded, and now Maryland's student journalists enjoy full First Amendment protection. The governor signed it on April 26.</div>
</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-40275190540803800442016-05-22T09:28:00.000-07:002016-05-22T09:28:17.909-07:00Post-session summary of Special Education and Mental Health bills<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Aside from some of the (in my opinion really important and necessary) testing bills, this was a fairly good year for student-focused bills -- and D14 Del. Eric Luedtke --- whose street cred. as a long-time MCPS teacher is always on display in Annapolis -- had a pretty good year!</span><br />
<br />
There are three successes here, and one bill that didn't succeed. One commonality in those that made it through - they were each straightforward, clear --- and frankly, embodied commonsense. Some of you commented on some of these bills, in essence saying 'we don't already do this?????'<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB85 – Children with Disabilities – Parental Notice</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill would add to existing law the requirement that schools provide to parents of children with disabilities written information explaining available early intervention and special education family support services, with information on how to contact the providers of those services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That information is to be provided at the first IEP meeting to discuss interventions for the child, and the information must be provided in the language in which the parents are most fluent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0085&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0085&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
This bill sailed through both Chambers with broad bi-partisan support, and was signed by the governor on April 26.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB86/SB421 – Translation of IEP and family service plans</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – sponsor Del. Luedtke/Sen. Ramirez<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Authorizing the parents of a child with a completed individualized education program (IEP) or a completed individualized family service plan to request translation of the document into the parents' native language. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the HB86 bill page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0086&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0086&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill too made it through both the House and Senate easily, and was signed by the governor on April 26.</span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 142 – Emotional Health Awareness Programs in Schools - </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Hixson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill would require local school systems to implement programs of emotional suffering awareness, and also programs for middle and high school coaches and athletes focused on creating a character building culture in youth sports programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br />
Here is the link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0142&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0142&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></a><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This was a mental health bill inculcating programs championed by the Campaign to Change Direction and the Positive Coaching Alliance. It didn't go anywhere this year, though I think the intent was good, and the need for programs to increase mental health awareness, decrease bullying, and destigmatize mental and behavioral health is great.<br />
<br />
I think this bill could be back, and with a better chance, particularly if the citizen advocates really get organized, and make a concerted effort to reach out to electeds and folks like us who care deeply about public education, and supporting all our students.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB713/SB494 – School Behavioral Health Accountability Act </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">–Del. Luedtke/Sen. Nathan-Pulliam<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill would require the State Dept. of Education and local school boards and departments of health to develop and implement a standardized reporting system to determine the effectiveness of community-partnered school behavioral health services programs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here’s the link to the bill page on the General Assembly webpage:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0713&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0713&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>This was another win for Del. Luedtke -- a legislative hat-trick of bills supporting some of our most vulnerable students! The bill made it through both the House and Senate easily, and was signed by the governor on April 26.Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-17468072796148701552016-05-11T13:01:00.001-07:002016-05-11T13:01:50.057-07:00Child Health and Safety bills --- post-session summaryA variety of bills involving child health and safety were filed in the General Assembly this year. From a variant of Erin's Law (requiring the development of age-appropriate curricula focusing on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention), to legislation specifying penalties for youth sports coaches who fail to follow concussion awareness and prevention protocols, and even a bill requiring elementary students to get more physical activity during school hours! <br />
<br />
The Student Diabetes Management Program bill was also back this year - a bill to allow students with diabetes more autonomy to manage their diabetes in school, and would also provide the opportunity for school staff who volunteer to be trained to assist diabetic students.<br />
<br />
Here is a summary of the fate of the child health and safety bills I blogged about in February:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth Sports Programs - Concussion prevention – coaching</u></b> – sponsor Del. Chang</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill would expand current law on concussion prevention in youth sports programs by requiring the suspension of coaches who violate concussion protocols by allowing an athlete to return to play or practice after a suspected concussion injury <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">without </b>adequate medical clearance. For school sports programs the Act would require the State Board of Education to establish this policy; and all local boards of education to follow it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Act also requires non-school based youth sports programs to institute and follow this policy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Of interest, the fiscal note cites MCPS policy as state-wide best practices that already embody the substance of this bill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0029&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0029&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I thought this bill embodied some pretty good, evidence-based policy --- but it went nowhere this year -- didn't even get a vote in committee. Hopefully it will be back next year, with more vigorous advocacy. Sometimes making good law is a marathon, not a sprint! </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><u>HB72 Sexual Abuse and Assault Awareness and Prevention Program</u></span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> - sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill would require the State Board of Education and specified nonpublic schools to develop and implement a program of age-appropriate education relating to the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This information would be incorporated into the health curriculum and taught by teachers specially trained to deliver the content.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0072&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0072&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>This bill was back after having a tough road in 2015 - but second time was a charm, and the bill passed both the House and Senate. As of yet the governor hasn't signed it, but he won't veto it either ---- and if the governor takes no action on a bill passed by the General Assembly, it goes into effect the same as if the governor signed it.</o:p></span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB198 – School Resource Officers</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Cluster</span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require every school district to hire and staff a School Resource Officer for every Maryland public school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0198&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0198&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is one of those bills that reasonable minds can seriously differ about, and that local school systems really chafe at on 'local control' and budgetary grounds. Not all counties are as adept at sharing services between entities as Montgomery. Here, different government agencies and offices often work together to provide services -- in the schools we see that with community partners like DHHS providing social and wrap-around services in some schools, and the police department providing SROs in high schools.<br />
<br />
But I digress. This bill went nowhere this year.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB 245/SB310 – Child Abuse and Neglect – Failure to Report</u></b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Del. Dumais</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill specifies penalties when, during the course of an investigation into a case of suspected child abuse or neglect, an investigating agency suspects that an individual or organization legally required to report suspected abuse failed to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0245&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0245&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></a></span></u><br />
