NATIONAL DISCUSSIONS
February 23, 2010

Superintendent Collins participated in the national superintendent's conference in February. It is an important opportunity to get information, develop relationships, and have a voice in the national discussion of No Child Left Behind, assessments and funding. Educational leaders at the Federal level discussed their interest in moving to a growth model to assess individual students' annual progress, instead of the current, more arbitrary grade level standards.

There were also conversations about moving grant funding from formula funding based on student needs (i.e., Title 1) to incentive-based funding, which is very uncertain each year. Burlington Schools, and many schools represented nationwide, are advocating to keep the formula funding intact (in Burlington, this funding is used for teachers, ELL services, coaches, professional development) and to offer additional funds in incentives. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan spoke at the conference. He agreed with the concerns raised but did not make any commitments.