Showing posts with label United States Secretary of Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States Secretary of Education. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Creation of Children’s Cabinet and the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success

English: Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe spea...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Richmond - Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Order creating a cabinet solely dedicated to the education, health, safety, and welfare of Virginia’s children and youth. The newly launched Children’s Cabinet will develop and implement a policy agenda that will help better serve Virginia’s children and will also foster collaboration between state and local agencies.  As a part of that effort, the Governor also signed a second Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success. This Council will be chaired by Lt. Governor Northam and will focus on improving the health, education, and well-being of our youngest children.

“Children are the Commonwealth’s most important resource, and it is critical that we provide them with the tools and resources they need to thrive in a 21st century economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Both the Children’s Cabinet and the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success will help ensure that Virginia’s children live happy and productive lives.”

Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Secretary of Health and Human Resources Bill Hazel will serve as co-chairs of the Children’s Cabinet.  Lt. Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Public Safety Brian Moran, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones and the First Lady of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe will serve as members of the Children’s Cabinet.

“The Children’s Cabinet provides an opportunity to work together on the complex issues that affect a child’s development.  Addressing the need for safe housing, access to healthcare and proper nutrition are important first steps that will help bridge the achievement gap and prepare Virginia’s children to succeed in a new Virginia economy,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.

“It is an honor to be named Chair of the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success,” said Lt. Governor Northam. “I am incredibly grateful that early childhood is a priority for Governor McAuliffe and his administration. The early years of a child’s life are extremely formative, and have a significant impact on their health, growth, and readiness to succeed. As policymakers we must ensure that our public investments in these services provide adequate access and high quality programs. I look forward to working with state agencies, local school districts, service providers, the business community, and advocates to ensure that every Virginia child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

“The establishment of the Children’s Cabinet is a great first step towards addressing the basic needs of Virginia’s youth,” said Secretary Holton. “There are schools, neighborhoods, and communities across the Commonwealth suffering under the crushing weight of entrenched poverty, and it is our goal with the Children’s Cabinet to offer a helping hand, not a wagging finger.”

Secretary Hazel added, “While regular communication between secretariats regarding children and youth issues is important, we believe a more significant impact can be achieved by delving further into the issues impacting the health, education and success of our children.”

The Children’s Cabinet will focus on five specific priority areas:

  • Eradicating the achievement gap in schools in high poverty communities.
  • Increasing access to basic needs including housing, healthcare, and proper nutrition.
  • Improving outcomes for youth transitioning out of Virginia’s juvenile justice, mental health and foster care systems.
  • Increasing workforce opportunities for parents and for youth as they transition out of high school. 
  • Improving early childhood care and education. 

The full text of the executive orders are below:  

CHAMPIONS FOR VIRGINIA’S CHILDREN:
VIRGINIA CHILDREN’S CABINET

Executive Order Number 21 (2014)
Importance of the Issues

With a longstanding history of prioritizing our youngest generation, Virginia has a distinguished record as one of the best states for children and families. This achievement has been accomplished through a firm commitment to the highest quality of life, health care, public safety, K-12 and higher education, and a vibrant business environment that promotes job growth, employment opportunities, and career advancement.

We must ensure that youth throughout Virginia can excel, beginning in their earliest years. Addressing the challenges that face our children requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on strengthening families and stemming the tide of poverty. To build Virginia’s workforce, we must continue to invest in and foster the development of healthy and well-educated children who are prepared to be productive members of our communities as adults.

The Commonwealth of Virginia must cultivate a solid foundation for our children and their families through supportive measures that promote: 1) early childhood development programs and basic healthcare needs, 2) age-appropriate mental health services, 3) first-rate, coordinated services for at-risk youth, 4) critical educational outcomes and academic readiness to succeed, and 5) nutritional security and access to stable housing. The education, health, safety, and well-being of Virginia’s children are fundamental to the Commonwealth’s future.

Establishment of the Cabinet

Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby initiate Champions for Virginia’s Children with the establishment of the Virginia Children’s Cabinet (“Children’s Cabinet”).


Virginia Children’s Cabinet

The Children’s Cabinet shall develop and implement a comprehensive policy agenda related to the education, health, safety, and well-being of youth throughout the Commonwealth. It shall evaluate and recommend strategies to optimize and align local, state, and federal public resources, and public-private partnerships to enhance current and prospective programs and services for Virginia’s children and their families, particularly those at highest risk. It shall also identify best practices and areas for improvement.