<br />
Both the House and Senate versions of this bill passed both the House and Senate, and the governor signed the bill into law on May 10. On the surface not surprising, seems like a pretty straightforward, commonsense bill ---- but, traditionally getting a bill through the House Judiciary committee is no easy thing.... so kudos to Del. Dumais!<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB409/SB564 – Providing alcohol to minors - penalty– Alex and Calvin’s Law</u></b> Del. Fraser-Hidalgo & Sen. Feldman<o:p></o:p><br /> This bill increases the penalties for adults who obtain or provide alcohol to minors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s a link to the bill page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0409&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0409&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br /><br />Two MoCo legislators from District 15 sponsored this bill (Del. Fraser-Hidalgo in the House, Sen. Feldman in the Senate) - which arose from a tragedy in the Wootton community last summer. Advocates in the Wootton cluster very effectively spoke out in favor of this legislation, both versions of which passed both the House and Senate. As yet the governor hasn't signed the bill, but hopefully it will be part of the governor's final 2016 bill signing ceremony next week. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB474 – Elementary Schools – Daily Physical Activity – </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Del. Walker</span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require that all elementary school students be provided a daily program of physical activity totaling 150 minutes each week, a minimum of 90 minutes of which must be physical education<u>.</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here’s a link to the bill page on the GA website<u>:</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0474&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0474&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I think everyone agrees physical education, and daily physical activity, are incredibly important for kids --- it helps every aspect of their well-being, and makes it easier for them to do the intellectual work of school. But -- there's almost always pushback from the local Boards of Education and school systems when the state tries to add something mandatory to school curricula. This bill didn't even get a vote in committee.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">SB71 – Student Diabetes Management Program</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Senator Young<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill requires the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), to establish guidelines for volunteer school employees to become trained diabetes care providers. Each school system would create a Student Diabetes Management Program that includes training volunteers to become diabetes care providers. Students requiring diabetes care at school must provide a Diabetes Medical Management Plan to the school. If a student’s plan states that the student may independently monitor and treat their diabetes while at school, the student may perform the authorized tasks wherever the student considers necessary, and possess and carry any necessary supplies and equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website<u>:</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0071&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0071&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This was the second go-around for this piece of legislation, which had a tough go in 2015. The Senate version of the bill passed the Senate last year, but didn't even get a vote in the House -- and the House version of the bill didn't even get a vote in committee last year. But - again, second time's a charm --- both the House and Senate versions of the bill passed both chambers, and the bill was signed by the governor on April 26.</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-59176378166113788142016-05-10T07:36:00.001-07:002016-05-10T07:36:15.658-07:00Less Testing, More Learning - what happened to these bills in the 2016 General AssemblyDecreasing the sheer number of tests, and volume of time spent preparing for and taking tests, K-12 students take in their school life is a major focus of the Maryland State Education Association(MSEA) these days. It's "Less Testing, More Learning" initiative successfully partnered with a number of legislators to introduce a package of bills in the General Assembly this year, with mixed results. Here's a link to the MSEA's summary report from its "Less Testing, More Learning" website:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lesstestingmorelearning.com/learn-more/">http://lesstestingmorelearning.com/learn-more/</a><br />
<br />
Here is a brief review of the various bills, including how the bill progressed through the General Assembly this year.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB141/SB407 – Education Accountability Act – Limits on Testing</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require the State Board of Education to adopt regulations limiting the total amount of time that may be devoted to federal, State, and locally mandated tests for each grade to 2% of the specified minimum required annual instructional hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is the link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0141&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0141&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>The House version of the bill made it through the Ways and Means committee, and was passed unanimously by the House, but the House bill never made it out of the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. The Senate version of the bill didn't make it out of committee.</o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><u>HB397 – Education – Best Practices in Administration of Assessments</u> – </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dels. M. Washington and Ebersole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill would require the State Department of Education to develop a specific set of best practices that the State and local school districts must use when deciding whether to administer an assessment or test to students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
.<br />
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0397&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0397&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p>Like HB141, this bill was voted out of the Ways and Means committee, and passed unanimously in the House, but died in the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee.</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB412/SB533 – Education -Administration of Assessments – Notice</b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Del. Kaiser<o:p></o:p></u><br />
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill would require each county board of education to provide information relating to each assessment administered in a local school system that includes the title, purpose, grade level tested, subject area, testing window, time to complete, loss of instruction time, and accommodations for students with special needs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0412&stab.01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0412&stab.01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
This bill passed both the House and Senate, and was signed by the governor on April 26.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><u></u></strong> </div>
<u><strong>HB657 - Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness Assessments</strong> - Del. Shoemaker</u><br />
This bill would limit administration of state mandated 'school readiness' assessments to a random sampling of Pre-K and Kindergarten students in each local school district. According to legislators I've spoken to, this bill addresses concerns expressed by a large number of teachers and school administrators concerned about the amount of instructional and interactive class time lost to the process of administering school readiness assessments to every pre-k and kindergarten student.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the bill page on the GA website:<br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0657&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0657&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill unanimously passed both the House and Senate, and was signed by the governor on April 26.</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-17660213041172789952016-03-03T05:51:00.001-08:002016-03-03T05:51:40.717-08:00Election year reminders for MCCPTA/local PTAs as 501(c)(3) organizations -- <div>
No news flash here - it is an election year. In fact, early voting for the primary begins in less than two months -- on April 14, to be precise. So ---- just a few reminders about what - as 501(c)(3) organizations - it is permissible for MCCPTA and PTAs to do in the world of elections and politics, and what organizationally we need to avoid.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The issues that seem to create the most uncertainty boil down to two things:</div>
<ol>
<li>Distinguishing <strong>personal</strong> activity from <strong>MCCPTA/PTA sponsored</strong> or sanctioned activity</li>
<li>Candidates vs. elected officials</li>
</ol>
<div>
