A television news story this morning reported that Paul LePage addressed various school district superintendent at a local area meeting yesterday. At that meeting LePage is reported to have said he advocates two things voters should listen to and consider seriously.
1. Public schools should bring back vocational training programs. LePage's point was that not all students will be going to college. Not all public school children want to go into fields which colleges focus on or fields for which an individual needs a college education. Many students are interested in, and can become gainfully employed in work areas for which vocational training through the high school and community college level can and should be providing.
This writer finds no disagreement with this position.
2. The State of Maine should set its own criteria and standards by which a student has met acceptable education standards, and those standards should not be judged or dependent upon any federal or national standards.
Apparently Mr. LePage has either not read the Maine Heritage Policy Center's Education Committee's Report issued a year ago showing where Maine is spending $3,000. more per student than the national average and achieving a lower level of performance in Reading, Math and Science. Nor has he reviewed this past week's data in the NBC special project, Education Nation - much of which has been posted here on this blog - showing where the 8th grade average of Reading and Math puts Math 35th in the nation (using Maine's current standard for evaluation which is a lower standard than the national standard).
It seems to this writer that a plumber or a car mechanic or any other vocational program student should still be expected to Read and do basic Math. But perhaps this writer's standards are too high. I don't know, but I did graduate from Bangor High School and those were the standards then. Of course those were during the days when an East Coast education was considered to be one of the best in the country. Perhaps Mr. LePage thinks we should all lower our expectations in these days when we're expected to vote for a Bully in the pits of Augusta.
As for me, if lowering our educational standards is the future of Maine's public education and I still had children in the K-12 age range, I think maybe another state would be the place to be paying my taxes. Seems to me I heard Mrs. LePage bought a place in Florida, where there is a state constitutional law prohibiting state income taxes. I think that's where Mr. LePage's daughter is going to college, too, - as a Florida resident.
Does Florida's public education testing standard meet the national standard? Might be something to check out.
Eliot Cutler is looking better all the time.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING DATES FOR OCTOBER
Budget & Finance Committee will be meeting: October 13, 2010 @ 5:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Curriculum Committee will be meeting: October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Eddington School
Operations Committee will be meeting: TBD
Policy Committee will be meeting: (It was to be October 19 but that date was changed because of the Public Hearing scheduled that date for the explanation of the AOS to be voted on November 2 - see previous posting re: School Board Meeting.) Committee meeting date TBD.
Technology Committee will be meeting: November 9, 2010 @ 3:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Curriculum Committee will be meeting: October 12 @ 6:30 p.m. @ Eddington School
Operations Committee will be meeting: TBD
Policy Committee will be meeting: (It was to be October 19 but that date was changed because of the Public Hearing scheduled that date for the explanation of the AOS to be voted on November 2 - see previous posting re: School Board Meeting.) Committee meeting date TBD.
Technology Committee will be meeting: November 9, 2010 @ 3:30 p.m. @ Holbrook School
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
EDDINGTON SELECTMEN'S MEETING - OCTOBER 28 - AN "ENERGETIC" AGENDA
It was a busy agenda that was scheduled for last night in the Eddington Town Office - and an informative one. All Board member were present with the Exception of Don Goodwin.
This writer was a bit late and therefore missed most of Fire Chief Ellis's report, which had to do with Staff Scheduling and Regionalization. Readers interested in finding out what the Chief had to say should contact Town Manager Russell Smith for a copy of the meeting minutes.
Sheriff's Deputy Mason reported that the Route 9 road construction is supposed to be done by this Saturday, October 2. We'll see. The crew still needs to do the paint striping which shouldn't take much time but...we'll see. Deputy Mason said that, with the improved road and fewer obstructions, he's seeing more speeding, more OUIs, and more marijuana "problems." That is resulting in more tickets, etc. Just a warning, people. There have also been a few home burglaries and attempted burglaries. Deputy Mason suggested that some individuals may be trying to get in their last licks before the winter snows and summer folks lock up and leave for parts south. A word to the wise to lock up before going into town for shopping, one would think.
The BIG PARTS of the agenda came under New Business:
ECOMAINE, represented by Allison McReady, is making a bid to bring Single Stream Recycling to Eddington. Ms. McReady provided a PowerPoint presentation showing how Single Stream Recycling (where more items can be recycled than the ones currently processed by the Bangor Processing Center and which do not have to be sorted by item) can be gathered and compressed in a single truck) can save costs to a community.
