Minutes
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California
Tuesday, March 4, 2003
Members Present
Charles Weis, Chair
Rae Belisle
Judy Elliott
Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg
Lynette Henley
Barbara Lockert
Robert Manwaring
Robert Nichols
Alice Petrosian
Jai Sookprasert
Senator John Vasconcellos
Alternates Present
Dee Brennick (for Assemblywoman Goldberg)
Cathleen Cox (for Senator McPherson)
Lee Angela Reid (for Senator Bruce McPherson) James Wilson (for
Senator Vasconcellos)
Staff to the Liaison Team
Camille Maben
Call to Order
Chair Chuck Weis called the meeting to order at 9:03 am. after it was determined that a quorum was present.
Welcome and Introductions
Camille Maben discussed the Local Education Agency Plan that is now on the CDE's Web site as well as the Peer Review meeting on February 26, 2003.
Camille Maben reported that Richard Whitmore has resigned from the Liaison Team due to a conflict with his employment.
Administration of the Oath for New Appointees and/or Alternates
N/A
Approval of the Agenda
Chair Weis reviewed the agenda and revised the order of the topics for discussion and action. Motion was made by Judy Elliott and seconded by Lynette Henley for approval of the agenda as revised. Motion passed (11-0-0).
Approval of Minutes
Chair Weis reviewed the revised minutes from December 4, 2002 meeting.
Dee Brennick made a revision from the February 4, 2003 minutes. The Liaison Team recommended that any revisions made to future minutes be done in "italics."
Motion was made by Lynette Henley and seconded by Assemblymember Goldberg to approve the minutes from December 4, 2002 and February 4, 2003, respectively. Motion passed (11-0-0).
Public Comment
Chair Weis opened the floor to public comment and recognized three members of the public. Their names, agencies they represent, and their topic are as follows:
- Mike Weimer, California Federation of Teachers - discussed the definition of highly qualified teachers (handout given).
- Ines Bosworth, Educational Testing Service - discussed paraprofessional assessment (handout given).
- Jenny Wang, California Association of Community Organization for Reform Now/Public Advocates - discussed the definition of highly qualified teachers.
Topics for Discussion and Action
Chair Weis moved to Item #7, Topics for Discussion and Action.
Issue 1 - Definition of students with disabilities
Alice Parker (CDE) gave an informational PowerPoint presentation.
Break
Chair Weis called for a 5-minute break at 10:00 am. Meeting reconvened at 10:07 am.
Issue 2 - Definition of a highly qualified teacher
Karen Steentofte (State Board), Linda Bond (CTC), Bill Vasey (CDE), Dale Janson (CTC), and Jean Jackson (CTC) all gave their presentation (handout given).
Motion was made by Alice Petrossian and seconded by Lynette Henley to recommend that both Senator Vasconcellos and Assemblymember Goldberg speak with appropriate members of the House (e.g. Congressman George Miller) regarding highly qualified teachers. Motion passed (11-0-0).
Lunch
Chair Weis adjourned for lunch at 11:56 am to reconvene meeting at 1:00 pm.
Reconvene
Chair Weis reconvened the meeting at 1:06 pm.
(continued) Issue 2 - Definition of a highly qualified teacher
A motion was made by Robert Nichols and seconded by Lynette Henley that the Liaison Team support a Highly Objective Uniform State Standard of Evaluation system based on the current Stull Act Evaluation system and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession for veteran teachers who do not meet the conditions listed in NCLB to become NCLB compliant. Motion passed (11-0-0).
A substitute motion was made by Senator Vasconcellos and seconded by Lynette Henley to refer this concept to staff for further development. Motion passed (11-0-0).
A motion was made by Robert Manwaring and seconded by Dee Brennick that the Liaison Team oppose using student test scores as a basis on highly qualified teachers, and that it not be included on the list. Motion failed (5-5, 1 abstention).
Issue 3 - Paraprofessional's qualifications
Bill Vasey gave testimony on Title I paraprofessional requirements (handout given).
1.0 Two years of study at an institution of higher education-
A motion was made by Senator Vasconcellos and seconded by Jai
Sookprasert that the Liaison Team recommend Credit Hours
Option 3 , that the number of credit hours required be
standardized statewide at 48 semester units, which is one of the
options considered in the USDOE Guidance. Motion passed (9-1,
1 abstention).
A motion was made by Jai Sookprasert and seconded by Robert Manwaring that the Liaison Team recommend Coursework Option 1 , that the State allow local flexibility in the coursework required.
2.0 Paraprofessional Assessment-
A motion was made by Senator Vasconcellos and seconded by Jai
Sookprasert that no adoption would be made at this time for the
Assessment Selection Option section and that
further options are made. Motion passed (11-0-0).
A motion was made by Jai Sookprasert and seconded by Barbara Lockert that the Liaison Team recommend Assessment Rigor Option 2 , that the issue of rigor and grade level of the assessment be determined by each LEA. Motion passed (10-0, 1 abstention).
3.0 "Portability" of a paraprofessional's qualifications-
A motion was made by Robert Manwaring and seconded by Dee Brennick
that the Liaison Team recommend Reciprocity Option 2 ,
that reciprocity with other LEAs be determined at the discretion
of each LEA. Motion passed (9-0, 2 abstentions).
Issue 4 - School Accountability Report Card
Eric Crane (CDE) gave testimony.
Issue 5 - English Language Proficiency
Jan Mayer (CDE) gave testimony (handout given).
Issue 6 - Clarifying 2001-02 Program Improvement Data
Sue Stickel (CDE) gave testimony.
Determine future agenda topics and confirm the date of next meeting
Robert Manwaring suggested that we look at data and get update information from Nancy Sullivan (CDE) for the next meeting.
The Liaison Team placed the following items on the agenda for the next meeting:
- Definition of a highly qualified teacher
- Paraprofessional's qualifications
- Additional information due to the USDOE (May submission)
- Update on student information and data management
Adjournment
Chair Weis adjourned the meeting at 2:58 pm and announced the next meeting to be held on April 3, 2003, 9 am to 3 pm.
The meeting will be held at 1430 N Street, Room 1101, Sacramento, CA.
