Input sought on CORE 24 implementation issues
The State Board of Education’s CORE 24 Implementation Task Force is meeting next Monday (March 15) as it works to finalize recommendations to the SBE. In advance of that meeting, task force member Karen Madsen is asking for feedback on five issues under consideration. Karen has created an online survey, which can be accessed here. For Karen’s report on recent activities of the task force, click here.

Draft common core standards released
And speaking of input, now is your opportunity to weigh in on proposals from the national Common Core State Standards Initiative. Led by governors and chief state school officers, the project has just released draft standards in English-language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. The draft standards and public comment information are available at www.corestandards.org. Public feedback will be accepted up to April 2.

Resources for creating an online learning policy
WSSDA’s recent Webinar "Creating an Online Learning Policy" is now available as on-demand video on our Web site. This 50-minute presentation from WSSDA’s Marilee Scarbrough and OSPI’s Dr. Judy Margrath-Huge provides succinct information to help your board develop an online learning policy by the Aug. 1 deadline. To replay the Webinar, click here (a sample policy and procedure are available here). Also, OSPI’s Digital Learning Department is offering a series of online trainings on this topic. Visit the DLD Web site for more information.

WSSDA executive director search update
The process of recruiting and selecting a new WSSDA executive director is proceeding on schedule, with the posting earlier this month of a call for candidate applications (which will close March 31). The WSSDA Executive Director Search Committee is scheduled to meet April 5 at the Radisson Gateway Hotel in SeaTac to begin the initial review of applications. For updates on the process, see the executive director search section on the WSSDA Web site.

Spring Regional Meetings underway
WSSDA’s spring series of Regional Meetings got underway this week with a great session in Renton. Next up is Port Angeles (3/13), followed by Tumwater (3/15), Gig Harbor (3/16), Stevenson (3/17), Chattaroy (3/23), Granite Falls (4/8), Pasco (4/19), Sunnyside (4/20), Ellensburg (4/21), Cashmere (4/26) and Colfax (4/27). These meetings are a great opportunity to learn about current issues and network with your colleagues. Be sure to register and attend a meeting near you.

PDC F-1 due next month
School board members: If you held office in 2009 and your district has 1,000 or more registered voters, you must file a Personal Financial Affairs Statement with the state Public Disclosure Commission no later than April 15. The form, commonly known as the F-1, can be filed electronically, by mail or in person. Forms and detailed instructions can be found on the PDC Web site. If you have questions, contact the PDC at 360.753.1111 (toll-free 877.601.2828) or pdc@pdc.wa.gov.

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