It was a detailed presentation with many possible benefits to a community. The Bottom Line of the presentation was that, at no cost to the town, Ms. McReady will provide a cost analysis for the Town of Eddington to see if Single Stream Recycling would be beneficial for Eddington on both a cost basis and a potential recycling basis. What this writer liked, in particular was that ECOMAINE transports its collected and compacted recycled trash to Portland, ME where it is sorted and sold to various places all over the world (including places in Maine) to be turned into re-usable products. This generates jobs IN MAINE. While there is one other competitor in the single stream recycling business operating in Maine, that company transports its compacted trash to Massachusetts for distribution. No jobs for Mainers there. The more Mainers being employed, the better for our state's economy. And that's better for our tax base - our school district funding. What goes around comes around. Now THAT'S Recycling!!!
***
Then there was a loooong discussion about the Planning Board's proposed/work on Wind Energy Ordinance.
Bottom Line: The initial Eddington Town Moratorium had an expiration date of October 1, 2010. State law is that there can only be one extension to any Moratorium. The Planning Board was requesting one such extension to allow time for up to two Public Hearings on the proposed Wind Energy Ordinance. This would allow time for any Public Feedback and subsequent changes/corrections if needed before the proposed Ordinance would have to go to a Required Town Meeting for a Vote.
It was suggested the Board authorize a 180-Day extension (the maximum allowed) or until the Ordinance was approved or voted down. (What will happen if the Ordinance, with whatever changes may come to pass, is voted down - with no more Moratorium allowed, is unclear in this writer's mind. Maybe the town is then required to go with the standards the state has written which this writer has heard are less stringent than those being proposed by the Eddington Planning Board. Maybe not so good.)
At first the Board was equally split on extending any Moratorium at all. Chairwoman Brooks and Vice Chair Grover were for the extension; Board members Baker and Lyford were opposed. With Member Goodwin absent and unable to break the tie (he usually votes with the Chair) the Moratorium extension appeared dead in the water. Not so good. There was discussion that there were no applications for any wind towers currently pending; however, what would happen if there was an application after October 2 and there was no extension of the Moratorium. There would be no ordinance to prevent any wind tower farms to be approved (or maybe it would only have to meet the state's standards).
With reluctance, Chairwoman Brooks allowed this writer to speak up (it was not Public Access time and this writer in not a member of the Planning Board or the Selectmen). But I felt it was important to speak before the matter became moot. I pointed out that extending the Moratorium was only a Safety Net for the town. Without the extension, there was simply not enough time for the Public Hearings, feedback from town members, any changes, etc. or even the Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance. It was clear, the only person who might change his vote was Charles Baker. Peter Lyford seemed adamant to let the Ordinance die. ???
The vote was reconsidered and Baker did change his vote and the Moratorium was extended for 180 days or until the vote is taken (one way or another).
And THEN...a presentation from EOLIAN Renewable Energy was made as represented by two men - Travis Bullard being the primary representative. Their presentation was worth listening to, I must say. Not the multi-page letter read with objections to various standards that are included in the Eddington Planning Board proposed Wind Ordinance. The issues read in the letter got lost in a blur of sound - BUT the power-point map that followed - showing sound levels from the top of Black Cap mountain which is the ONLY spot where EOLIAN is proposing to create a wind farm (of ?? wind towers) to where homes are located near Highway 46. That Map IS Significant - as are the sound levels NOW of numerous areas where there are NO Wind Towers. Then compare those NATURAL noise levels to the sound levels in the proposed Ordinance.
EOLIAN also stated they do have a project for Eddington they would like to submit for construction IF the final and approved Ordinance will work for them. It may generate up to $120,000/annually for the town in taxes and up to $2.4 million over the life of the project in addition to the employment opportunities. Something we may want to hear more about.
I saw members of the Planning Board watch that map and the sound levels and listen to the objections (and explanations) and it was my impression the members of the Planning Board may be talking today..... Perhaps there will be some changes in the proposed Ordinance even before the Pubic Hearings. Who knows.
BUT, in order for that map and that information to be presented/included at the Eddington Town Meeting where the final vote will be taken, the EOLAIN representatives will have to be allowed to speak (it's in the rules because they are not voters/residents). Just something to remember.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Like I said, it was a long night and a Big agenda. But a good one. well worth attending.
This writer was a bit late and therefore missed most of Fire Chief Ellis's report, which had to do with Staff Scheduling and Regionalization. Readers interested in finding out what the Chief had to say should contact Town Manager Russell Smith for a copy of the meeting minutes.
Sheriff's Deputy Mason reported that the Route 9 road construction is supposed to be done by this Saturday, October 2. We'll see. The crew still needs to do the paint striping which shouldn't take much time but...we'll see. Deputy Mason said that, with the improved road and fewer obstructions, he's seeing more speeding, more OUIs, and more marijuana "problems." That is resulting in more tickets, etc. Just a warning, people. There have also been a few home burglaries and attempted burglaries. Deputy Mason suggested that some individuals may be trying to get in their last licks before the winter snows and summer folks lock up and leave for parts south. A word to the wise to lock up before going into town for shopping, one would think.
