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Dear Colleagues,
Happy National Assistant Principals Week! This week, we have been honoring assistant principals for their
contributions to the success of our students. We hope you have been celebrating in your schools and communities as well.
In this edition of News and Notes, I provide information about the following:
Thank you again for all you do for the students of New York State.
Sincerely,
MaryEllen Elia
Commissioner
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 NYSED Proposes Rule to Allow Individual Evaluation for Certain Teaching Certificate Titles
This week, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) proposed regulatory changes to reinstate an individual evaluation pathway in certain certificate titles for teacher candidates who have not completed an approved teacher education program but have completed coursework and field experience. The change will help school districts find qualified teachers in certificate areas that have been difficult to fill. A 60-day public comment period begins April 25.
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Five World Languages Assessments Approved for 4+1 Pathway to Graduation
Last month, NYSED approved five assessments (two in Spanish and one each in Chinese, French, and Italian) that may serve as the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) 4+1 pathway assessment option for graduation. Under the 4+1 pathway assessment option, students must take and pass four required Regents Exams or Department-approved alternative assessments (one in each of English, math, science, and social studies) and a comparably rigorous assessment for the fifth required exam to graduate. The Madison-Oneida BOCES and the New York City Department of Education submitted these assessments, which are approved for 2018.
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NYSED Announces 2018 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch
Last month, in collaboration with its New York State Essential Elements Schools to Watch partners, NYSED recognized three new schools as
2018 Essential Elements: Schools to Watch (EE:STW). The designation is awarded to exceptional middle level schools that meet rigorous criteria and are on a path of continuous improvement. Each EE:STW school is a model of academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equity. New York is proud to designate three new exemplary schools serving the middle grades:
- Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Middle School (Verona, NY)
- Fieldstone Middle School (Thiells, NY)
- Starpoint Middle School (Lockport, NY)
Congratulations!
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New Initiatives to Combat Substance Abuse Among School-Aged Children and Student Athletes
Heroin and opioid use continues to grow at an alarming rate. Recent studies have shown that the percentages of high school students in New York State who have reported using heroin or who have injected an illegal drug have more than doubled from 2005 to 2015.
Education and healthcare leaders can increase awareness by talking about underage drinking, substance use disorders, addiction, warning signs, and how to access help. These materials provide guidance on how to have those conversations.
This month, NYSED will
notify schools statewide of the availability of flash drives loaded with materials in English and Spanish for coaches, teachers, school nurses, and other educators to use in personal conversations with students and in community forums. By raising awareness in our schools about prevention programs and the services and support available to those in need, we can help save lives.
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New York State Library Bicentennial
This year, the New York State Library is celebrating its bicentennial. Created in 1818 at the urging of Governor DeWitt Clinton, the Library is the third oldest state library in the nation. The theme of the year-long celebration is 200 Years of Knowledge, Heritage and History.
To celebrate this milestone, the Library is hosting several events throughout the year, including a Speakers Forum with talks by renowned library experts, several open houses to highlight aspects of the Library's 200-year history, and special exhibitions to showcase some of the Library's collections. The events will take place at the New York State Museum and are open to the public, although reservations are recommended for the Speakers Forum talks.
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National Donate Life Month
April is National Donate Life Month, recognizing the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. NYSED partnered with New York State Donate Life and other stakeholders to make classroom resources available to school districts, including model curriculum, useful lesson plans, and current instructional resources on the importance and value of organ and tissue donation.
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Regents Review Videos
The New York State Regents exams are just around the corner, and educators can help students prepare for them with Regents Review 2.0, a free service presented by New York's public broadcasters.
Regents Review 2.0 includes specially prepared television episodes, online videos, and resources.
The programs are also being broadcast on most New York State public television stations. Check with your local PBS station for dates and times.
Regents Review 2.0 is produced by WCNY and is made possible through the support of NYSUT and the Association for Public Broadcasting. Additional production assistance is provided by the NYS Teacher Centers.
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