Washington, D.C. - The D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) will hold its monthly public meeting on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in the Old Council Chambers at 441 4th Street NW. During this meeting, SBOE members will hear from a panel of science educators as part of the performance-level-setting process for the D.C. Science Assessment. Members will also recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month and “Peace Teacher” Linda Ryden, as well as appoint current Interim Chief Student Advocate Dan Davis to a five-year term as Chief Student Advocate. The State Board will also consider a resolution on Selective Service registration.
All meeting documents can be accessed on the SBOE information-sharing site. The public meeting will air live on District Knowledge Network (DKN) and will be streamed live via Periscope for those community members who are unable to attend in person.
Science Educator Panel (D.C. Science Assessment)
The D.C. Science Assessment is an online test designed to measure the breath and rigor of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). The science educator panel will discuss the D.C. Science Assessment, how it will be used in Grade 5, Grade 8, and high school biology, and the assessment’s impact in the broader context of school performance and accountability.
The science educator panel will include:
- Ramona Hutchins: Science Teacher, Dunbar High School
- Alicia Shaw: DCPS High School STEM Professional Learning Designer
- Kamellia Keo: Science Teacher, McKinley Middle School
- Hilda Aganga-Williams: Senior K-12 STEM Instructional Coach, KIPP DC
- Sarah Riggen: Science Teacher, Capital City Middle School
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) will present the State Board with recommended performance levels for the D.C. Science Assessment in October. The State Board will vote on final performance levels to be applied to achievement on the D.C. Science Assessment at its October 23 public meeting.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15) recognizes the contributions made and the important presence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the United States and celebrates their heritage and culture. The State Board will honor Hispanic Heritage Month with a ceremonial resolution that celebrates the work and contributions of the more than 75,000 Hispanic and Lantinx residents of the District.
“Peace Teacher” Linda Ryden
Linda Ryden is the founder, creator, and curriculum author of the Peace of Mind Program, a research-based social and emotional learning program that teaches mindfulness, kindness, and conflict resolution to students in pre-K through grade 5. The State Board will recognize Ms. Ryden as a tireless advocate for focusing on the social and emotional needs of the District’s children as a committed teacher, author, speaker, and writer.
Appointment of Chief Student Advocate
Interim Chief Student Advocate Dan Davis has demonstrated a deep commitment to equity and to serving the needs of all families in the District of Columbia. Mr. Davis has ensured that the vital work of the Office of the Student Advocate has continued since the departure of former Chief Student Advocate Dr. Faith Gibson Hubbard in April 2019. The State Board will formally appoint him to the role of Chief Student Advocate for a term of five years.
Selective Service Registration
The State Board will consider a resolution on the importance of Selective Service registration, as the District has one of the lowest registration rates in the United States. It is estimated that over a recent 10-year period (2007–16), young men in the District may have lost an estimated $4.6 million in federal benefits from student aid and work training programs because they failed to register with the Selective Service System.
Public Testimony - Make Your Voice Heard!
We invite all students, parents, educators, and community members to provide testimony on education-related issues at every public meeting. Individuals and representatives of organizations may call us at (202) 741-0888 or email us at [email protected] no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, September 16 to sign up to testify. You must submit an electronic copy of your testimony no later than 48 hours prior to the meeting. Individuals are asked to furnish their names, addresses, telephone numbers, and organizational affiliation, if any. Individuals must also bring at least fifteen (15) copies of their written statements with them to the meeting.
Public Meeting Agenda
Please note that the agenda may be altered, modified or updated without notice.
I. Call to Order
II. Announcement of a Quorum
III. Approval of the Agenda & Minutes
IV. Comments from the President of the D.C. State Board of Education
V. Comments from the State Superintendent of Education
VI. Ceremonial Resolutions
i. CR19-19 Hispanic Heritage Month
ii. CR19-20 Peace Teacher Linda Ryden
VII. Public Comment
VIII. DC Science Assessment
i. Ramona Hutchins: Science Teacher, Dunbar High School
ii. Alicia Shaw: DCPS High School STEM Professional Learning Designer
iii. Kamellia Keo: Science Teacher, McKinley Middle School
iv. Hilda Aganga-Williams: Senior K-12 STEM Instructional Coach, KIPP DC
v. Sarah Riggen: Science Teacher, Capital City Middle School
IX. Administrative Items (VOTE)
i. SR19-9 Chief Student Advocate Appointment
ii. SR19-10 Selective Service Registration
iii. NASBE Delegate Designation
iv. SR19-11 Establishment of Committees
X. Adjournment
*Please note that the agenda may be altered, modified, or updated without notice.