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By Michelle Miller
Cooperstown Crier
---- — Cooperstown Central School students in kindergarten through 12th grade began the school year taking tests.
It may seem a little early since they had yet to learn any new material, but according to Superintendent C.J. Hebert, the scores are needed to compare with similar tests the students will take later in the school year.
These students are not alone. It is all part of New York state's new annual professional performance review. In 2010, New York, along with most other states, adopted the new standards, called the Common Core — the product of a national state-led effort to create learning goals that encourage complex thinking and prepare students for college-level classwork and careers.
Not only do students still have Regents to contend with, but now schools are testing more so there is data to measure growth in learning. The state has been moving toward a new way to improve student achievement by phasing out ineffective teachers using student performance as part of the yardstick for annual performance reviews.
The tests will not just be used to evaluate student performance, but will be used to measure teacher and curriculum effectiveness, according to Hebert.
The Annual Professional Performance Review law and regulations are specific as to how school districts and their teachers' unions must agree on a measuring rubric for teachers, negotiate it on an annual basis into the teachers' contract and submit the plan to the state Education Department. Besides teachers, building principals and administrators in charge of Board of Cooperative Educational Services instructional programs will also be evaluated under APPR. Student achievement will account for 40 percent of an educator's score on the review, and results from the reviews will influence professional development for staff.
The law makes it possible to remove teachers and principals who get "ineffective" scores on their reviews for two consecutive years. Other than the rating of "ineffective," there are three other rating categories into which teachers can be placed based on reviews: "developing," "effective" and "highly effective."
According to the state, each teacher's total score on the review will be composed of the following elements: student growth data from state tests (20 percent of the score); other locally selected (and negotiated with unions) measures of student achievement (20 percent of the score); and locally negotiated (through unions) evaluations, ratings and effectiveness scores (60 percent of the score). Hebert said CCS will require a professional binder as part of its local component.
This spring, the state will debut math and English exams for third through eighth-grade students that test their mastery of these more-challenging standards. Some high school Regents tests will incorporate the standards the following year.
Hebert said it is hard to compare apples to oranges, and essentially there are two types of tests — Regents exams, which are exit outcome tests (meaning student have to pass that to graduate), and program tests, which examine how well students are being prepared.
"This change to focus on growth makes sense because if you are measuring how much teachers are providing growth for students, even at the Regents level, then you are comparing apples to apples that way," he said.
CCS is using a third party, Northwest Evaluation Association, to help with assessments and testing. Hebert said once students are retested in May or June, using the NWEA testing, teachers will be required to write a student learning objective to equate to the scores for the APPR.
"With the third party assessment we will be doing an interim testing round as well, probably in January so that the teachers will get feedback on how well their students are doing and be able to adjust their instruction accordingly," Hebert said.
There is also a built-in appeals procedure, negotiated between districts and unions, so that teachers who do not agree with their review outcomes may appeal.
Districts and unions must come to an agreement on an APPR plan and submit it to the state Education Department by Jan. 16, or risk losing any increase in state aid they may have coming to them.
Hebert said CCS has submitted its plan and anticipates a response within four to five weeks.
The CCS inquiry team, composed of the building principals and teachers, was scheduled to present at the board of education meeting on Wednesday.
"I feel we have a very strong team that has been working on all of this," Hebert said. "They have all been through extensive training, they have worked with department chairs and grade-level chairs and are really focused on using this data to drive instruction at every level and assist teachers where they need it."
Has the process been rigorous and demanding?
"Yes," Hebert said. "I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in this; for all their hard work and efforts in making sure this will be a success."
'Core of the Core' workshop set
CCS is going to host a "Core of the Core" workshop for speech pathologists and special education teachers. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19 in the Bullpen Theater at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. The cost is $100 plus an optional $80 fee for manuals and materials.
According to the district's website, the workshop will be presented by Sheila Moreau of MindWing Concepts and will focus on oral language development as the "core" of the Common Core State Standards because it provides the foundation for literacy. The website states, "Through collaboration, speech pathologists, teachers and specialists can bridge the gap for those students with identified learning difficulties and for those 'at risk' of not meeting grade level standards. With an emphasis on the Discourse Level of language, this workshop is designed to be hands-on and practical with small and large groups as well as individual activities directly related to supporting specific CCSS."
For more information or to register, call 547-4449.


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Consultation event about college improvements (From Harrow Times)
Get involved: send your pictures, video & news by texting Harrow Times to 80360, or upload here
Consultation event about college improvements
Updated 2:50pm Tuesday 11th February 2014 in News By Anna Slater, Chief Reporter
Plans to improve facilities at Harrow College will go on show at a consultation evening next week.
The college is preparing to improve its facilities at the Harrow-on-the-Hill campus and has submitted a planning application to Harrow Borough Council.
New features include extra classrooms in the business department and a glazed facade leading into a multi-storey atrium.
Judith Abbott, director of finances and resources at Harrow College, said: "We are delighted to have this opportunity to replace two worn-out 24 year old prefabricated buildings with an exciting new flagship building that will provide a state of the art, professional learning environment for our students.
"The new building will be a positive and timely addition to the Heart of Harrow regeneration project, and will enable the college to better meet the education needs of Harrow residents."
People can find out more about the plans at Harrow Civic Centre on Monday, February 17 from 6pm to 8pm.
Comments are closed on this article.

