THE CARGILL CONNECTION,
January 2006
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Happy New Year! I hope that 2006 is a wonderful year for you and your
family. Our time with family and friends over the holidays was relaxing and
rejuvenating. Now we have been busy getting back into the swing of things
at school and work—it’s a bit of an adjustment isn’t it?
I
have written this newsletter a little differently in order to tell you about
my first year of service on the State Board of Education. Following my
First Year Perspective is a description of the agenda for the State Board
meeting in February and other news.
A First Year Perspective:
Serving on the Texas
State Board of Education
2005
was my first year to serve as an elected official for our great state.
Representing over a million constituents on the State Board of Education (SBOE)
for District 8 has been an amazing learning experience. I have enjoyed
meeting people throughout my 24-county district and consider it a great
privilege to represent you and your children in this capacity. Through
the eyes of a newcomer, I want to give you my thoughts about “life on the
Board” and about key education issues including the four “Ts”: TEXTS, TAKS,
TEKS, and TECHNOLOGY.
The
responsibility for textbook adoption was a main reason why I ran for this
office, so let’s start with that issue. Led by our dedicated chairman
Geraldine “Tincy” Miller, the SBOE has been a united front in the effort to
bring quality textbooks to our students. I have been impressed by the
thorough review and adoption process in Texas. Not only does the Board
spend countless hours reviewing textbooks, but we also listen to public
testimony from concerned citizens. This arduous process greatly helps local
school districts in choosing the books they want. It is interesting that
many other states rely on and purchase Texas-approved textbooks!
Furthermore, the SBOE is committed to the funding of textbooks from the
Permanent
School
Fund or PSF. Over 150 years ago, our Texas forefathers wisely created the
PSF with a $2 million land investment that has now topped $20 billion! The
PSF is not tax money, and it is ranked as one of the largest education
endowments in the country. The SBOE is charged with making crucial
investment decisions for the PSF, but we must also fight to ensure that
monies from the fund are used as our forefathers intended -- for the
schoolchildren of today and for future generations of schoolchildren. That
is why the Board sent several resolutions to the Legislature in ’05,
declaring our resolve that textbooks sitting in warehouses had to be paid
for and delivered to schools across Texas. Thankfully the governor and the
Legislative Budget Board approved textbook funding just in the nick of time
for students to benefit from new textbooks this school year.
In 2006
we will be reviewing and adopting math books. You can rest assured that the
SBOE will continue to work vigorously to adopt error-free textbooks that
actually help our wonderful teachers provide the best possible education for
our students. As testing requirements become more and more stringent, so
should our expectations for great textbooks!
Another
“T” is the TAKS test. The SBOE is charged with setting the passing
standards for the TAKS tests and we do so with the best interests of
students in mind. Accountability is important, and I know that our teachers
and students are working very hard to focus on learning and not just on the
test itself. The amount of testing done in classrooms today does concern
me. As the mother of three sons in public schools, I am well aware of those
frequent testing days. Another concern that was brought to my attention by
a constituent is the quality of the content used on the TAKS tests
themselves, particularly the English essays. There is absolutely no reason
for any questionable material to be used on these tests, especially when
there is so much quality literature from which to choose! I have asked
several other Board members to help me review the English TAKS tests for
grades 9-11 at our February meeting. In addition, I will continue to
nominate expert teachers from District 8 to serve on TAKS committees which
help to evaluate the tests and make recommendations for passing standards.
The SBOE is charged
with approving the state curriculum standards called the Texas Essential
Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the third “T.” Every year there is a
refinement and realignment process for specific TEKS. I believe that a
highly effective way to improve the curriculum is to nominate qualified
teachers to serve on working committees in
Austin.
These teachers volunteer their time and expertise; what an inspiration to
us all! Out of my fourteen English Language Arts teacher nominees, five
were chosen. They are making an important contribution to students all over
the state, and I sincerely thank them. Last spring I asked for help in
reviewing the elementary math TEKS, and many teachers responded. Another
teacher from District 8 was chosen to serve on the state Educational
Technology Advisory Committee. The combined efforts of these experienced
teachers and TEA staff will help improve the state curriculum so that it
becomes a better tool for teachers.