Additionally, the Children’s Cabinet shall provide leadership and strategic direction, facilitate the sharing of information, and work to improve service delivery of state programs. It shall identify specific goals, outcomes, and metrics to accomplish its work during this administration. These issues are interrelated and require regular communication and collaboration across local, state, and federal agencies, secretariats, industry sectors, and other related constituencies. It will coordinate with other state entities as appropriate to remain apprised of developing issues.

Children’s Cabinet Priorities

By collaborating across secretariats and working with local, state, and federal agencies, private industry, non-profit organizations, the Children’s Cabinet will work to ensure that effective supports are in place to achieve the following:

1.     Beyond the barriers. Schools in high-poverty communities face numerous systemic societal barriers (such as unstable housing, high crime rates, health, nutritional, and social challenges). The myriad of issues facing these schools and their students must be addressed. Opportunities for increased support will be identified, including, but not limited to, community and social services for Virginia’s most vulnerable children and their families.
2.     Raising the foundation. High quality early child care, increased access to pre-K, and educational programs lay the foundation for academic achievement. Child care providers must be held accountable to provide quality care so that our youngest children will thrive and obtain the necessary skills to contribute to our communities.
3.     Access to basics. Access to healthcare, housing, and proper nutrition must be facilitated to meet basic needs and ensure the healthy growth, development, and well-being of our children and their families.
4.     Triumph over transitions. Services for youth who are transitioning out of Virginia’s juvenile justice, mental health, and foster care systems will be assessed. Best practices will be determined, and replication will be encouraged. Factors leading to youth entering the juvenile justice system will be identified to reduce the impact of incarceration. Issues related to educational and work transitions from preschool to K-12 education, and K-12 education to college and/or the workforce, will also be examined. 
5.     Working parents, building families. Policies and services that encourage workforce development efforts for parents through education, credential training, career development, and employment will be addressed.

Composition of the Children’s Cabinet

            The Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Resources shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Children’s Cabinet.

The Children’s Cabinet will be appointed by the Governor and consist of the Lieutenant Governor, the First Lady, the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, and Public Safety and Homeland Security. The Children’s Cabinet Co-Chairs may invite other Secretaries to participate as needed and appropriate.

Staffing

Staff support for the Children’s Cabinet will be provided by the Secretaries of Education, Health and Human Resources, and any other agencies or offices as may be designated by the Governor. The Children’s Cabinet will serve in an advisory role, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chairs at least four times per year. The Children’s Cabinet will issue an annual report by no later than June 1, and any additional reports and recommendations as necessary or as requested by the Governor.

Effective Date of the Executive Order

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in force and effect until January 9, 2018, unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 11th day of August, 2014.




Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor









Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth



ESTABLISHING THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL
ON CHILDHOOD SUCCESS

Executive Order Number 22 (2014)

Initiative

            The optimal development of Virginia’s infants, toddlers, and young children is linked to our success as a Commonwealth. Children’s earliest experiences have a significant impact on their health, growth, and readiness to succeed.

            We must address the basic health, education, and child care needs of young children, including the early identification of intellectual and developmental delays, access to stable housing and nutritious foods, and high quality child care and early education programs. Public and other resources need to be used efficiently and effectively by local, state, and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and providers of health care, child care, and education through early intervention and case management.   

Establishment of the Council

            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to     §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success.

Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success (“CCCS”)
            The Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success shall regularly report to the Governor and the Children’s Cabinet. It will conduct a comprehensive, statewide assessment of current programs, services, and local, state, and federal public resources that serve Virginia’s children ages  0-8. In coordination with the Children’s Cabinet and relevant state agencies, it will serve as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improvement including, but not limited to: 1) funding for preschool, 2) kindergarten readiness, 3) strategies to close the achievement gap in early elementary years, 4) the quality and accountability of child care programs and providers, and 5) coordination of services for at-risk families. The CCCS will also collaborate with other entities as appropriate. It will seek participation from relevant stakeholders, including the business community, private and nonprofit providers, and advocacy organizations.  
Composition of the CCCS
           
            The CCCS shall be chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and consist of representatives of the following: Department of Education; Department of Social Services; Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services; Department of Health; programs under part B, Section 619, and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Child Care Development Fund; Virginia’s Head Start Collaboration; the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation; local educational agencies; institutions of higher education; local providers of education and child care; local Head Start programs; the business community; the legislature; and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.