It's really pretty simple. <strong>Acting in your personal capacity</strong> you can be as active as you want on any issue, or on behalf of any candidate, that you choose. And I hope you are very civically engaged - watching, listening, getting informed, supporting candidates of your choice etc. If anyone criticizes you for your personal engagement in the political process because you are a member or officer of your local PTA or MCCPTA ---- they are WAY off base. You DO NOT forfeit your right to have opinions, and work for the candidates or issues you care about, just because you are also a member or officer of a 501(c)(3) organization. The key is not trumpeting your involvement in MCCPTA/PTA as part of, or while you're engaged in, advocacy or support for a particular issue or candidate.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
BUT - as 501(c)(3)s - MCCPTA and local PTAs <strong>can not support or endorse </strong>any political candidate. That means all of us - when wearing our MCCPTA or local PTA hats, or acting in our PTA capacity on behalf of MCCPTA or our local PTAs - are similarly constrained. And - as MCCPTA or your local PTA - you can not claim to support or endorse a particular issue unless the membership has voted to do so (and the position MCCPTA/your local PTA takes is not in opposition to an official issue stance taken by National PTA or Maryland PTA).</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Also -- there is a big difference between an elected official, and a candidate for office. In an election year, sometimes the one is also the other --- but your only concern is not endorsing or supporting a <strong>candidate for office.</strong> So what if it is a Maryland election year, and all of the members of your General Assembly delegation (your senator and three delegates) and your county councilmember are running for re-election (or for another office) in competitive races? And what if you have an issue about which your PTA would contact your senator and delegates or county councilmember - can you do that? Of course --- they are still your elected voice in the General Assembly or on the County Council. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Or what if there is an event to which your senator and delegates (or county councilmember etc.) are typically invited in their official capacity - can they be invited? Probably so -- as long as it's clear that their presence is because of the office they hold, not the office they seek. No campaigning of any type - even the passing out of campaign materials, should be permitted UNLESS all the other candidates for office are also invited to appear.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here are the basics to keep in mind.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a PTA or while acting as a PTA representative you can NOT:</div>
<ul>
<li>openly support a particular candidate</li>
<li>encourage others to support a particular candidate</li>
<li>host a PTA sponsored event to which you invite only one, or only a select few, candidates for office</li>
<li>share information about only one candidate for a particular office</li>
</ul>
<div>
As a PTA or PTA representative you CAN (and hopefully you will):</div>
<ul>
<li>share candidate-neutral information about events and opportunities for your membership to learn about the candidates and issues</li>
<li>host a 'meet the candidates' type event or forum AS LONG AS you invite all candidates for a given office</li>
<li>post/share non-partisan resources for candidate/issue information -- i.e. the League of Women Voters "Voter Guide", a list of upcoming candidate debates and the like</li>
<li>what's candidate-neutral? Mere notice that an event is happening is neutral, but only sharing information about one candidate's events, or ANY political literature - not neutral</li>
</ul>
<div>
What does that all really mean? Some examples:</div>
<ul>
<li>you (in your personal capacity) can go out and canvass for your chosen candidate for dog-catcher, but you really shouldn't do it wearing your "BestEver ES PTA" t-shirt</li>
<li>you can host a 'meet and greet' for your dog-catcher candidate, but don't post an invitation to it on your PTA listserv, or announce it at your PTA meeting</li>
<li>if your PTA invites one candidate for the "at-large" Board of Education seat to talk at a meeting, you have to invite them all (now, whether or not they accept -- that you can't control - you just have to issue the invitation equally and equitably)</li>
<li>if you have information about a public all-candidate event -- say a local civic group is sponsoring a candidate forum for one of the congressional seats - you can share or post that information through your PTA communication resources</li>
<li>notices about political fundraisers - those you should NOT circulate through PTA avenues</li>
</ul>
<div>
What do you do if a candidate contacts you -- as a representative of your PTA - and asks you to share information about them via your PTA resources? It depends, a little bit.</div>
<ul>
<li>political candidate literature --- even accompanied by a PTA disclaimer 'we do not endorse or support this message' - I wouldn't do it.</li>
<li>mere notice of an event (no political literature)-- candidate X is having a townhall - that's probably okay --- as long as you do it for everyone who asks, not just for one or a few. I would also accompany that with a disclaimer.</li>
<li>What if a candidate wants to come speak at a meeting --- vs. you inviting them --- that's a little trickier. It's up to your PTA Board - but if you allow it, you MUST make clear the PTA did not invite the candidate, the PTA neither endorses nor supports the candidate, and if you decide to let them appear --- if it were me -- I'd reach out to all the other candidates for the same office and invite them as well. Cover your bases.</li>
</ul>
<div>
</div>
<div class="yj6qo ajU">
<div aria-label="Show trimmed content" class="ajR" data-tooltip="Show trimmed content" id=":3ap" role="button" tabindex="0">
<img class="ajT" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif" /></div>
</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-48424400432846024332016-02-13T12:43:00.001-08:002016-02-13T13:18:53.750-08:00School Construction funding -- seems to be always on the agenda, the hardworking Appropriations Committee, and RIP Delegate James Proctor.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If your particular public education passion is school construction, here's an important chance for you to SPEAK!!!</div>
<div>
<strong></strong> </div>
<div>
<strong>SB271/HB722</strong> - <strong>Capital Grant Program for Local School Systems With Significant Enrollment Growth or Relocatable Classrooms </strong></div>
<div>
This bill expands the amount of grant funds available under this program created last year, which MCCPTA advocacy was instrumental in passing!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">Last year we were successful in our advocacy for the establishment of this Capital Grant program because we spoke on behalf of ALL the school districts that could benefit, not just our own. The language of the bill makes 11 of Maryland's 24 school districts eligible to apply for this grant at various times in the coming seven years- <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Charles, St. Mary's, Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester and Somerset counties due to growth, and Prince George's county based on the number of relocateables.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;">Here's a link to the General Assembly website bill page for SB271:</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0271&stab=01&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0271&stab=01&ys=2016RS</a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
The Senate bill is assigned to the Budget and Tax committee, and was heard on 2/10 - MCCPTA had a witness panel there to support the legislation. <span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;">Here's a link to the Budget and Tax committee membership -- each name is a hyperlink to their contact information. Keep in mind, the bill is sponsored by Montgomery County Senator (and former MCCPTA president) Nancy King (D39), and the vice-chair of the B&T committee is MoCo Senator (and MCPS parent) Rich Madaleno (D18):</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=b%26t&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=b%26t&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></div>
<div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: small;"></span><br />
The House crossfile, HB722, is sponsored by D20 Delegate (and Ways and Means Committee Chair) Sheila Hixson. There's a link to the HB722 bill page on the SB271 bill page. Hb722 is assigned to the Appropriations Committee, and is set for hearing on 2/23. Here's a link to the membership of Appropriations, each name a hyperlink to the Delegate's contact information:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Even after losing D14 Delegate Craig Zucker on Appropriations (because he was appointed to replace retiring D14 Senator Karen Montgomery, so is now Senator Zucker), Montgomery County still has four seats on that important committee, Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez (S18), Del. Marc Korman (D16), Del. Aruna Miller (D15) and new committee member Del. Kirill Reznik (D39).</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
The Appropriations committee works HARD. They're the ones who take the lead on creating each year's budget, and all of us who care deeply about public education should be grateful to the hardworking delegates who serve there, and in particular the committee chair Maggie Macintosh - who is a HUGE friend to public education, and also seems to have a soft spot for Montgomery County.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One sad note though. Last summer we lost the long-serving co-chair of the Appropriations committee, Del. James Proctor of Prince George's County. He was a stalwart champion of public education, and a true gentleman. I know his voice, and concern for all of Maryland's public schools and public school students, is missed.</div>
<div>
