(Washington, DC) - The DC State Board of Education (SBOE) will hold its monthly public meeting on April 20, 2016. The meeting will begin at 5:30 pm at 441 4th Street, NW, Old Council Chambers, Washington, D.C. 20001.
During the meeting, the SBOE will take a final vote on health education standards that will empower District students with skills on issues including: bullying, behavioral and sexual health, and nutrition. Through multiple town halls across the city, targeted LEA/teacher feedback sessions, and student forums, the SBOE and the Office of the State Superintendent (OSSE) have engaged the residents of the District through inclusive policy-making that has led to some of the most innovative and comprehensive standards in the country.
The SBOE will also honor the accomplishments of Akilah Johnson, an Eastern Senior High School sophomore. Ms. Johnson is the winner of the “Doodle 4 Google” contest that the internet giant conducted for elementary through high school students to create a design for the Google home page. Ms. Johnson’s image “My Afrocentric Life” was selected, beating out over 100 thousand submissions. She is also the very first “Doodle 4 Google” winner from the District of Columbia, because DC was excluded from previous contests due to lack of statehood. The Washington Post ran an excellent article on Ms. Johnson in March.
The SBOE will conclude with a panel of witnesses who will provide information on the current best practices and innovative research on graduation requirements. The State Board has begun a review of the District’s current graduation requirements, which it will look to revise later this year. Information gathered from the panel will inform Board members as they solicit input from their communities and listen to residents’ thoughts on what schools should require for their students to complete high school.
Individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to comment at a public meeting are asked to notify Board staff in advance by phone at (202) 741-0888 or by email at [email protected]. Individuals should provide their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business the Monday prior to the meeting and bring fifteen (15) copies of their written statements with them to the meeting and are encouraged to submit one (1) electronic copy in advance.
The agenda of the meeting is below. Please note that the agenda may be altered, modified or updated without notice. Additional materials for the meeting can be found here.
I. Call to Order
II. Announcement of a Quorum
III. Approval of the Agenda
IV. Approval of the Minutes
V. Comments from the President of the D.C. State Board of Education
VI. Comments from the State Superintendent of Education
VII. Public Comments
VIII. Akilah Johnson Ceremonial Resolution (VOTE)
IX. Health Education Standards (VOTE)
X. Graduation Requirements Review
XI. Adjournment
The State Board of Education provides policy leadership, support, advocacy, and oversight of public education to ensure that every student is valued and learns the skills and knowledge necessary to become informed, competent, and contributing global citizens. More information about the SBOE can be found at http://sboe.dc.gov.