The BIG PARTS of the agenda came under New Business:
ECOMAINE, represented by Allison McReady, is making a bid to bring Single Stream Recycling to Eddington. Ms. McReady provided a PowerPoint presentation showing how Single Stream Recycling (where more items can be recycled than the ones currently processed by the Bangor Processing Center and which do not have to be sorted by item) can be gathered and compressed in a single truck) can save costs to a community.
It was a detailed presentation with many possible benefits to a community. The Bottom Line of the presentation was that, at no cost to the town, Ms. McReady will provide a cost analysis for the Town of Eddington to see if Single Stream Recycling would be beneficial for Eddington on both a cost basis and a potential recycling basis. What this writer liked, in particular was that ECOMAINE transports its collected and compacted recycled trash to Portland, ME where it is sorted and sold to various places all over the world (including places in Maine) to be turned into re-usable products. This generates jobs IN MAINE. While there is one other competitor in the single stream recycling business operating in Maine, that company transports its compacted trash to Massachusetts for distribution. No jobs for Mainers there. The more Mainers being employed, the better for our state's economy. And that's better for our tax base - our school district funding. What goes around comes around. Now THAT'S Recycling!!!
***
Then there was a loooong discussion about the Planning Board's proposed/work on Wind Energy Ordinance.
Bottom Line: The initial Eddington Town Moratorium had an expiration date of October 1, 2010. State law is that there can only be one extension to any Moratorium. The Planning Board was requesting one such extension to allow time for up to two Public Hearings on the proposed Wind Energy Ordinance. This would allow time for any Public Feedback and subsequent changes/corrections if needed before the proposed Ordinance would have to go to a Required Town Meeting for a Vote.
It was suggested the Board authorize a 180-Day extension (the maximum allowed) or until the Ordinance was approved or voted down. (What will happen if the Ordinance, with whatever changes may come to pass, is voted down - with no more Moratorium allowed, is unclear in this writer's mind. Maybe the town is then required to go with the standards the state has written which this writer has heard are less stringent than those being proposed by the Eddington Planning Board. Maybe not so good.)
At first the Board was equally split on extending any Moratorium at all. Chairwoman Brooks and Vice Chair Grover were for the extension; Board members Baker and Lyford were opposed. With Member Goodwin absent and unable to break the tie (he usually votes with the Chair) the Moratorium extension appeared dead in the water. Not so good. There was discussion that there were no applications for any wind towers currently pending; however, what would happen if there was an application after October 2 and there was no extension of the Moratorium. There would be no ordinance to prevent any wind tower farms to be approved (or maybe it would only have to meet the state's standards).
With reluctance, Chairwoman Brooks allowed this writer to speak up (it was not Public Access time and this writer in not a member of the Planning Board or the Selectmen). But I felt it was important to speak before the matter became moot. I pointed out that extending the Moratorium was only a Safety Net for the town. Without the extension, there was simply not enough time for the Public Hearings, feedback from town members, any changes, etc. or even the Town Meeting to vote on the Ordinance. It was clear, the only person who might change his vote was Charles Baker. Peter Lyford seemed adamant to let the Ordinance die. ???
The vote was reconsidered and Baker did change his vote and the Moratorium was extended for 180 days or until the vote is taken (one way or another).
And THEN...a presentation from EOLIAN Renewable Energy was made as represented by two men - Travis Bullard being the primary representative. Their presentation was worth listening to, I must say. Not the multi-page letter read with objections to various standards that are included in the Eddington Planning Board proposed Wind Ordinance. The issues read in the letter got lost in a blur of sound - BUT the power-point map that followed - showing sound levels from the top of Black Cap mountain which is the ONLY spot where EOLIAN is proposing to create a wind farm (of ?? wind towers) to where homes are located near Highway 46. That Map IS Significant - as are the sound levels NOW of numerous areas where there are NO Wind Towers. Then compare those NATURAL noise levels to the sound levels in the proposed Ordinance.
EOLIAN also stated they do have a project for Eddington they would like to submit for construction IF the final and approved Ordinance will work for them. It may generate up to $120,000/annually for the town in taxes and up to $2.4 million over the life of the project in addition to the employment opportunities. Something we may want to hear more about.
I saw members of the Planning Board watch that map and the sound levels and listen to the objections (and explanations) and it was my impression the members of the Planning Board may be talking today..... Perhaps there will be some changes in the proposed Ordinance even before the Pubic Hearings. Who knows.