</div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-87277540669008091322016-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:002016-02-25T16:44:48.925-08:00Public Safety - some important bills filed just this weekOn just one day this past week, over 170 bills were filed ----- that's a lot of bills, in a session that has already seen more bills filed than is typical. Several of the bills filed Wednesday relate to public safety. Here are three gun safety bills - prohibiting guns and other weapons on college campuses, preventing those convicted of domestic violence from possessing firearms,and expanding notice requirements when a gun license application is denied. <br />
<br />
Another bill -- increasing penalties for drunk driving and increasing the use of the Ignition Interlock technology (which prevents drunk drivers from starting their cars) - has a strong Montgomery County connection. This bill is now named for Montgomery County police officer Noah Leotta, killed in the line by a drunk driver in December. Noah's father is championing the advocacy effort to get the bill passed.<br />
<br />
This isn't the first time bills to increase the penalties for drunk driving, and to increase utilization of Ignition Interlock technology, have been filed in Annapolis. This is one of those times it seems it may take a tragedy to pass good public policy.<br />
<br />
I'm going to lean on my street cred. as a former trauma nurse to opine just a bit here. Cars are deadly weapons. They are huge, heavy, and go fast. No living creature has much of a chance against one, and there are almost no controls over who gets in one, and goes barreling off down public streets full of other living creatures. Scraping up the pieces of a person assaulted by a car sucks, telling a parent their child is dead is unimaginably hard - and being that parent, I can't even imagine. Take it from me -- some things you NEVER get over.<br />
<br />
It utterly eludes me that it is so difficult to get policy-makers to treat cars as the deadly weapons they are, and the damage wrought by them with the seriousness it deserves. Using technology that can prevent convicted drunk drivers from driving drunk is just common sense. Making penalties for drunk and impaired driving actual penalties - that makes sense too. MADD, SADD, police unions, public safety groups, doctors, nurses, any organization whose focus is child health and safety --- all should get behind this bill. At least, that's what I think. Now, the bills themselves:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB906/HB1102</span></u></b><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Weapon-Free Higher Education Zones</b> -Senator
Madaleno, Delegate Barnes<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Synposis:
The bill would amend the state’s Criminal Law statutes to prohibit the carrying
or possession of firearms, knives, or deadly weapons on the property of public
institutions of higher education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
bill provides exceptions for law enforcement officers, retired or off-duty law
enforcement officers authorized to carry a weapon, a person hired for the
purpose of guarding the institution's property, a person engaged in organized
shooting activity for educational purposes, and a person who has a written
invitation from the president of the institution to engage in a historical
demonstration.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here
is the link to the SB906 page on the General Assembly website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0906&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0906&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB906
is assigned to the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee, and is set for
hearing on 3/9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the
Judicial Proceedings committee membership – each name is a hyperlink to the senator’s
contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The House crossfile, HB1102,
is assigned to the House Appropriations committe, and as of 2/12 does not have
an initial hearing date. Here is a link to the committee's membership, each name a hyperlink to the delegate's contact information: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB943/HB1101</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Criminal Procedure - Firearms – Transfer - </b>Sen. Raskin, Del. Will Smith</span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Synposis:</span>
This bill would prohibit individuals convicted of a crime of domestic violence from obtaining and/or possessing firearms. The bill provides a mechanism by which individuals convicted of domestic violence would legally dispose of or transfer any firearms in their possession.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
full text of the bill can be found at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0243&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0243&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB943 is assigned to the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee, and is set for hearing on 3/9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Judicial Proceedings committee membership – each name is a hyperlink to the senator’s contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The House crossfile, HB1001, is assigned to the House Judiciary committee, and is set for hearing on 2/26. Here is a link to the committee's membership, each name a hyperlink to the delegate's contact information: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>SB944/HB1340</u></span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u> – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Firearms - Applications - Notification and Reporting -</b>
Senator Raskin</u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Synposis:
The bill would amend the Public Safety Article by requiring the Secretary of
State Police to provide notice to relevant agencies anytime an application for a gun license is denied because the applicant is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm, or because the applicant made false statements on the gun license application. The bill would require notice of the license denial within 24 hours of the decision, unless a law enforcement investigation would be compromised.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Information about the bill and its progress can be found on it's General Assembly webpage:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0944&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0944&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB944 is assigned to the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee, and is set for hearing on 3/9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Judicial Proceedings committee membership – each name is a hyperlink to the senator’s contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The House crossfile, HB1340, is assigned to the House Judiciary committee, and is set for hearing on 3/15. Here is a link to the committee's membership, each name a hyperlink to the delegate's contact information: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB945/HB1342 – Drunk Driving Reduction Act of
2016 (Noah's Law) -</span></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sen. Raskin, Del. Kramer</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Synposis:
The bill would amend the Transportation Article by increasing the suspension
periods for the driver's license of a person who is convicted of driving under
the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bill would require persons convicted of
driving under the influence to participate in the Ignition Interlock System
Program for a specified period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The bill would require revocation of a driver’s license in the case of a
conviction for vehicular homicide. Generally the bill expands the optional and mandatory use of Ignition Interlock technology. That technology requires Breathalyzer analysis showing no blood alcohol content before a car's ignition can be engaged. In other words, if the breath test reveals alcohol, the car won't start.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here's a link to the bill's page on the General Assembly website at:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0945&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0945&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">SB945 is assigned to the Senate Judicial Proceedings committee, and is set for hearing on 3/10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Judicial Proceedings committee membership – each name is a hyperlink to the senator’s contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: blue;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The House crossfile, HB1342, is assigned to the House Judiciary committee, and is set for hearing on 2/24. Here is a link to the committee's membership, each name a hyperlink to the delegate's contact information: </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-85964115655610723912016-02-11T16:55:00.002-08:002016-02-19T08:44:56.151-08:00Bills that might be of particular interest to studentsThere are some bills before the General Assembly this session that may be of particular interest to students. I've already blogged about bills that could affect the ability to pay for college, but students care about more things than that! Here are a some bills relating to issues as diverse as voting rights for Montgomery County's Student Member of the Board of Education, creation of an anonymous text-messaging system for students to use to report bullying, and protecting the First Amendment rights of student journalists.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 41 Anonymous
two-way text messaging tip programs – </b>sponsor Del. Arentz<o:p></o:p></div>
This bill would amend the Safe Schools Reporting Act to
expand the model policy developed by the State Board of Education for reporting