Finally, I have a
great interest in classroom technology and am eager to find tools and
programs that help students learn and prepare for today’s dynamic college
and workplace environments. To this end, I contacted the technology staffs
in several school districts. It was time for a crash course on current and
future classroom technology! After visiting classrooms and talking to many
teachers, technology staff, and parents, I am impressed by what is already
happening in many of our schools. It is also clear to me that we must first
make sure that academic achievement is the top priority for the advancement
of technology. The Texas Technology Immersion Pilot (laptop use) is
underway in our state. The first year results in these middle schools are
not pointing to increased academic achievement (Evaluation Report as of
11-17-05). This study continues.
My efforts will
support a sure but steady approach, one in which thorough research is done
that shows how students directly benefit from tried and true technology
programs and tools. It is vital that we first train our teachers and
prepare our schools (wiring, tech support personnel, network upgrades, etc.)
before any kind of new technology is mandated. Teachers must be
motivated and rewarded for computer training that benefits their students’
learning. There are so many technology tools available in the marketplace
today; we must determine which ones support academic success in schools. Of
course the big question is, “From where will the funding come?” The special
session this spring will surely open that debate again. The SBOE will
fiercely protect the PSF from being used to pay for anything that has not
proved to increase academic achievement.
As you can see there
is much to do and much to consider! It is my hope that the State Board of
Education, the Texas Education Agency (TEA),
and the Legislature will unite their efforts to benefit
Texas
schoolchildren. Commissioner of Education
Shirley Neeley works tirelessly to bring about positive changes to public
education in
Texas. I
am thankful for her leadership and encouraging spirit. I have also found
that many TEA staff members are helpful and dedicated, and I look forward to
continuing a productive relationship with them.
It has
been a pleasure meeting and working with a number of leaders in our state --
men and women whose leadership is inspiring. Many of these leaders are in
the Legislature, and I admire their commitment to further improve public
education. It is my belief that together the Legislature and the
SBOE can have a great impact on the future of education in Texas. By
leveraging each other’s strengths and knowledge, we can make a positive
difference and do what is right and best for schoolchildren. I will
continue to work to keep the lines of communication open with legislators
about key education issues.
Above
all, I pledge to keep my focus on the schoolchildren of Texas and to work
diligently to ensure that every child receives a well-rounded and solid
education. It is my promise to you to continue to do so with dedication and
integrity. Our kids are worth it.
ON THE FEBRUARY SBOE MEETING
AGENDA:
Here
is a description of some of the items that are on the agenda for our meeting
in Austin on February 8-10. Some of the Board members will meet early on
Wednesday to attend the Texas Computer Education Association conference that
is taking place in
Austin
that week.
1.
Presentation by the General
Land Office on the Management of Real Estate Investments for the
Permanent School Fund
2.
Discussion of Technology and Instructional Materials: This item presents
the board with the opportunity to discuss instructional materials and the
impact of technology, history of technology and education, the Progress
Report on the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 1996-2010 publication, the
status of technology in Texas schools, and other appropriate issues. (Side
note: At my request, Jan Robin and Dr. Scott Barrow, technology
supervisors for Conroe ISD, will make a presentation about current classroom
technology. I appreciate their willingness to share their wisdom with the
Board.)
3. Proposed
Amendment to 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, Subchapter
C, Other Provisions, §74.25, High School
Credit for College Courses
(First
Reading and Filing Authorization)
The proposed
amendment would change the process through which students receive high
school graduation credit for college courses.
4. Proposed
Amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 66, State Adoption and Distribution of
Instructional Materials (First Reading and Filing Authorization)
This item
will provide members an opportunity to review, discuss, and approve needed
amendments for first reading and filing authorization to Chapter 66.
1.
Discussion of School Finance
System Ruling by the Texas Supreme Court
The
members of the Committee on Planning will meet on Thursday, February
9th to discuss items such as
on-going State Board for
Educator Certification activities and to receive an
update on approved
open-enrollment charter schools. We look forward to news regarding the new
charter schools that were approved last fall.