BUT, in order for that map and that information to be presented/included at the Eddington Town Meeting where the final vote will be taken, the EOLAIN representatives will have to be allowed to speak (it's in the rules because they are not voters/residents). Just something to remember.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Like I said, it was a long night and a Big agenda. But a good one. well worth attending.
SAD 63 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27
Board Attendees: Don Varnum, Rep. from Holden; Jessica Gray, Rep. from Clifton; Mario Tiesl, Rep. from Holden; Therese Anderson, Rep. from Eddington and President of the Board; Christopher Doering, new Rep. from Holden; Karen Clark, Rep. from Eddington; and Pam Dorr, Rep. from Eddington. Absent: Kevin Mills, Rep. from Holden.
It was an interesting and well attended meeting Monday night at the Holbrook School. Since this writer hadn't been to any meetings since the close of last year (and the budget hearings), it was nice to see so many members of the public in attendance in addition to the school principals and district department managers. Of course there wasn't the number of parents who were at the Budget and Finance Committee meetings last spring. Which was too bad because the Board is already talking about next year's budget - cuts, the possibility of moving next year's 4th grade to the Holbrook School and the various impacts to other operations that will impose (food, transportation, etc.)
It was pointed out that the trailing class (this year's second grades in both Holden and Eddington) are large classes. The only reason the plan is being considered for moving what will be the incoming 4th grade to Holbrook in the Fall of 2011 is because the current 3rd grade classes at Holden and Eddington are small.
Question: Is it wise to made all the cost adjustments and school operation changes for fiscal year 2010-2011 (associated with moving the 4th graders to Holbrook School in the Fall of 2011) when the Fall of 2012 4th graders may need to be moved back to Holden and Eddington Schools because the number of students will be too large to be accommodated at Holbrook?
Granted, Mario Teisl stated they are only beginning to look at the issue because the Board understands it is/will be complicated. And Board President Anderson stated there are many months before next years budget has to be finalized. But - the more time people can take to look at any and all issues, the better the chance the outcome will be better. As Anderson pointed out, the districts never find out from the State what amount we will/won't be able to depend on the state to be paying. Better we should be taking the leadership role - and sooner rather than later.
Parents who have a vested interest in the operations of the school district would be wise to attend the monthly School Board meetings to stay abreast of issues being raised and discussed. Waiting until April and May of each year is asking to be behind the eight-ball.
***
It was discussed and decided to send out a Brochure from the SAD 63 district to all voters announcing a Public Hearing to present the proposed AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Public Hearing will be held at the Holbrook School on October 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. SAD 63 voters unable to attend that meeting could attend the Public Hearing that will be conducted by CSD 8 - although this writer has no information regarding the date or location of that meeting. It is suggested anyone interested contact Superintendent Dave Anderson at the Holden School to request information if needed.
The AOS is an alternative option to a consolidated school structure and is allowed by the state legislature. Under the proposed AOS plan, SAD 63 will have one "partner," - the Airline District, otherwise known as CSD 8, with which SAD 63 has shared various central services (business services and superintendent services) since 1987. Under the AOS structure, both districts would continue to have separate School Boards and separate school budgets. One significant benefit to the approval of the AOS structure would be the elimination of the state imposed tax penalty which cost SAD 63 towns $180,000 this year (money which the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden had to make up through increased property taxes).
The Public Hearing on October 19 will outline more details of how the AOS would work IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN ALL OF THE TOWNS INVOLVED (meaning all of the towns that are under SAD 63 AND CSD 8). Unless all of the towns approve the AOS, we go back to Square 1 AND the tax penalty next year, too.
The referendum will be on the November 2 ballot in all of the required towns.
It should be noted that at the meeting, this writer provided print-outs of the two postings from October 26 & 27 to the three SAD 63 school principals/SAD 63 superintendent. In the course of which I learned that one of the principals had been reading the October 26 posting. I was advised that there were more recent test scores. Once this writer obtains that information, it will be posted here.
Related to the subject, it was encouraging to see there will be a SAD 63 Board Curriculum Committee meeting in October. Until parents and taxpayers see 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math scores in the 80 percent passing range, this writer doesn't think anyone (anyone - meaning teachers, Board members, parents or students) should be bragging about the wonderful level of education our students are receiving.
At the same time, perhaps the Curriculum Committee should consider finding a way to include a method of verifying parents are fulfilling their responsibilities as well.
Education is not limited to the classroom. Parents are responsible as well - providing a place at home where homework can be done without distraction (television, arguing parents, loud music, etc.); sufficient sleep and rest; a schedule for dinner, relaxation, play and study; and parent supervision, review and verification that homework has been done. One has to wonder, for those students who are not passing the standard tests - are they receiving the support they need at home? Are they too tired to pay attention to be able to learn at school?
