District Administration - November 2008 - (Page 14)

Letters IEPs for All Regarding Daniel E. Kinnaman’s column about Individualized Education Plans for all students (“Change Every Child Needs,” October 2008), it’s something I have been talking about for years. I would like to take a closer look at your plan next month. My superintendent has discussed his desire to create a more individual curriculum plan. We have about 430 students in pre-K12. Although we have budget limitations, we do quite well offering a varied curriculum to our students, as well as college credit courses through our neighboring junior college. Johnnie Thornton, principal, Granger High School, Granger (Texas) Independent School District data we are struggling with in our department in City of Augusta, Maine, Department of Public Schools, as well as the state and the nation. We have just begun state tracking of students, and I think we need a national tracking system, similar to a Social Security number, to truly know if students who start ninth grade and leave a particular high school really dropped out or moved on. My instinct is that these students are dropping out and in 15-20 years will be hard-pressed to provide for themselves and their families as economic times become more challenging. Thank you for your publication. James S. Jurdak, business manager, City of Augusta, Maine, Department of Public Schools Fueling the Budget I especially appreciated the News Update article on how districts are dealing with higher energy and fuel prices (“Schools Tighten Fuel Budget Belt,” September 2008.) It seems like money is always a hot issue, and it helps to know what other districts are doing to get through these rough economic times. I really enjoy your magazine. Thank you! The Game of Learning I’m responding to Products Editor Kurt Dyrli’s blog entry on Product Posts, comparing today’s games to early arcade games based on a New York Times article (“Using Video Games as Bait to Hook Readers,” Oct. 7, 2008). One reader gives kudos to Dyrli’s questions, saying: “Great questions. I’m glad you point out that complex games that make students think, like Civilization, really cannot be compared with early arcade titles.” Regarding video games’ abilities to inspire intellectual curiosity, Mark Horowitz (Wired magazine’s New York editor), recently wrote a blog about how his son’s interest in World War II games, including Call of Duty, led to some serious reading.” Andy, A Pulse blog reader Gun-Toting Texans In a Sept. 3 blog entry on The Pulse: Education’s Place for K12 Debate, Gary Stager writes, “Teachers can’t be trusted to use Google or e-mail an attachment, but this is perfectly fine?”—prompting readers to click on a link to a news story explaining that Harrold (Texas) Independent School District allows teachers and staff members to carry guns. One reader responded: “And you wonder about Texas. Come now. Every horse (pickup) has to have a rider, and every rider a gun. Those are just Texas rules. Wonder how long it will take for one of them to pull a prank about it, and the whole enchilada falls apart on them in an ugly way.” Scott S. Floyd, instructional technologist, White Oak (Texas) Independent School District Lori Hernandez, principal, Sherwood Elementary School, Fox C-6 School District, Missouri More Data Needed for Dropouts I’ve been in school business for almost 10 years and before that, 20-plus years in private industry. I began reading your publication about three years ago. I find most articles current and relevant. Daniel E. Kinnaman’s Understanding the Times column (“A Matter of Equity,” September 2008) was exceptional. This is the type of Letters to the Editor may be sent to jhartnett@districtadministration.com, or mailed to Judy F. Hartnett, District Administration, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. Selections that are published may be edited for length and clarity, and become the property of District Administration. STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (As required under the act of August 12, 1970, section 3685, Title 39, United States Code; filed August 22, 2008) The title of this publication is District Administration (Publication #012735). It is published monthly. The publication is located at the general business offices of Professional Media Group, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. The editor is Judy Faust Hartnett, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. The publisher is Daniel E. Kinnaman, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06581. The owner is Professional Media Group LLC, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. Its owner is Joseph J. Hanson, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT. There are no bonds, mortgages, or other security holders. The average number of copies printed per issue was 77,095 during the preceding 12 months (12 issues); for September 2008, 76,192 copies were printed. No copies were sold through dealers, carriers, street vendors, or over counters. The average number of request copies mailed during the preceding 12 months (12 issues) was 57,574; for the September issue, 55,745 copies were requested. The average number of sample, complimentary or free copies distributed by mail for each issue during the past 12 months was 17,515; for September 2008, the figure was 18,548. The average number of free distribution copies per issue, outside the mail (carriers and other means), was 77 during the past 12 months and 0 for the month of September 2008. The average total free distribution for the twelve months was 17,592; for the month of September 2008 it was 18,548. The average number of copies not distributed during the 12-month period was 1,929; September 2008’s undistributed copies number: 1,899. No returns were received from newsagents. The 12-month average total distribution per issue was 75,166; for the September 2008 issue: 74,293. The 12-month average request circulation percentage was 76.6%; 75.03% for the September 2008 issue. I certify that the above statements are correct and complete. Dana Kubicko, Director of Production & Circulation. 14 November 2008 District Administration

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - November 2008

District Administration - November 2008
School Breakfasts: An Added Value
Contents
Editor’s Letter
Letters
1-2-3 Campus Safety
News Update
Administrator Profile
District Profile
Snacks as Part of Your School Nutrition Program
Technology
Facilities & Construction
Admissions
DA Web Seminars
Leadership Assessment
How Well Does This Web Site Work?
New Products
Technology Books
Professional Opinion
Supervisor’s Opinion
Crisis Response
Problem Solution
Research Center

District Administration - November 2008