bullying, investigating reports of bullying, and disciplining students who have
violated school bullying policies. The bill would require local boards of
education to create and publicize two-way anonymous text messaging programs for
use by students and others involved in or witnessing bullying to anonymously
report the incidents.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0041&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0041&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 1/28– no further action yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2/11 there is no Senate
cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways
and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact
information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB87 – Student Member of the Board
(SMOB) Voting</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> –
Montgomery County Delegation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is a
Montgomery County local bill (meaning its provisions would apply only in Montgomery County) to extend the voting rights and Board
participation of the Student Member of the Board of Education. Here is the
contact information for all of the members of the Montgomery County Delegation:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/contact.html"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/contact.html</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the HB87 bill page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0087&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0087&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 2/4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
No further action as of 2/11 - a</span>s of that date there is no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means
committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB115/SB582 - Public School Robotics Club
Grant Program</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Reznik</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would create a grant program, administered by the State Dept. of Education, to
support and expand robotics clubs in public schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bill would require the governor to
provide at least $500,000 to seed the program.</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here’s a link
to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0115&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0115&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 2/4, no further action as of 2/11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a
hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
SB582 is the Senate cross-file. There is a hyperlink to the SB582 bill page on the HB115
bill page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SB582 is assigned to the
Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. The bill will be heard in EHEA on 2/24. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each
name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p><br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB708/SB781
– Maryland Seal of Biliteracy</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Del.
Gutierrez<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">A little bit of history. This bill is
back after failing to get a vote in the House Ways and Means committee last year
– even though it sailed through committee on the Senate side, and was
unanimously approved in the Senate.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill establishes a Maryland Seal
of Biliteracy Program to recognize public high school graduates, beginning with
the graduating class of 2017, who have attained proficiency in speaking,
reading, and writing one or more languages in addition to English. The purpose
of the program is to promote linguistic proficiency and cultural literacy in
one or more languages in addition to English and to provide recognition of the
attainment of those skills by affixing a Seal of Biliteracy to the student’s
diploma or transcript at graduation. Participation in the program by a local
school system is voluntary; however, if a local school system chooses to
participate, an individual school may not opt out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the General Assembly website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0708&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0708&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><u> </u></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The House version of the bill is
assigned to the Ways and Means committee, and is set for initial hearing on
3/10.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the membership of
Ways and Means – each name is a hyperlink to the delegate’s contact
information:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject7&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject7&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;"></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">There is a link to the Senate version of the bill on the
HB708 bill page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SB781 is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. The bill will be heard in EHEA on 2/24. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB764 – Student Journalists
– Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press</b> – Sen. Raskin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill – which would ensure student journalists enjoy the
Constitutionally protected Freedoms of Speech and the Press, is sponsored by
Senator Jamie Raskin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his other life,
Senator Raskin is a nationally recognized Constitutional Law scholar, and a
professor of Constitutional Law at American University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, he knows the subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here’s a link to the bill’s page on the General Assembly
website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0764&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=sb0764&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> is assigned to the Senate </span></span>Education,
Health and Environmental Affairs committee, and set for hearing on 3/2. As of
2/11 there is no House crossfile. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members
– each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p>Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-20952901272755574922016-02-10T13:24:00.002-08:002016-02-10T13:24:27.606-08:00Things all of us should know during an election year!<div>
It's an election year!! Not a newsflash, I know.... but - hard to believe though it is - the Maryland polls open for the first time this election cycle in barely two months.</div>
<div>
Yup - <strong>early voting for the primary begins on <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_549694091" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">April 14</span></span></span></strong>. <strong>Primary day itself is <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_549694092" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">April 26</span></span></span></strong>. Really, that means it will be here before you blink twice.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
First things first. Are you registered to vote? Not sure? Have you recently moved and don't know if you changed your address with the Board of Elections?</div>
<div>
<u>DID YOU KNOW</u> that in Maryland, you can register to vote at age 16, and anyone who is age 18 as of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_549694093" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">November 8, 2016</span></span></span> (date of the General Election) can vote in the ENTIRE election cycle? That means as long as you are 18 as of <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_549694094" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">Nov. 8</span></span></span>, you can vote in the Primary election as well as the General Election.... but only if you register!!</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Here's a link to the Board of Elections website --- you can check your voter registration status, find out your election districts, you can even register to vote online. <strong>You have until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_549694095" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">April 8</span></span></span></strong> to get registered and make sure your voter registration is up-to-date if you want to vote in the Primary:</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/index2.html" target="_blank">http://www.montgomerycountymd.<wbr></wbr>gov/elections/index2.html</a></div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-79510738545814591212016-02-09T20:45:00.000-08:002016-02-09T20:45:03.449-08:00Bills that just might make paying for college easier --- or at least more predictableThere are a passle of bills surrounding the issue of paying for college circulating in the General Assembly this year. Some have a pretty hefty pricetag --- like Delegate Haynes' Maryland Education Opportunity Act (which would waive community college tuition for degree or certificate seeking students who graduated from MD high schools or have GEDs) - so many predict a short life for this one --- but, hey, the bill specifies that the funding for the program would come out of gaming revenue ---and lots of us think more of that money should go into the Education Trust Fund anyway.<br />
<br />
Others are just common sense --- like HB230 - Reduction in Financial Aid - Notification - and cost basically nothing. <br />
<br />
And one - Delegate Kaiser's local Montgomery County bill to create a Montgomery County Student Loan Financing Authority -- could be a serious game-changer.....with the potential to make paying for college, and repaying student debt, a much easier proposition for hard working Montgomery County residents -- like teachers, nurses, non-profit staffers, civil servants and so on.<br />