On the other hand, what standards are being utilized in the schools to verify that the teachers being employed are able to teach? Who is reviewing their performance and evaluating their success rate?
Consider this: 60-70% equals a D grade. 70-80% equals a C grade; 80-90% equals a B grade; and 90-100% equals and A. Any score below 60% equals an F/failure.
Now go back and look at the 4th and 8the grade Reading and Math scores posted for our three schools for 2009-2009 as shown on Educationnation (posted October 26 & 27 on this blog site). Then look at our school district budget/tax bills. What do you think?
It was an interesting and well attended meeting Monday night at the Holbrook School. Since this writer hadn't been to any meetings since the close of last year (and the budget hearings), it was nice to see so many members of the public in attendance in addition to the school principals and district department managers. Of course there wasn't the number of parents who were at the Budget and Finance Committee meetings last spring. Which was too bad because the Board is already talking about next year's budget - cuts, the possibility of moving next year's 4th grade to the Holbrook School and the various impacts to other operations that will impose (food, transportation, etc.)
It was pointed out that the trailing class (this year's second grades in both Holden and Eddington) are large classes. The only reason the plan is being considered for moving what will be the incoming 4th grade to Holbrook in the Fall of 2011 is because the current 3rd grade classes at Holden and Eddington are small.
Question: Is it wise to made all the cost adjustments and school operation changes for fiscal year 2010-2011 (associated with moving the 4th graders to Holbrook School in the Fall of 2011) when the Fall of 2012 4th graders may need to be moved back to Holden and Eddington Schools because the number of students will be too large to be accommodated at Holbrook?
Granted, Mario Teisl stated they are only beginning to look at the issue because the Board understands it is/will be complicated. And Board President Anderson stated there are many months before next years budget has to be finalized. But - the more time people can take to look at any and all issues, the better the chance the outcome will be better. As Anderson pointed out, the districts never find out from the State what amount we will/won't be able to depend on the state to be paying. Better we should be taking the leadership role - and sooner rather than later.
Parents who have a vested interest in the operations of the school district would be wise to attend the monthly School Board meetings to stay abreast of issues being raised and discussed. Waiting until April and May of each year is asking to be behind the eight-ball.
***
It was discussed and decided to send out a Brochure from the SAD 63 district to all voters announcing a Public Hearing to present the proposed AOS (Alternative Organized Structure) which will appear on the November 2, 2010 ballot. The Public Hearing will be held at the Holbrook School on October 19, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. SAD 63 voters unable to attend that meeting could attend the Public Hearing that will be conducted by CSD 8 - although this writer has no information regarding the date or location of that meeting. It is suggested anyone interested contact Superintendent Dave Anderson at the Holden School to request information if needed.
The AOS is an alternative option to a consolidated school structure and is allowed by the state legislature. Under the proposed AOS plan, SAD 63 will have one "partner," - the Airline District, otherwise known as CSD 8, with which SAD 63 has shared various central services (business services and superintendent services) since 1987. Under the AOS structure, both districts would continue to have separate School Boards and separate school budgets. One significant benefit to the approval of the AOS structure would be the elimination of the state imposed tax penalty which cost SAD 63 towns $180,000 this year (money which the taxpayers in Eddington, Clifton and Holden had to make up through increased property taxes).
The Public Hearing on October 19 will outline more details of how the AOS would work IF APPROVED BY THE VOTERS IN ALL OF THE TOWNS INVOLVED (meaning all of the towns that are under SAD 63 AND CSD 8). Unless all of the towns approve the AOS, we go back to Square 1 AND the tax penalty next year, too.
The referendum will be on the November 2 ballot in all of the required towns.
It should be noted that at the meeting, this writer provided print-outs of the two postings from October 26 & 27 to the three SAD 63 school principals/SAD 63 superintendent. In the course of which I learned that one of the principals had been reading the October 26 posting. I was advised that there were more recent test scores. Once this writer obtains that information, it will be posted here.
Related to the subject, it was encouraging to see there will be a SAD 63 Board Curriculum Committee meeting in October. Until parents and taxpayers see 4th and 8th grade Reading and Math scores in the 80 percent passing range, this writer doesn't think anyone (anyone - meaning teachers, Board members, parents or students) should be bragging about the wonderful level of education our students are receiving.
At the same time, perhaps the Curriculum Committee should consider finding a way to include a method of verifying parents are fulfilling their responsibilities as well.
Education is not limited to the classroom. Parents are responsible as well - providing a place at home where homework can be done without distraction (television, arguing parents, loud music, etc.); sufficient sleep and rest; a schedule for dinner, relaxation, play and study; and parent supervision, review and verification that homework has been done. One has to wonder, for those students who are not passing the standard tests - are they receiving the support they need at home? Are they too tired to pay attention to be able to learn at school?