Staffing

            Staff support for the CCCS will be furnished by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, and such other agencies and offices as designated by the Governor. The CCCS will serve in an advisory role to the Governor, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of the Code of Virginia, and will meet upon the call of the Chair at least four times per year. The CCCS will issue an annual report by no later than June 1, and any additional reports as necessary.

Effective Date
 
            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and   2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect for a year from its signing or until superseded or rescinded. 

           Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 11th day of
August, 2014.




Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor








Attest:             _______________________________________
                        Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Ruling in Opportunity Educational Institution Ruling

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following a Norfolk Circuit Court Judge’s ruling in the lawsuit regarding the Virginia Opportunity Educational Institution:

“My team and I are evaluating today’s ruling and will make a decision about next steps soon. Regardless of today’s ruling, Secretary Anne Holton, Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples and my entire administration are committed to working in a collaborative way with local school divisions and the Board of Education to improve outcomes in all communities, and particularly in our struggling schools. We absolutely have to do better by the children in these schools.

“Reducing the achievement gap is a top priority for me and my entire team. It will require working together with the Virginia Department of Education, local school divisions, other state and local agencies and communities to ensure our youngsters have the best chance for success. Part of our effort will include continuing the bipartisan effort to reform our existing Standards of Learning system to better serve all of our students. Our Standards of Learning Innovation Committee will begin its work this summer.

Secretary of Education Anne Holton and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will be working with other state and local partners to get all of our priority schools on the right track.”

Friday, June 6, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Selection of Virginia for School Broadband Pricing

Internet Access Here SignInternet Access Here Sign (Photo credit: Steve Rhode)
Governor McAuliffe Announces Selection of Virginia for School Broadband Pricing Project
Goal to Lower Costs and Increase Bandwidth for School Divisions

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has been selected to participate in a pilot project to help school divisions lower the cost of high-speed Internet access and increase digital learning opportunities for students.

EducationSuperHighway (ESH) — a San Francisco-based non-profit dedicated to improving Internet access in schools — selected Virginia because of the commonwealth’s leadership in digital learning and because of data suggesting that Virginia schools are paying more than the national average for Internet access and network connectivity.

According to ESH, average monthly megabits-per-second costs for Virginia school divisions are $26 for Internet access and $7 for network connectivity, compared with respective national averages of $22 and $3. ESH data also indicate that the percentage of Virginia schools with less-than-ideal access and bandwidth exceeds the national average.

“Ensuring that all Virginia communities have equal and affordable access to broadband technology is a critical component in developing a 21st Century Virginia economy,” said Governor McAuliffe. "I am grateful that EducationSuperHighway has selected Virginia for this important project which will use transparency to drive down broadband costs and provide greater opportunities for innovative learning in classrooms across the Commonwealth.”

“Virginia is leading the nation in the effort to lower school broadband costs across the state," said Evan Marwell, CEO of EducationSuperHighway. "We are thrilled to partner with Governor McAuliffe to ensure that all of Virginia's students have access to high-speed Internet for 21st-century learning."

School divisions are using an ESH online portal to report detailed information by the end of August on Internet access and broadband pricing.  After analyzing the data, ESH will produce a comprehensive report in early 2015 on access and pricing for all participating school divisions.

“School divisions will have the ability to compare and evaluate prices across the state and determine whether they are getting their money’s worth in access and bandwidth,” Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson said. 

Working with the secretary of technology, Secretary of Education Anne Holton and the Virginia Department of Education, ESH will identify factors and practices driving up costs for school divisions and provide technical assistance to school divisions on cutting costs by promoting transparency, encouraging competition, and identifying new service options.

“Every student in Virginia deserves access to high-quality digital content,” Secretary Holton said. “Our strategy for closing achievement gaps must include a concerted effort at both the state and local levels to make sure that slow connection speeds and inadequate networks don’t bar the way.”   

EducationSuperHighway says the broadband pricing project will include two states, with the second state being named later this summer.