<br />
Here's a look:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 18 – Maryland
Education Opportunity Act</b> – sponsor Del. Haynes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill would waive tuition for State residents who enroll
at a community college as a candidate for a vocational certificate or an
associate’s degree within two years after graduation from a MD high school or
completion of a GED.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bill also
establishes a 50% community college tuition discount for State residents who do
not have a high school diploma or GED and have been actively seeking employment
but have been unemployed for at least six months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Funds for this program would come out of gaming revenues
assigned to the Education Trust Fund.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The major challenge to this bill is the hefty price tag. Here is a link
to the bill’s page on the GA website, you can read all the funding details in
the fiscal note:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0018&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0018&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Appropriations committee,
and had an initial hearing on 1/26 – no further action yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2/9 there is no Senate
cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the
Appropriations committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact
information:<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB64</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Community College Tuition Tax
Credit</b> – sponsor Del. Haynes<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This bill
creates a tax credit against the State income tax for 100% of eligible
community college tuition and fees, not to exceed the tax liability imposed in
the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tax credit is limited to
tuition and fees actually paid, not those covered by grants or loans.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0064&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0064&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 1/27– no further action yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2/9 there is no Senate
cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways
and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact
information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><u>HB
230 – Reduction in student financial aid – notice</u></span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Del. <u>Ebersole</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill would require colleges,
universities etc. which reduce the amount of institutional financial aid to a
student because the student received additional aid from the state or a
501(c)(3) to notifiy the financial aid provider of the reduction in
institutional aid within 30 days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0230&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0230&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill is assigned to the Appropriations
committee, and is set for initial hearing on 2/9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2/1 there is no Senate crossfile. Here
is a link to the Appropriations committee membership – each name is a hyperlink
to the committee member’s contact information<u>:<o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB
231 – Student financial aid - reduction prohibited</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Del. Stein<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would prohibit financial aid
awarded to a student by a public institution of higher education from being
reduced by any other form of financial aid awarded to the student; and prohibit
a public institution of higher education from considering private scholarships
when assembling financial aid packages.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0231&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0231&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill is assigned to the
Appropriations committee, and had an initial hearing on 2/9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Here</span> is a link to the Appropriations
committee membership – each name is a hyperlink to the committee member’s
contact information:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=app&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">T</span></span>here is a Senate
crossfile – SB313. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB231
bill page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SB313 is assigned to the
Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee, and is scheduled
for an initial hearing on 2/10. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members –
each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><u>MC27-16 - Montgomery County local bill authorizing the creation of a student loan refinancing authority</u></strong> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is Del. Kaiser's local bill, which would authorize the County Council to create the Montgomery County Student Loan Refinancing Authority. The purpose of the agency would be to finance post-secondary education for Montgomery County residents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
IMPORTANT - this bill would not create such an Authority, it would authorize the County Council to create a student loan refinancing authority by legislation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Local bills are those having purely local (county) effect, but requiring General Assembly approval. Here's a link to the local bill information on the Delegation's website:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/MC27-16.html">http://www.montgomerycountydelegation.com/MC27-16.html</a></div>
<br />
As of 2/9, the bill hasn't yet been approved by the Montgomery County General Assembly delegation. If the delegation approves the bill, it will be assigned to House/Senate committees for hearing and consideration.<br />
<br />
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-1534280281026784512016-02-06T21:15:00.006-08:002016-02-06T21:15:59.252-08:00Bills related to mental health services in schools, and special education services
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB85 – Children with Disabilities –
Parental Notice</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would add to existing law the requirement that schools provide to parents of
children with disabilities written information explaining available early
intervention and special education family support services, with information on
how to contact the providers of those services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That information is to be provided at the first IEP meeting to discuss
interventions for the child, and the information must be provided in the
language in which the parents are most fluent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0085&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0085&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As of 1/31 there is no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee
members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB86
– Translation of IEP and family service plans</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Authorizing the parents of a child
with a completed individualized education program or a completed individualized
family service plan to request translation of the document into the parents'
native language. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the HB86 bill page
on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0086&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0086&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4. Here is a link to the Ways and Means
committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There is a Senate crossfile – SB421. There is a hyperlink to
the Senate bill page on the HB86 bill page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>SB421 is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental
Affairs committee and is set for hearing on 2/17. Here is a link to
the EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact
information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB 142 – Emotional
Health Awareness Programs in Schools - </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Hixson<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill would require local school systems to implement
programs of emotional suffering awareness, and also programs for middle and
high school coaches and athletes focused on creating a character building
culture in youth sports programs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is the link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0142&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0142&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></a><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. As of 2/6 there was no Senate
crossfile. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name
is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB713/SB494
– School Behavioral Health Accountability Act </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">–Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill would require the State
Dept. of Education and local school boards and departments of health to develop
and implement a standardized reporting system to determine the effectiveness of
community-partnered school behavioral health services programs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here’s the link to the bill page on
the General Assembly webpage:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0713&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0713&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.