On the other hand, what standards are being utilized in the schools to verify that the teachers being employed are able to teach? Who is reviewing their performance and evaluating their success rate?
Consider this: 60-70% equals a D grade. 70-80% equals a C grade; 80-90% equals a B grade; and 90-100% equals and A. Any score below 60% equals an F/failure.
Now go back and look at the 4th and 8the grade Reading and Math scores posted for our three schools for 2009-2009 as shown on Educationnation (posted October 26 & 27 on this blog site). Then look at our school district budget/tax bills. What do you think?
Monday, September 27, 2010
MORE ON SAD 63 SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION NATION SCORECARD - SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT
The SAD 63 School Board Meeting tonight is at HOLBROOK Middle School - @ 6:30pm (not the Eddington Elementary School as previous posted). This is according to information received this afternoon from the Eddington Town Manager. According to the agenda, there will be discussion of the AOS which has been approved by the State Commissioner of Education. The voters of the school district will need to vote on the matter, scheduled for the November election. Stay tuned for whenever the School Board plans to hold the required Public Hearing so voters will learn of the pros and cons of the issue.
NOW - MORE ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOLBROOK AND HOLDEN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (2008-2009) Currently being shown NATIONALLY on the EDUCATION NATION special project in New York. (See information on Eddington Elementary School, Bangor High School and Brewer High School and Maine's standards v. Federal standards posted yesterday)
All data is for 2008-2009.
HOLDEN SCHOOL had an enrollment of 169.
The 4th grade READING exam had a 67% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 77% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 4th grade MATH exam had a 50% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 52% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was slightly higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 66%.
HOLBROOK SCHOOL had an enrollment of 282 (grades 508)
The 8th grade READING exam had an 84% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district,the average was also 84%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 8th grade MATH exam had a 60% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district, the average was also 60%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 53%.
Again, these statistics are based on Maine's standards. (Please refer to the information regarding Maine's standards compared to the Federal standards as posted in yesterday's blog posting.)
Maine's 8th grade students rank 35th in the nation in their Math scores using the national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.
Any reader who wants to check out any public school in the country can do so at: www.Educationnation.com . Go to the Tab marked "Learn More" and then click on the Scorecard category. There is a place where you can type in the name of the school you want to look at. If there are more than one school with the c=same name, you can pick the one you want by identifying the town and state you are looking for. The Holden School is listed that way, as is the Holbrook School. The Holden School is not listed as Holden Elementary School, as an example.
But, looking as these results, one has to wonder what the teachers and school board members were referring to last spring when they were defending the "high quality of education" being provided to our students. Not with these scores - particularly with the lower standards the state of Maine uses as compared to the Federal standard which our students have to compete with when applying for college and being able to hold their own when they get there.
NOW - MORE ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON HOLBROOK AND HOLDEN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE (2008-2009) Currently being shown NATIONALLY on the EDUCATION NATION special project in New York. (See information on Eddington Elementary School, Bangor High School and Brewer High School and Maine's standards v. Federal standards posted yesterday)
All data is for 2008-2009.
HOLDEN SCHOOL had an enrollment of 169.
The 4th grade READING exam had a 67% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 77% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 4th grade MATH exam had a 50% passing level.
The average 4th grade passing level for SAD 63 was 52% (because the Eddington School passing percentage was slightly higher).
The average 4th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 66%.
HOLBROOK SCHOOL had an enrollment of 282 (grades 508)
The 8th grade READING exam had an 84% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district,the average was also 84%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 71%.
The 8th grade MATH exam had a 60% passing level.
Because there are no other middle schools in the district, the average was also 60%.
The average 8th grade passing percentage for the state of Maine was 53%.
Again, these statistics are based on Maine's standards. (Please refer to the information regarding Maine's standards compared to the Federal standards as posted in yesterday's blog posting.)
Maine's 8th grade students rank 35th in the nation in their Math scores using the national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education.
Any reader who wants to check out any public school in the country can do so at: www.Educationnation.com . Go to the Tab marked "Learn More" and then click on the Scorecard category. There is a place where you can type in the name of the school you want to look at. If there are more than one school with the c=same name, you can pick the one you want by identifying the town and state you are looking for. The Holden School is listed that way, as is the Holbrook School. The Holden School is not listed as Holden Elementary School, as an example.
