Contact: Beverley Wheeler, (202) 741-0884
At its last meeting for the year, the DC State Board of Education (DCSBOE) adopted resolutions approving early learning standards, truancy regulations, teacher preparation program standards, and a vision for education in the 21st century in the District of Columbia following a request for approval by State Superintendent of Education Deborah A. Gist.
The standards, which were developed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), provide the District government with additional tools to ensure that all students receive an excellent, high-quality education. The standards were approved by the DCSBOE and now move to final promulgation by State Superintendent Gist.
The comprehensive early learning standards will advance the citywide agenda to enhance education for the District’s youngest learners. The teacher preparation program standards will help to ensure that teachers entering DC schools are grounded in strong educational practices. The new truancy regulations will serve as a step toward fighting the city’s ongoing struggle with student non-attendance. The approved vision for education in the 21st century provides a foundation for the state to begin examining how to provide the District’s youth the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
President Robert C. Bobb, whose tenure with the State Board ended last night, remarked that, “My time on the State Board has seen remarkable changes, including the transition from the former DC Board of Education to the current DC State Board of Education. This has been a journey, and I have had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest people in the field, both in the public and on this board. There is still much work to be done, and I look forward to being a part of it by supporting education for young learners and serving as an advocate for literacy.”
The State Board and State Superintendent Gist also presented the Community Service Award to Adam Tenner and Jeremey Ogusky from Metro TeenAIDS for their tireless support in the development of DC’s first-ever health learning standards. Howard University Public Charter Middle School for Mathematics and Science (MS2) teacher Kimberly Worthy received the 2009 DC Teacher of the Year Award. The runners-up, Marjorie McClure of Lafayette Elementary School and Kelly Schrepfer of Maya Angelou Public Charter School’s Shaw Campus, were also recognized for their achievements.
View all resolutions here.