Contact: Beverley Wheeler, (202) 741-0884
The DC State Board of Education (DCSBOE) wraps up its inaugural year with many accomplishments, including more than one dozen important votes and resolutions. Created by the Public Education Reform Amendment Act in 2007, the State Board has broad policy authority and responsibilities similar to those of boards in other states. The State Board’s accomplishments are outlined in its 2007-2008 annual report [PDF].
Robert C. Bobb, whose tenure as State Board President ends this year, commented, “This has been an extraordinary year for the State Board of Education, and I know that the new board members will continue to contribute to education reform in the District. It has been my privilege and pleasure to serve the residents of the District, and I wish the State Board continued success.”
Among its key accomplishments is the unanimous approval of the District of Columbia’s first ever academic standards for Health, Physical Education, and the Arts, as well as for Modern World Languages. These standards, which describe what students must know and be able to do in every grade, enlist schools in the effort to improve the well-being of children and communities.
The State Board also tackled such controversial issues as home-schooling policies and the residency verification process. In addition, it approved the Supplemental Education Service Provider Policies, which outline how the District selects, monitors, and evaluates contracting agencies that provide tutoring and other supplemental services to eligible students. These and other initiatives were shaped with input from educators, families, and researchers.
Public engagement lies at the core of the State Board’s mission. Throughout the year, its seven members held more than 30 public hearings, voted on a series of resolutions, and received briefings from experts on topics ranging from early childhood education and truancy to special education reform and adult literacy.
In January, the State Board will be an all-elected board, with members representing each of the District’s eight wards and one elected citywide. State Board members will include: Dottie Love-Wade (Ward 1), Mary Lord (Ward 2), Laura Slover (Ward 3), Sekou Biddle (Ward 4), Mark Jones (Ward 5), Lisa Raymond (Ward 6), Dorothy Douglas (Ward 7), William Lockridge (Ward 8), and Ted Trabue (At-Large). The swearing-in ceremony will be held on January 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
The new State Board will select a president and vice president at its first meeting on January 28, 2009.