But, looking as these results, one has to wonder what the teachers and school board members were referring to last spring when they were defending the "high quality of education" being provided to our students. Not with these scores - particularly with the lower standards the state of Maine uses as compared to the Federal standard which our students have to compete with when applying for college and being able to hold their own when they get there.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
EDUCATION PERFORMANCE IN SAD 63 ACCORDING TO NATIONAL DATA
Have you have been watching the National News this weekend (or the promotions last week) regarding the Special Project called "Education Nation" being highlighted on the Today show and Meet the Press? If so, you have seen where people can check out the performance of their specific and individual public schools across the nation. This writer did so.
I specifically checked out the Eddington Elementary School Reading and Math performance scores, which also provided all of SAD 63 4th grade scores (thereby providing the scores for Holden Elementary School as well). And then I checked out the graduation rates for Brewer High School and Bangor High School. John Bapst Memorial High School was not included because it is a private school. The following information is both disturbing and interesting from a local and state-wide perspective (not to mention from a taxpayer's perspective).
The following data is based on 2008-2009 scores.
Eddington Elementary School: 88% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
SAD 63 District as a whole: 77% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Maine (statewide average): 71% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Eddington Elementary School: 55% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SAD 63 District as whole: 52% passed the 4th grade Math exam
Maine (statewide average): 66% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SUMMARY: Eddington Elementary School (and SAD 63) scores were better than the Maine average in Reading, but worse than the Maine average in Math.
Questions regarding these scores and what is being done to improve the teaching of these subjects to our elementary students should be raised at the School Board meeting tomorrow night, September 27, at the Eddington Elementary School at 6:30.
Another important area the Education Nation Project is addressing is the percentage of American students who are graduating from High School. So, using the same tool - www.Educationnation.com - I wrote in the two high schools (Bangor High School and Brewer High School) to which we are sending the majority of our students. The following is the data provided. Again, the data is 2008-2009.
Brewer High School had an enrollment of 1,735 with a graduation rate of 82%
Bangor High School had an enrollment rate of 3,930 with a graduation rate of 80%.
According to the state of Maine, the average state-wide high school graduation rate is 83%, so both of our two high schools falls below the state's average.
Again, because John Bapst Memorial High School is a private school, data was not available.
(It is interesting to note that only 39% of our students graduate from college.)
More interesting data regarding students who do and do not graduate from High School:
*A High School graduate earns an annual income of $25,610.
*A High School dropout earns $17,886.
NOTE: Maybe the dropout rate (and the low rate of college graduates (along with the high taxation rate) contributes to the state of near poverty across the state.
According to the information provided on the charts which came up when this writer queried our local high schools' performance, the following national information was most interesting.
"State expectation for students"
"The national test uses a common set of metrics for students in all states and sets a high bar for student achievement. States' expectations and standardized tests vary greatly. Compared to the national test, Maine sets a much lower bar for student achievement." (emphasis added by this writer)
Questions from this writer: (1)If Maine sets a "much lower bar for student achievement" and our local students are still performing worse than the Maine average, how can we expect them to do well once they move on to higher education? To college? Into the work force where Math and Reading comprehension are essential components? (2) While it is fine and good to proclaim Maine is "independent", it cannot expect its students to become successful in their employment or career goals if they can not compete academically with those individuals whose standard of education has been set at "a higher bar". Independence comes from having the ability to choose from multiple opportunities - not just having to take whatever is left over.
"State graduation report"
"The Federal government uses a well-regarded calculation to estimate high school graduation rates. The calculation used by Maine produces an estimate that is similar to than the Federal government's estimate."
(Translation to the italicized phrase: Maine decided to use "a similar estimated" calculation rather than use the standardized one. Question: Why not use the Federal standard calculation? Could it be that the Maine graduation rates would look even worse under the Federal calculation? The information provided on the Education Nation charts indicates that would be the case. It states, "Each state has its own math and reading tests and graduation rate calculation." It even shows a map with results of national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Using the Federal standard calculations, the high school graduation rates for Maine shows an overall average of 79% - not the 83% the Maine state government reported.
Perhaps Maine parents should wonder about the validity of the other scores as well. Maybe they aren't really as high as they have been reported to be even as late as 2008-2009.
I specifically checked out the Eddington Elementary School Reading and Math performance scores, which also provided all of SAD 63 4th grade scores (thereby providing the scores for Holden Elementary School as well). And then I checked out the graduation rates for Brewer High School and Bangor High School. John Bapst Memorial High School was not included because it is a private school. The following information is both disturbing and interesting from a local and state-wide perspective (not to mention from a taxpayer's perspective).
The following data is based on 2008-2009 scores.