Last month, ESH and the Washington-based Consortium for School Networking called on the Federal Communications Commission to increase federal E-rate funding for schools and libraries by $800 million annually to support much-needed improvements to wireless networks. E-rate provides subsidies to school systems and libraries through fees paid by telecommunications companies. 
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Governor McDonnell Announces Appointments to the Opportunity Educational Institution Board

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
 The state seal of Virginia.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
OEI Board will focus on turning around chronically failing, or underperforming, public schools 


RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced his appointments to the Opportunity Educational Institution Board. The Board will begin immediately to oversee the OEI.  The OEI, which was created through legislation passed during the 2013 General Assembly Session, will focus on turning around chronically failing or underperforming public schools in the Commonwealth to ensure a high quality education for all students.

The Board is comprised of nine appointed members and ex officio members as follows: two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates in accordance with the principles of proportional representation contained in the Rules of the House of Delegates; two members of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules; one nonlegislative citizen member who shall have experience with the turnaround of failing schools; one nonlegislative citizen member who shall be a former teacher, former principal, or former superintendent; and, three nonlegislative citizen members who shall be citizens at large.  The nonlegislative citizen members are appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. The Secretary of Education or his designee and the Executive Director of the Institution shall serve ex officio with nonvoting privileges.

Speaking about the OEI Board, Governor McDonnell commented, “The Opportunity Educational Institution Board brings together top K-12 education reform leaders in Virginia with passionate education advocates in state government.  These leaders will work to ensure all Virginia children have access to a high quality education, and they are going to get to work right away.  If a single Virginia school is allowed to continue to fail resulting in students being denied a high-quality education, then we are not doing our constitutional duty. That is unacceptable.  The status quo is no longer ok, and the leaders on the OEI Board will be critical to the bipartisan effort to ensure that every child in the Commonwealth goes to a high quality school and gets a world class education.” 

Senator Ryan McDougle added, “These appointees possess the depth and breadth of experience needed to guide the Opportunity Educational Institution on its critical mission of reforming and revitalizing chronically failing schools.  The Commonwealth is very fortunate to have qualified individuals of this caliber willing to serve on the OEI Board as it begins the arduous and challenging process of ensuring every child in Virginia gets to attend a great school.”

Delegate Kirk Cox, co-chairman of the Governor's K-12 Education Reform Summit and a retired high school teacher stated, “This is another important step forward in our efforts to make Virginia schools the best in the nation. Statewide, our students are well above the national SAT averages in reading, writing, and math. Focusing on failing and under performing schools will help ensure that all students will have the opportunity to achieve academic results that will give them the best skills for 21st century jobs.”

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Jim Dyke noted, “I am confident the OEI Board will provide expert leadership for Virginia's children. The Board is well positioned to oversee the turnaround of failing schools and remain focused on the best interest of children.  I have long advocated for the state having the ultimate authority to take over failing schools in partnership with localities as a last option to assure that students have a lifeline to enable them to get the quality education required by our Constitution. I commend the Governor and the General Assembly for stepping up and providing that lifeline for these students. They deserve such an opportunity to achieve success.”


Gubernatorial Appointments

Lisa Goeas of Alexandria, Vice President of Political and Grassroots Program, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
Goeas is the vice president of political and grassroots for the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Washington, D.C.  She is responsible for developing and directing NFIB political and grassroots programs that impact public-policy issues important to the small-business community. Prior to joining NFIB, Ms. Goeas was the chief of staff to Hector V. Baretto, small-business administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration.  As chief of staff, she was the primary senior executive advisor to the administrator on program and policy matters, and represented the agency in negotiations and liaison activities with officials of the White House, Congress and other federal agencies. From 1996 – 2002, Ms. Goeas served as Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Senator Tim Hutchinson. Married to Ed Goeas, she lives in Alexandria, Virginia with their three children, Emma, Robert and Bennett. She serves on the Alexandria PTA Council as well as the PTAs for George Washington Middle School and MacArthur Elementary School.

