News and Resources

Below is a summary of monthly State Board of Education meeting activity.

June 2009

New Construction Education Policy Approved
The State Board of Education (SBE) adopted a new policy to require construction education programs (carpentry, electrical trades, and masonry) offered in NC public schools to receive certification from the National Center for Construction Education Research (NCCER). Proponents stated that, once certified, program students will graduate with industry-developed skills and knowledge to prepare them for further education and employment. Requirements for certification include: (1) certification by NCCER/NCDPI as Accredited Training and Education Facilities (ATEF) for construction programs; (2) instructor(s) must complete the Certification Training Program and achieve certification as a Craft Instructor; and (3) students must be entered into the NCCER national registry.

DPI staff members commented that $24.4 million is available from the Perkins Grant to help with costs associated with instructor program certification, safety, equipment, materials, and tools.  The SBE’s implementation timeline is for all teachers to become certified by August 1, 2010, and all construction programs to be ATEF certified by August 1, 2011.

New Teacher Evaluation Instrument Update and Next Steps
DPI’s Office of Professional Development presented some early results from the 13 LEAs that are already using the new teacher evaluation instrument.  Most of the survey responses shared with the SBE were positive. A common trend revealed that teachers were spending more time with the instrument, with many commenting that it was “worth the time.”

DPI also revealed that 39 more LEAs will receive training on the new evaluation instrument and begin implementation in the 2009-2010 school year. The remaining LEAs will all adopt the instrument in 2010-2011.

Academic Scholars Program Changes
This month the SBE discussed changing the Academic Scholars Program to align with the Future-Ready Core graduation requirements for students entering ninth grade in 2009-2010. DPI staff and SBE members seemed to favor an option that includes the following changes:

• 4 math credits, including a higher level math course

• 2 elective credits in a second language

• 4 elective credits constituting a concentration (CTE, JROTC, Arts Education, Second Languages, etc.)

• 3 credits in junior and/or senior year that are more rigorous or 2 credits that are rigorous and successful completion of the North Carolina Graduation Project.

Currently, 18-22% of this year’s graduating seniors will receive the Academic Scholars Program seal. This item will be back next month.

North Carolina School Boards Association
Mailing: PO Box 97877, Raleigh, NC 27624-7877
Street: 7208 Falls of Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone: 919.841.4040  Fax: 919.841.4020