NCLB hearing set for Seattle May 22
Seattle has been tapped as one of four sites around the country that will host hearings on proposed administrative changes to the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The changes, proposed by Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, would impact states, districts and schools on issues such as reporting graduation rates and communicating with parents about student transfer rights. The hearings take place Thursday, May 22 at the W Hotel in downtown Seattle. Those who wish to testify must sign up at least one week in advance. For more information, see the article on our Web site.

Cyberbullying sample policy now available
By law, all school boards in Washington must adopt district policies on cyberbullying no later than Aug. 1 of this year. At the request of the state Legislature, WSSDA has crafted and published a sample language that boards may use in establishing their own cyberbullying policies. WSSDA is suggesting districts update their current policies on bullying and harassment to address the cyberbullying issue, rather than creating new stand-alone policies. Learn more here…

August workshop to focus on equity in student achievement
WSSDA and the University of Washington’s Center for Educational Leadership are partnering to offer a special two-day workshop for school directors and superintendents this August. The workshop – "Leading an Agenda for Student Achievement Centering on Equity and Instructional Improvement" – will be held Aug. 1-2 at the Puget Sound ESD in Renton. Complete information is available on the University of Washington Web site.

WIAA amendments adopted
The Representative Assembly of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association has adopted 12 of nearly 20 proposed amendments to its official Handbook, including language to increase academic standards and tighten transfer rules for student athletes. For a summary of this year’s Assembly decisions, along with positions of the WSSDA Interscholastic Activities Committee, click here.

Proposals sought for WSSDA positions
Now is the time for school boards around the state to submit proposals regarding WSSDA Legislative and Permanent Association Positions. Proposed legislative positions will be considered by the WSSDA Legislative Assembly in September; proposed permanent association positions will be considered by the WSSDA Delegate Assembly in November. Information and submittal forms are available on the WSSDA Web site. For legislative positions, click here; for permanent association positions, click here.

Wanted: WSSDA officer candidates
School directors: If you are interested in running for a WSSDA officer position – or, if you would like to nominate someone – be sure to look for our recent mailing "WSSDA seeks officer candidates for 2009." This packet contains information regarding the association’s two statewide offices that are up for election in November – president-elect and vice president. Look for your packet of information and forms in the mail, or visit the WSSDA Web site to submit your information online.

Annual Conference session proposals due May 14
Next Wednesday is the last day to submit your proposals for presenting a breakout session at WSSDA’s Annual Conference in November. Our conference organizers are also looking for suggestions on student entertainment and submittals for the "Signs of Success" poster display. Visit the conference Web site at www.wssda.org/conference for more information.

Madsen honored at PTA conference
Congratulations to WSSDA Vice President Karen Madsen, who has been named the recipient of the Washington State PTA’s Outstanding Service Award for 2008. Madsen, a member of the Everett School Board for the past 11 years, has been active in WSSDA, the PTA and numerous other education-related committees and advisory groups at both the state and local levels.

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