THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

 

TO:

The Honorable the Members of the Board of Regents

FROM:

Johanna Duncan-Poitier

COMMITTEE:

Full Board

TITLE OF ITEM:

Annual Report of the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

October 8, 2004

PROPOSED HANDLING:

Information

RATIONALE FOR ITEM:

Annual reporting requirement established by Regents

STRATEGIC GOAL:

Goal 3

AUTHORIZATION(S):

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

The co-chairs of the State Professional Standards and Practices Board were scheduled to make their annual report to the Board of Regents at your September 2004 meeting. Due to scheduling difficulties, that report was rescheduled for November. The attached item was originally prepared in preparation for the September meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment

 

                                          

 

 

THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

 

TO:

The Honorable the Members of the Board of Regents

FROM:

Johanna Duncan-Poitier

COMMITTEE:

Full Board

TITLE OF ITEM:

Annual Report of the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

July 30, 2004

PROPOSED HANDLING:

Information

RATIONALE FOR ITEM:

Annual reporting requirement established by Regents

STRATEGIC GOAL:

Goal 3

AUTHORIZATION(S):

 

 

SUMMARY:

 

Attached is a summary of accomplishments of the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching, covering the period September 2003 through June 2004.

 

During 2003-2004, the Standards Board undertook several initiatives aimed at strengthening teaching.

 

            In response to a challenge from Commissioner Mills, the Board undertook development of a guidance document on practical and effective strategies to get the best teachers in the schools where they are needed most. The document, titled “Recruiting and Retaining Quality Teachers in High Needs Districts,” was finalized in June.

 

          The Standards Board participated in the first year of operation of the Regents Accreditation of Teacher Education (RATE) program. A Board panel reviewed staff reports and recommendations on four institutions and made recommendations regarding accreditation of teacher education programs. The Board also assisted staff in refining the RATE review process based upon this initial year’s experience.

 

The Board continued its work on dissemination of the Code of Ethics for Educators. The Board developed a Power Point presentation on the Code of Ethics and made it available for use by schools, colleges, teacher centers, teacher associations, and other groups. Board co-chair Dawn Santiago-Marullo made a presentation to the BOCES district superintendents in March 2004 and additional Board members are planning presentations to various statewide organizations to familiarize stakeholder groups with the Code.

 

          Board members visited key Executive and Legislative staff members and Legislators focusing on the need to better recruit and retain teachers, the need for effective mentoring programs for new teachers, and support for the higher education capital investment proposal.

 

The Board also held its first retreat in March 2004, on the campus of Union College. The two-day retreat allowed members to reflect upon the evolution of the Board over its first five years, to review current research in teaching, and to set priorities to guide its work in the future. The Board also adopted the following mission statement:

 

Mission: To advance and support quality teaching and student learning in New York State through initiating, influencing, and evaluating policy and best practice in the teaching profession.

         

At the September meeting of the Board of Regents, Standards Board Co-Chairs David A. Caputo and Dawn Santiago-Marullo will make an oral presentation.  Following their presentation, the co-chairs will be available for questions and discussion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment

 

 

 

 

 

State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching

Annual Report to the Board of Regents

 

Board Activities and Accomplishments

September 2003 - June 2004

 

 

“Recruiting and Retaining Quality Teachers in High Needs Districts”

Development of guidance document on strategies to recruit and retain the best teachers for the schools where they are most needed.

 

Board Retreat

First Board retreat held March 22-23 at Union College. Reflected on past work, identified priority areas for the future, and developed statement of mission.

 

Code of Ethics for Educators

Dissemination activities continued. Code of Ethics Power Point presentation developed by Board and released for use by the field. Presentation to the BOCES District Superintendents in March, and planned presentations to other statewide organizations and at statewide and regional conferences.

 

District-Based Mentoring Programs

Review and recommendations made on staff draft of guidance document on mentoring for districts, and raised issues for consideration in the implementation of the mentoring requirement for new teachers. Began development of recommended criteria for evaluation of mentoring programs.

 

Education Visits with Legislative and Executive Staff

Meetings held with key Legislators and staff and Executive staff members on May 6, 2004.

 

Middle Level Education

Review and recommendations made on the evolving Middle Level Education Initiative.

 

Part 83 Moral Character Cases

Review and action on 90 cases brought under Part 83 of Commissioner’s Regulations on teacher moral character requirements (Professional Practices Subcommittee).

 

Regents Accreditation of Teacher Education (RATE)

Review of staff reports and recommendations on accreditation of teacher education programs at four institutions under the RATE program. Recommendations to staff on refinements to RATE review process (Higher Education Subcommittee).

 

Regulatory Amendment: Individual Evaluation

Review of proposed amendment to Commissioner’s Regulations regarding the standards for individual evaluation for certification - recommended changes incorporated into draft.

 

Regulatory Amendment: Supplementary Certificate

Review of proposed amendment to Commissioner’s Regulations establishing a supplementary certificate - recommended changes incorporated into draft.

 

Role of National Board Certified Teachers in Teacher Preparation

Recommendation made urging higher education’s recognition of the status of National Board certified teachers serving as faculty in teacher preparation programs; resulted in Department- issued reminder to the field. 

 

SED/TEAC agreement

Review and recommendations made on draft agreement between State Education Department and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

 

Statement on Regents Standards

Statement in support of the Regents standards adopted, with recommendation for necessary support and evaluation to sustain high standards.

 

Teacher Resource and Computer Training Center Program

Funding approval for the establishment of one new teacher center in the Wayne Central School District and approval of the expenditure plan for the Teacher Resource and Computer Training Center program for 126 continuing centers, regional networks, standing committees, statewide projects and statewide evaluation contract.

 

Teachers of Tomorrow Program

Suggestions to staff for possible program expansion.

 

Videotape Review Panel (ATS-P)

Participation of individual members on NYSTCE Performance Assessment of Teaching Skills (ATS-P) Review Panel during the April 2004 scoring session.