District Administration - March 2009 - (Page 15)

An Unbeatable RTI Solution How would it help? Well, for example, if algebra is a gatekeeper, I do believe that you can begin programs—algebra should be imbedded in the entire curriculum, kindergarten through the seventh grade. I believe prealgebra should be offered in the seventh grade, and then algebra. So with new federal funds would you hire more math teachers? The combination of the A+nyWhere Learning System® and A+® LearningLink™ gives you the ability to place your grade 1–8 students at the appropriate level of intervention, predict how well they will perform on state tests, prescribe appropriate instructional material, and track progress to determine if the interventions are truly working. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an on-site demonstration! Yes, or train or improve professional development for more math teachers. The goal should be proficient. Proficient creates a level playing field. How big of a problem are declining graduation rates for the district? Ours are actually going up slightly. But they are still not good. Last year they rose to 66 percent from 64 percent. L.A. has a large ELL population. Do you have new plans for students whose native language is not English? Not “new” plans, but people are going to be held accountable for monitoring kids rather than labeling them “from the projects,” “poor,” or whatever, because we have best practices in this district that show that if you really do the job, those children learn. What lessons have you taken from your previous districts? I think I’m far more inclusive now, and what most other districts don’t feel strongly about, I do: I think unions have to be part of the solution, rather than the problem. Those are our teachers, those are our administrators. They have to be part of the solution. And remember, the reason that we have unions is because of people like me—capricious superintendents and boards of education! Now what exactly do you mean by that? The American Education Corporation • 800.222.2811 www.amered.com • www.apluslearninglink.com News You Need to Know Every Day in Less than Two Minutes! You know perfectly well what I mean! DA —Zach Miners Read more of our conversation with Ramon Cortines. www.DistrictAdministration.com DA Daily 6th Horiz.indd 1 www.DistrictADministrAtion.com Sign up now for FREE! March 2009 15 1/16/09 11:08:19 AM http://www.apluslearninglink.com http://www.amered.com http://www.apluslearninglink.com http://www.DistrictAdministration.com http://www.DistrictAdministration.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - March 2009

District Administration - March 2009
Contents
Editor’s Letter
News Update
Health & Fitness
Online Learning
Conversations
District Profile
Administrator Profile
The College Promise
Do Economic Rewards Work?
The SIFication of America
Disciplining Students with Disabilities
How Well Does This Web Site Work?
Tech Disruptions
New Products
Product Focus
New Books
Research Center

District Administration - March 2009