subset: commoncrawl


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24-Hour Hope Now Hotline:
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Early Bird Tickets on Sale NOW! Come be a foodie in your own city and taste the BEST of Louisville! Proceeds raised by Seven Counties Services will benefit First Steps. More...
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Pilot Program Unveiled in Metro Louisville.
Seven Counties Services, in partnership with Metro Corrections and the State Department of Behavioral Health, recently kicked off a $1.2 million program targeting 50 people whose chronic struggles meet the admission criteria for the program.
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text: Woman Attacked by Cheetah By Aaron Galloway May 7, 2012 6:47 PM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Category: Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Leave a comment Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr! More From Blake FM Dolly Parton Calls Her ALS Ice Bucket Challenge a 'Wet T-Shirt Contest' [Watch] Country Singers Who Played Football Jason Aldean's 'Burnin' It Down' Music Video Turns Up the Heat Justin Bieber Goes Country to Cover Johnny Cash [Watch] Best of the Web


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Year on Team: 3rd
Major: Sport Management
High School: Apple Valley High School
Previous Cheer Team/All-Star Gym: Apple Valley Cheer Team
Favorite Stunt: Full up immediate stretch
Favorite Place on Campus: TCF Bank Stadium, Williams Arena
Favorite sport to watch/cheer for: I love watching wrestling and I love cheering for basketball
What made you want to cheer at the U of M? I wanted to cheer at the University where cheerleading began
When/where did you first start cheering? 9th grade for Apple Valley
What's something that most people don't know about you? I am the youngest of 4 children
What do you like to do when you're not cheering? Spend time with my niece and nephew
What is your favorite memory of this team? UCA camp! Cave women!
What are you looking forward to on this team? Seeing all of my teammates improve
Do you have any tips for high school cheerleaders who want to continue in college? Don't be afraid to try new things (stunts, pyramids, etc.) because in the end you will benefit from it
More Headlines
7/2/20142014-15 Dance Team Announced
9/16/2013Junior Spirit Squad Makes Debut
12/1/20132013-14 Hockey Cheer Photo Gallery
4/16/2013Dance Team Welcomes Six New Members
09/13/2012UMDT Travels to Mexico City
01/13/2014Follow the Spirit Squads at Nationals
01/26/2012Spirit Squads Shine Again at Nationals
09/02/2013Browse the UNLV Football Photo Gallery
09/24/2013Browse the SJSU Photo Gallery
06/19/2013Upcoming Cheerleading Events Announced


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Ravens QB Troy Smith recently was in Palatine, Ill., for teammate Tom Zbikowski's Pure Speed sports clinic. PFW caught up with Smith at the clinic to discuss reports that the Eagles would be interested in acquiring him if they release Michael Vick, who is barred from leaving Pennsylvania while being investigated for violating the terms of his probation.
PFW: There have been reports that the Eagles might be interested in trading for you. Did you read or hear that, and what's your reaction to it?
Smith: I heard a little bit about it, but during the offseason, especially during this time, it's about getting your body ready for training camp. It's about getting your body ready for all the things you're going to endure during the season. I can't control any of that stuff. I can only do what's in my power to get better as a quarterback and fine-tune my skills and abilities.
PFW: But were you intrigued by what you heard?
Smith: I've never been through a situation like this, so it's all brand-new to me. I can't say that it isn't (intriguing). Even though you suit up for certain clubs and organizations on a Sunday, all 31 other teams see you. It's definitely a business. It's becoming kind of redundant when I say it, but that's what it is.
PFW: It looks like the Ravens are pretty happy with Joe Flacco as the starter and he's not going anywhere any time soon. Do you want the chance to start somewhere?
Smith: There's no doubt about it. That's what we all suit up on Sundays for. We want the chance and the opportunity to play and showcase our talent, but it doesn't happen like that all the time. (It's about) just having the ability to stay even-keeled, and not only that, but there are a lot of things built into the game to tear you down. As a man you just grow and you learn from it and continue to get better.
If I continue to harp on some of the negative things that have happened to me in life, I'd never move forward.
PFW: Are you happy in Baltimore?
Smith: I'm happy in Baltimore. I would definitely be a little bit more happy if I was playing, but I got a great group of guys that I'm around. Flacco is one of my great friends, (and) John Beck is (too). The quarterbacks have to be the most tight-knit group around. We added another guy in Marc Bulger, and hopefully he can definitely fit into the equation with us. I'm happy about the situation.
PFW: Training camp is just a couple of weeks away. What is your goal heading into it?
Smith: Don't get me wrong. I know that Joe is the starter. He's a tremendous person and a tremendous player, but I definitely have dreams and feel like I can lead this team. There's no doubt in my mind. It'll happen when it's supposed to, though. I'm very optimistic.
For authoritative coverage and analysis of NFL news, free agency and fantasy football, visit ProFootballWeekly.com.