Eddington Elementary School: 88% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
SAD 63 District as a whole: 77% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Maine (statewide average): 71% passed the 4th grade Reading exam
Eddington Elementary School: 55% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SAD 63 District as whole: 52% passed the 4th grade Math exam
Maine (statewide average): 66% passed the 4th grade Math exam
SUMMARY: Eddington Elementary School (and SAD 63) scores were better than the Maine average in Reading, but worse than the Maine average in Math.
Questions regarding these scores and what is being done to improve the teaching of these subjects to our elementary students should be raised at the School Board meeting tomorrow night, September 27, at the Eddington Elementary School at 6:30.
Another important area the Education Nation Project is addressing is the percentage of American students who are graduating from High School. So, using the same tool - www.Educationnation.com - I wrote in the two high schools (Bangor High School and Brewer High School) to which we are sending the majority of our students. The following is the data provided. Again, the data is 2008-2009.
Brewer High School had an enrollment of 1,735 with a graduation rate of 82%
Bangor High School had an enrollment rate of 3,930 with a graduation rate of 80%.
According to the state of Maine, the average state-wide high school graduation rate is 83%, so both of our two high schools falls below the state's average.
Again, because John Bapst Memorial High School is a private school, data was not available.
(It is interesting to note that only 39% of our students graduate from college.)
More interesting data regarding students who do and do not graduate from High School:
*A High School graduate earns an annual income of $25,610.
*A High School dropout earns $17,886.
NOTE: Maybe the dropout rate (and the low rate of college graduates (along with the high taxation rate) contributes to the state of near poverty across the state.
According to the information provided on the charts which came up when this writer queried our local high schools' performance, the following national information was most interesting.
"State expectation for students"
"The national test uses a common set of metrics for students in all states and sets a high bar for student achievement. States' expectations and standardized tests vary greatly. Compared to the national test, Maine sets a much lower bar for student achievement." (emphasis added by this writer)
Questions from this writer: (1)If Maine sets a "much lower bar for student achievement" and our local students are still performing worse than the Maine average, how can we expect them to do well once they move on to higher education? To college? Into the work force where Math and Reading comprehension are essential components? (2) While it is fine and good to proclaim Maine is "independent", it cannot expect its students to become successful in their employment or career goals if they can not compete academically with those individuals whose standard of education has been set at "a higher bar". Independence comes from having the ability to choose from multiple opportunities - not just having to take whatever is left over.
"State graduation report"
"The Federal government uses a well-regarded calculation to estimate high school graduation rates. The calculation used by Maine produces an estimate that is similar to than the Federal government's estimate."
(Translation to the italicized phrase: Maine decided to use "a similar estimated" calculation rather than use the standardized one. Question: Why not use the Federal standard calculation? Could it be that the Maine graduation rates would look even worse under the Federal calculation? The information provided on the Education Nation charts indicates that would be the case. It states, "Each state has its own math and reading tests and graduation rate calculation." It even shows a map with results of national exams and graduation rates as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. Using the Federal standard calculations, the high school graduation rates for Maine shows an overall average of 79% - not the 83% the Maine state government reported.
Perhaps Maine parents should wonder about the validity of the other scores as well. Maybe they aren't really as high as they have been reported to be even as late as 2008-2009.
Monday, September 20, 2010
SEPTEMBER SELECTMEN'S MEETING CHANGED
The Selectmen's meeting scheduled for September 21 has been postponed to September 28. It will still begin at 6PM.
The Eddington Farmer's Market has ended for the season. This year there didn't appear to be as much interest as last year (translation: not as many customers). It will be interesting to see if the Farmers Market will be held next year.
Although one source on the Route 9 paving project from down near the Clifton end reports that one of the crew members has stated that the deadline for completion is October 2, it will be a miracle if that comes to pass. Another source reports that the project must be done by November 1 because asphalt will not be produced after that date because of projected low temperatures. (No kidding!) Sure hope the crews get around to putting in the middle-of-the-road stripping SOON. It is down right dangerous driving the road after dark without the reflective lines. And if there is a late-night accident because of no reflective line... can the injured parties sue the DOT for neglect or contributing to the causation? Would be something to think about, one would think.
The Eddington Farmer's Market has ended for the season. This year there didn't appear to be as much interest as last year (translation: not as many customers). It will be interesting to see if the Farmers Market will be held next year.
Although one source on the Route 9 paving project from down near the Clifton end reports that one of the crew members has stated that the deadline for completion is October 2, it will be a miracle if that comes to pass. Another source reports that the project must be done by November 1 because asphalt will not be produced after that date because of projected low temperatures. (No kidding!) Sure hope the crews get around to putting in the middle-of-the-road stripping SOON. It is down right dangerous driving the road after dark without the reflective lines. And if there is a late-night accident because of no reflective line... can the injured parties sue the DOT for neglect or contributing to the causation? Would be something to think about, one would think.
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