Happy New Year, everyone!
Highlights from January 7-8 SBE Meeting
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/sbehighligh...4/01highlights.htmlDiscussion Agenda
Revision of North Carolina K-12 Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study (HSP 6) — The Computer/Technology Skills Standard Course of Study was last revised in 1998, and a scheduled revision was approved at the SBE meeting in September 2002. Core Revision Committee and Focus Group meetings centered on ethics, personal safety, privacy and commercialism in an electronic environment. Clarification strands and objectives and alignment with the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) were address in the review process.
Weighted Quality Point Policy and Proposed Changes (HSP 7) — Discussion continued on the issue of weighted quality points. A report regarding work underway on this issue will be presented to the legislature’s Education Oversight Committee this month, and discussion will continue by the Board in February. Discussions also are ongoing with representatives of the University of North Carolina system and the Community College system on this issue.
Special Provision Budget Bill for School Nurse Services (SS 1) — As directed by the General Assembly, the State Board reviewed the standards for the number of school nurses recommended in the Basic Education Program and compared this with standards recommended by other health organizations. The Board heard a report that noted there are now 667 nurses serving schools and that approximately 111 more nurses would be needed to reach the BEP ration of 1:3,000. The National Association of School Nurses currently recommends a ratio of 1:750. The cost of reaching the BEP ratio would be approximately $5.5 million or $7.5 million, depending on the qualifications required.
Pilot Program for Financial Literacy (HSP 8) — Board members received a report on the financial literacy pilot program being developed as a result of HB 397, Section 7.35. Staff development and implementation of the financial literacy modules will be done over the next few months and evaluation will be done later this spring.