To see the
complete February agenda, please go to the Texas Education Agency website at
http://www.tea.state.tx.us. The agenda
is posted under “State Board of Education and Commissioner” (on the left).
After that screen appears, click on “Meeting Schedule and Agendas” (on the
right).
OTHER HAPPENINGS:
*At
the November board meeting, it was a pleasure to greet Lisa Phillipi, my
nominee for the Heroes for Children Award. Lisa is a dedicated parent
volunteer at
Magnolia
High School in the Magnolia ISD. She spends several days a week volunteering
in the counselor’s office as well as assisting with school-wide events such
as awards ceremonies and senior activities. Thank you Lisa for being a hero
to so many children!
*A
big thank you to the fine people of San Augustine and surrounding counties
for their warm welcome on December 8th at the Republican Club
meeting. After a good discussion about public education, we enjoyed
visiting with each other during their Christmas party.
*Superintendent Bobby McMillan and his technology supervisor, wife Carol
McMillan, met with me on December 9th in San Augustine. Their
wisdom and insight about classroom technology was very helpful; their
efforts are benefiting the schoolchildren in their district.
*It was
a pleasure enjoying the holiday season with the warm and gracious members of
the Nacogdoches Republican club at their dinner event on December 12th.
Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson was the guest speaker and it was nice
getting to know him. His office has been very supportive in working with
the SBOE concerning Permanent School Fund issues.
*On
December 14th I spoke to the school board in Willis ISD. There
are great things going on in Willis and I thank the teachers,
administrators, and school board for their hard work and dedication to
children.
*After
a November meeting with technology experts Jan Robin and Scott Barrow from
Conroe ISD, I asked for a tour of classrooms and schools to see more current
technology. We met on January 13th and State Representative Rob
Eissler was able to join us. Mr. Eissler serves on the House Public
Education committee and also has a keen interest in classroom technology.
It was a very informative tour highlighted by seeing students in action.
(I’ll confess to getting “lost” on what the AP Economics class was
learning, but their use of a computer Smart Board was terrific!)
*This
month I will be traveling on January 24 to speak to the Republican Club of
Orange County at
7:00
in the Courthouse Annex building. I look forward to seeing my constituents
in that part of District 8 again! January 26-28 I will attend the
Educational Policy Conference in
St.
Louis.
*Now I
would like you to hear from two more teachers, Valari Garcia and Ti Laster,
who I nominated to serve on working panels to refine and revise the
English/Language Arts curriculum, or TEKS. These dedicated teachers
volunteer their time to help improve the state curriculum and for that we
are so grateful!
Dear
Barbara,
I
recently worked on a panel to revise and refine the third grade language
arts TEKS. The weekend of September 30, 2005
was exhausting, but what an experience it was! We worked in grade levels;
we met with teachers in grades K-2, 4-8, and then reviewed possible changes
with all levels. It was a wonderful chance to discuss differences, come to
agreement, and see how the puzzle pieces all fit together! I would encourage
teachers to view suggested changes and give their ideas about the TEKS by
email.
Thank
you,
Valari
Garcia, 3rd Grade teacher, Coulson Tough Flex School
Barbara,
Thank you for recommending me to serve on the ELA panel to revise and refine
the TEKS. A group of dedicated, intelligent professionals worked diligently
to improve an already impressive group of writing criteria. Amazingly, we
finished our objectives by the end of the day on Saturday, and I was amazed
that we concurred on so many suggestions. Of course, much credit goes to the
TEA staff for the work they did before we ever arrived. In addition, they
facilitated our needs yet left the decisions up to us. The experience was
truly one of the best I have had in many years.
I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this project.
Ti Laster, 7th grade teacher in Longview
***********************************************************************
As I
enter my second year on the State Board of Education, I thank you once again
for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility and privilege. Please
contact me with any questions or concerns about public education. Your
prayer support for wisdom and guidance would be appreciated as Proverb 2:6
says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and
understanding.”
May God
bless you richly as you start a new year with family and friends!
Barbara Cargill
State Board of Education, District 8
281-465-8095,
www.barbaracargill.com
Please feel free to
forward this e-mail to other people who have an interest in education.