As of 2/6 it does not have a hearing date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a
hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">A link to the crossfile (SB494) can
be found on the HB713 webpage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SB494 is
assigned to the Senate </span></span>Education, Health and Environmental
Affairs committee, and set for hearing on 2/24. Here is a link to the EHEA
committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span> </div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-18982254825161495292016-02-06T18:46:00.000-08:002016-02-06T18:46:29.814-08:00School nutrition bills --- and a head scratcherLast session in Annapolis there was a large slate of school nutrition related bills perking in Annapolis - many of them getting their origins and energy from a grassroots group - Healthy School Foods-Maryland. Here's a link to that groups website:<br />
<a href="http://www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org/hsfmd.php">http://www.realfoodforkidsmontgomery.org/hsfmd.php</a><br />
<br />
This year the number of <strong>school</strong> nutrition bills is smaller - focused more narrowly on transparency/notice - to require school systems to clearly list the name/brand/flavor (i.e. Cool Ranch Doritos) of the ala carte items sold to students in school cafeterias, and reducing the overall amount of sugar in the school meals served daily. Here's a quick summary:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">HB 109 – Public Schools – Food
Transparency</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Fennell</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would require schools to include on school menus a list of all ala carte items
sold in school cafeterias. When ala carte items are sold in the original
packaging the information would include the brand name and flavor of the item
(i.e. – Cool Ranch Doritos).</span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0109&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0109&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 2/4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As of 2/6 there is no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a
hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB528
– Sensible Sugar in Schools Act</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Del. Ebersole<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill would require each local
school district to add to its federally mandated wellness policy a plan to
reduce the amount of sugar in school meals and ala carte items served in
cafeterias.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The school districts would
develop these plans based on American Heart Association guidelines, and the recommendations
of a workgroup – convened by each school system – to identify best practices
around reducing total sugar in school meals.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0528&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0528&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee and is set for hearing on 2/18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a
hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><u>Though it is not listed as a
crossfile, HB528 is identical to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB65</b>
– the Suger Free Schools Act.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></u></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">SB65
– Sugar Free Schools Act</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Senator Young<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
Identical to HB528 - Sensible Sugar in Schools Act. <span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill page on
the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0065&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0065&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">SB65 was heard by the<u> </u></span></span>Senate
Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee on 1/20. As of 2/6 there's been no further action. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each
name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span><br />
<br />
And finally -- this is one of those bills that I read and think 'that's a thing people are worried about? Who knew?'<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB349 – Java Act</b>
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Del. Grammer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill would prohibit any Executive Branch agency from
banning or regulating the sale of caffeinated beverages at career exploration
and development activities at public high schools.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0349&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0349&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p> </o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee, and is set
for an initial hearing on 2/11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of
2/1 there is no Senate cross-file</span>Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-42008598806267834322016-02-03T19:31:00.000-08:002016-02-06T06:15:03.682-08:00Child health and safety - a variety of bills during the 2016 General Assembly sessionThere are a variety of bills pending in the General Assembly that involve child health and safety in one form or another --- from a variant of Erin's Law (requiring the development of age-appropriate curricula focusing on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention), to legislation specifying penalties for youth sports coaches who fail to follow concussion awareness and prevention protocols, and even a bill requiring elementary students to get more physical activity during school hours! <br />
<br />
The Student Diabetes Management Program bill is also back this year - a bill that would allow students with diabetes more autonomy to manage their diabetes in school, and would also provide the opportunity for school staff who volunteer to be trained to assist diabetic students. Currently, only school nurses and school health aides may assist students with diabetes management.<br />
<br />
Here are some bills that focus on child health and safety:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB29<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Youth Sports Programs - Concussion prevention
– coaching</u></b> – sponsor Del. Chang</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This bill would expand current law on concussion prevention
in youth sports programs by requiring the suspension of coaches who violate
concussion protocols by allowing an athlete to return to play or practice after
a suspected concussion injury <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">without </b>adequate
medical clearance. For school sports programs the Act would require the State
Board of Education to establish this policy; and all local boards of education
to follow it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Act also requires non-school
based youth sports programs to institute and follow this policy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Of interest, the fiscal note cites MCPS policy as state-wide
best practices that already embody the substance of this bill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0029&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0029&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and had an initial hearing on 1/28– no further action yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As of 2/3 there is no Senate
cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways
and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact
information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><u>HB72 Sexual Abuse and Assault
Awareness and Prevention Program</u></span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> - sponsor Del. Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would require the State Board of Education and specified nonpublic schools to
develop and implement a program of age-appropriate education relating to the
awareness and prevention of sexual abuse and assault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This information would be incorporated into
the health curriculum and taught by teachers specially trained to deliver the
content.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0072&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0072&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/4.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As of 1/31 there is no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means
committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB198
– School Resource Officers</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del. Cluster</span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require every school
district to hire and staff a School Resource Officer for every Maryland public
school.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0198&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0198&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. As of 2/1 there was no Senate
crossfile. Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name
is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB 245/SB310 – Child Abuse
and Neglect – Failure to Report</u></b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Del. Dumais</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill specifies penalties when, during the course of an
investigation into a case of suspected child abuse or neglect, an investigating
agency suspects that an individual or organization legally required to report
suspected abuse failed to do so.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is a link to the bill’s page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></div>
<u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0245&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0245&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></a></span></u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Judiciary committee, and
is set for an initial hearing on 2/11.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here is a link to the membership of the Judiciary committee – each name
is a hyperlink to the delegate’s contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<u><span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The Senate
crossfile – SB310 -is assigned to the
Judicial Proceedings committee. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB245 bill page. As if 2/3 no Senate hearing date has been set. Here is a link to
the Judicial Proceedings committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their
contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject7&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jpr&tab=subject7&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>HB409 – Providing alcohol
to minors - penalty– Alex and Calvin’s Law</u></b> Del. Fraser-Hidalgo<o:p></o:p><br />
This bill would increase the penalties for adults who obtain
or provide alcohol to minors.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Here’s a link to the bill page on the GA website:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0409&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&stab=01&id=hb0409&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The bill is assigned to the House Judiciary committee. As of
2/2 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Judiciary committee
members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=jud&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB474
– Elementary Schools – Daily Physical Activity – </span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Del. Walker</span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require that all elementary
school students be provided a daily program of physical activity totaling 150
minutes each week, a minimum of 90 minutes of which must be physical education<u>.</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"></span></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here’s a link to the bill page on the
GA website<u>:</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0474&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0474&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.