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Beschreibung*** UPDATE TO FLIPSCORE VIRTUAL SCOREBOARD ***
Scoreboard 2.0 is published under our new Account, Silvanite and is now called FlipScore. Android 2.2 or above users can download the update here:
Thank you to everyone for downloading, using and providing feedback. We tried to implement all the user requested features and hope you all like the new update.
A Simple Flip Style Score Board to keep track of Sports Scores like Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Billiard, Pool, Snooker, Hockey etc. Allows to keep track of Sets (0-9) and Points (00-99). Ad Supported.
Swipe Number up to increase count
Swipe Number down to decrease count
Press Menu to set Team Names


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Two bipartisan senators unveiled a joint proposal Wednesday to expand background checks for those looking to purchase guns.
The new proposed legislation, unveiled on Wednesday by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Patrick Toomey (R-PA), would expand background checks to include those purchasing guns at gun shows and online.
On Wednesday, Iowa lawmakers spoke out about the proposed legislation.
Sen. Chuck Grassley, a Republican, criticized the plan for only focusing on background checks and not looking at bigger issues.
Rep. Bruce Braley, a Democrat, said that he was encouraged by the news of a possible initial test vote later this week.
In a statement released, Sen. Tom Harkin, a Democrat, was optimistic.
"One thing is for certain: it is long past time for commonsense gun safety legislation in this country," Harkin said in the statement. "And expanding background checks for gun purchasers is the very least we can do in the wake of increased violence and senseless deaths. Of course with any proposal, the devil is in the details. As those details are learned in the coming days, I may have more to say, but for now, I applaud this effort."


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Ben Amos is a talented goalkeeper who has been capped by England at youth and Under-21 level and was a regular as an over-aged player for Warren Joyce's United side in 2013/2014.The tall, Macclesfield-born custodian has worked his way through the Old Trafford ranks since the age of 11, and joined the club's Academy in July 2006. He quickly established himself in Paul McGuinness' Under-18s side in the 2006/07 campaign, and made his Reserves debut in November 2007.
Ben's stature within the United ranks was underlined when he made two impressive appearances in the first team's 2008/09 pre-season campaign, and a full debut wasn't long in coming. Amos turned in a commanding display as United overcame Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup in September 2008. Having convinced United's coaching staff that he has the skill and temperament for first team football, Ben was picked as a late replacement for the injured Ben Foster to travel as part of the successful Club World Cup campaign.
He gained more experience during loan spells at Peterborough (2009), Molde (2010) and Oldham (2011) and also appeared in the 2011/12 Carling Cup victories over Leeds and Aldershot, underlining his obvious potential and the trust placed in him by Sir Alex Ferguson. A Premier League debut, against Stoke City, followed before Amos signed a new contract with the club on 30 May 2012.


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I made this post a few days ago and posted it to hogshaven, I was about to post it here when some kind of breaking news happened here (I don't know something about signing some free agent or...
Team G John Wall Nick Young Jordan Crawford Shelvin Mack Desmon Farmer Terrico White Rashard Lewis (Week 2) Larry Owens Marcus Banks Small Ball!
It's been a while since the Wizards have been an NBA powerhouse. Well, after Thursday's NBA Draft that day may be just down the road. With the addition of Jan Vesely and Chris Singleton, Washington could be looking towards the playoffs a lot sooner than anyone expected
Whats up Wizards fans? I'm a writer/illustrator over at Bright Side of the Sun and am currently doing a project where I am doing 30 illustrations (1 player from each of the 30 NBA teams) over 30 days. Day 11 features your own (and one of my favorite young players) John Wall and I thought I'd share it with you. Feel free to visit and check out this and more as well as follow the project. Comments are welcome and appreciated. -Dustin
Some more reasonable and more positive possible reasons for Arenas' faking the injury.
I was able to catch up with JaVale McGee after Team USA practice at the New York Knicks practice facility in Tarrytown, N.Y., on Friday afternoon and he confirmed that he discovered late last season that he has asthma. McGee said that it was comforting to discover that asthma had been holding him back for so long. Since he began treating the condition, McGee said he has more energy and can be more effective for longer stretches. He mentioned a home game against Charlotte last March, when he had 14 points and 12 rebounds in a career-high 46 minutes "and I didn't go to my knees once and it amazed myself."Wizards Insider
Thank you for your great words about Cleveland Mr. Noah.
Many people like to dismiss sports as just games. But if you have ever played any type of organized sport, you know many life lessons can be learned on the playing surface. Today,...
A comprehensive preview of the Washington Wizards for the 2009/10 NBA season.
With JaVale McGee sporadically on Twitter, and Mike James tweeting, "Leave mike vick alone. U already made him start over financially. What else u want his head for dogs. Better b careful what u kill," it's time to get some more Wizards on board (could only be a matter of time before the blogging Brendan Haywood is hip to the game). Well, future Wizard, Blake Griffin, is tweeting his way to the NBA. Follow B.G. and let him know how good he'll look in a Wizards uniform. And remember, May 19th is less than a week away.
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