Julia Ciarlo Hammond of Richmond, Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy Advisor, Office of the Governor
Hammond leads the McDonnell Administration’s legislative strategy, develops the Governor's policy agenda and works with members of the Virginia General Assembly to advance the Governor's priorities.  Since January 2011, Julia has been pivotal to the success of the Governor's agendas, directing the Administration's outreach to the General Assembly and stakeholder groups. Practiced in leading a gubernatorial legislative team, she has expertly identified emerging issues in K12 reform, developed and implemented policy initiatives, and secured passage of key reforms that help ensure all students receive a world class education.  Prior to joining the Administration as Director of Legislative Affairs, Julia Ciarlo Hammond was Virginia State Director for the National Federation of Independent Business, the Commonwealth's leading small business association.  Previously, she served as Director of Government Relations for the Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association. She also served in the Office of Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, and as a legislative aide to Delegate David Albo. Hammond earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Mary Washington.

Doug Mesecar of Aldie, Founder of Adeptio Education and Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Assistant Deputy Secretary of the Office of Innovation and Improvement for the U.S. Department of Education
Mesecar brings significant expertise in federal and state-level education policy encompassing funding, policy-making, innovation and business development.  Mesecar previously led the Office of Innovation and Improvement, directing the implementation of the charter, choice, tutoring, teacher quality, and technology provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as well as identifying innovative approaches to reform and improvement and provided budgetary and administrative oversight for over 30 grant programs.  Mesecar began as a teacher in Colorado and currently is founder of Adeptio Education, a government relations and consulting business for education organization, and co-owns a Sylvan Learning Center in Northern Virginia. Mesecar earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Hope College and completed post-graduate education at the University of Denver.  Mesecar and his family live in Loudoun County, and his two children attend Loudoun County Public Schools.

Dr. John Nunnery of Norfolk, Executive Director, The Center for Educational Partnerships at Old Dominion University (ODU)
Dr. Nunnery leads the ODU Center for Educational Partnerships. He is an expert in school restructuring and reform, educational evaluation, testing and measurement, strategic planning, and accountability. Nunnery holds an Ed.D. from the University of Memphis in Educational Psychology and Research, in addition to degrees from Rhodes College and Memphis State University.  His previous appointments include Director of the Bureau of Educational Research and Services at the University of Memphis, Associate Research Scientist at Johns Hopkins University, and Executive Director of Research, Standards, and Accountability for Memphis City Schools.  He has served two terms as President of the Comprehensive School Reform Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association.

Anne S. O'Toole of Manakin-Sabot, Retired Principal for Chesterfield County Public Schools  and Educational Consultant
O’Toole is an educational consultant whose passion is empowering educators to implement student-centered, inquiry-based, “best practices” for instruction.  Anne spent 41 years as a teacher, reading specialist, K-12 language arts supervisor, and elementary principal in Richmond City and Chesterfield County.    She was the principal of the first Expeditionary Learning School in Virginia, Robious Elementary (2005), which was identified as a national Blue Ribbon School of Excellence under her leadership.  Still passionate about improving instruction, she now works with the Virginia Department of Education, the Governor’s Office of Education, the University of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University to inspire principals and teachers. Currently, she is traveling throughout Virginia to implement a series of trainings on empowering teachers as leaders of successful school leadership teams.  Anne holds degrees from the College of William and Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Senate of Virginia Appointments**The Senate Committee on rules announced appointments to the OEI Board on April 2nd

Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R - Hanover)
Senator Kenneth C. Alexander (D - Norfolk)

House of Delegates Appointments**Speaker Howell announced his appointments to the OEI Board by press release on September 26th

Delegate Richard P. Bell (R - Staunton)
Delegate Daun Sessoms Hester (D - Norfolk)

About the Opportunity Educational Institution

The OEI, which was created through legislation passed during the 2013 General Assembly Session, will focus on turning around chronically failing, or underperforming, public schools in the Commonwealth to provide a high quality education for children attending any failing public elementary, or secondary school. 

Consistent with the Constitution of Virginia, “it is desirable for the intellectual, cultural, and occupational development of the people of the Commonwealth . . . . to ensure that an educational program of high quality is established and continually maintained for all students throughout the Commonwealth.” This law establishes a statewide Opportunity Educational Institution to provide a high quality education for children attending any failing public elementary or secondary school. The Opportunity Educational Institution will be uniquely positioned to turnaround failing schools and provide all students the opportunity they deserve. While this model is new to Virginia, it is proven nationally. States like Louisiana and Tennessee have created Recovery and Achievement districts and the results are positive.
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