As of 2/2 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee
members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">SB71
– Student Diabetes Management Program</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> – Senator Young<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">This bill requires the Maryland State
Department of Education (MSDE) and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
(DHMH), to establish guidelines for volunteer school employees to become
trained diabetes care providers. Each school system would create a Student
Diabetes Management Program that includes training volunteers to become
diabetes care providers. Students requiring diabetes care at school must provide
a Diabetes Medical Management Plan to the school. If a student’s plan states
that the student may independently monitor and treat their diabetes while at
school, the student may perform the authorized tasks wherever the student
considers necessary, and possess and carry any necessary supplies and equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is a link to the bill’s page on
the GA website<u>:</u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0071&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=sb0071&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill is assigned to the </span></span>Senate
Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee, and had an initial
hearing on 1/20 - no further action as of 2/6. Here is a link to the
EHEA committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>HB771 is the House crossfile. Here's the link to the house bill page:</o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0771&stab=01&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0771&stab=01&ys=2016RS</a></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p>HB771 is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/6 no hearing has been scheduled. Here is a link to the membership of the Ways and Means committee - each name is a hyperlink to that delegate's contact information:</o:p></span></span><br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span> </div>
Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6292535299466174477.post-64657030222480357832016-02-02T19:41:00.000-08:002016-02-06T19:46:49.745-08:00Less Testing, More Learning --- getting a serious look in Annapolis this year!The sheer number of tests, and volume of time spent preparing for and taking tests, K-12 students take in their school life is getting SO much attention. "Less Testing, More Learning" is one of the Maryland State Education Association's (MSEA) primary advocacy initiatives this year:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lesstestingmorelearning.com/">http://lesstestingmorelearning.com/</a><br />
<br />
Many parents, students and teachers are passionate about the need to decrease time spent testing, increase time spent learning, and ensure that students are only assessed when that assessment will help inform instruction and provide data essential to optimize each student's learning.<br />
<br />
There are a package of bills in the General Assembly this year all addressing the "Less Testing, More Learning" mantra. Two legislators leading the charge on these bills bring a great deal of serious experience and gravitas to the issue-- Delegates Eric Ebersole and Eric Luedtke - both public school teachers.<br />
<br />
Here is information about the testing bills percolating in the General Assembly as of 2/2:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><span class="MsoHyperlink"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">HB141/SB407
– Education Accountability Act – Limits on Testing</span></b></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>sponsor Del.
Luedtke<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">The bill would require the State
Board of Education to adopt regulations limiting the total amount of time that
may be devoted to federal, State, and locally mandated tests for each grade to
2% of the specified minimum required annual instructional hours.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Here is the link to the bill’s page
on the GA website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0563c1; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0141&stab=01&ys=2016RS"><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=billpage&tab=subject3&id=hb0141&stab=01&ys=2016RS</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee,
and is set for an initial hearing on 2/11. Here is a link to the Ways and Means
committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
There is a Senate crossfile – <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SB407</b>. There is a hyperlink to the Senate bill page on the HB141
bill page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>SB407 is assigned to the
Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. As of 2/1 there
was no hearing date set. Here is a link to the EHEA committee members – each
name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=ehe&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><u>HB397 – Education – Best Practices in
Administration of Assessments</u> – </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dels. M.
Washington and Ebersole<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would require the State Department of Education to develop a specific set of
best practices that the State and local school districts must use when deciding
whether to administer an assessment or test to students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
.<br />
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0397&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0397&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.
As of 2/1 it does not have a hearing date, and has no Senate cross-file.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee
members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HB412/SB533 –
Education -Administration of Assessments – Notice</b> -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Del. Kaiser<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">The bill
would require each county board of education to provide information relating to
each assessment administered in a local school system that includes the title,
purpose, grade level tested, subject area, testing window, time to complete,
loss of instruction time, and accommodations for students with special needs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Here is a
link to the bill’s page on the GA website:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0412&stab.01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0412&stab.01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee.
It is set for initial hearing on 2/18. .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee
members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
The Senate crossfile, SB533, can be viewed through the hyperlink on the HB412 bill page. It is assigned to the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs committee. Here is a link to the EHEA committee membership - each name is a hyperlink to the senator's contact information:<br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&tab=subject3&id=ehe&stab=02&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&tab=subject3&id=ehe&stab=02&ys=2016RS</a><br />
<strong><u></u></strong><br />
<u><strong>HB657 - Pre-K and Kindergarten Readiness Assessments</strong> - Del. Shoemaker</u><br />
This bill would limit administration of state mandated 'school readiness' assessments to a random sampling of Pre-K and Kindergarten students in each local school district. According to legislators I've spoken to, this bill addresses concerns expressed by a large number of teachers and school administrators concerned about the amount of instructional and interactive class time lost to the process of administering school readiness assessments to every pre-k and kindergarten student.<br />
<br />
Here is a link to the bill page on the GA website:<br />
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0657&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS">http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/webmga/frmMain.aspx?id=hb0657&stab=01&pid=billpage&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The bill is assigned to the House Ways and Means committee. As of 2/6 there was no Senate cross-file. HB657 is set for initial hearing on 2/18. .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is a link to the Ways and Means committee members – each name is a hyperlink to their contact information:<o:p></o:p></div>
<a href="http://mgaleg.maryland.goev/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS"><u><span style="color: #0563c1;">http://mgaleg.maryland.goEv/webmga/frmMain.aspx?pid=cmtepage&stab=04&id=w%26m&tab=subject3&ys=2016RS</span></u></a><br />
<br />
<br />Lynne Harrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09432872454850686734noreply@blogger.com0