What IF ...every student had a laptop?

As we continue to consider what the future might hold for public education in California and Riverside, one wonders about the possibility of every student having access to a laptop and to the Internet. Obviously, we are much closer to the Internet scenario than some might imagine given the presence and deployment of SmartRiverside. What you may not be fully aware of is the option of every student with a laptop is somewhat foreseeable -- given the availability of "netbooks" and very good pricing. There is some recent discussion of the netbook option and how it might compare to laptops. Essentially for a few hundred dollars we could have a 1:1 relationship between students and technology. A few hundred dollars sounds like a lot of money -- until we compare it to the cost of textbooks. At current prices one netbook equals the approximate cost of 2 textbooks -- which by the way are now offered in a digital format as well.

Clearly, the next question is how would we utilize such a powerful deployment of technology to enhance the learning of students? What I find even more intriguing is the idea of students using their cell phones as technology devices in the 21st century classroom -- which is also being explored.

We have a NEW address, but we aren't moving

Don't know about you, but it seems that many of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors have difficulty with our web address: rusd.k12.ca.us -- which seems difficult to remember and somewhat problematic to type without error. As a result we are implementing a new web address that we hope will be easier for people to find us. We are still located in the same place and everything will still work as always, we just have another way to get there. The new address will redirect from the new site to the existing rusd.k12.ca.us site -- without any fuss or muss. Our new web address, that will redirect you to our website is: www.RUSDLink.org.

Over time we would hope to expand our redirect to an actual renaming of our website using the new domain name (www.RUSDLink.org). Obviously, that has not happened yet, and it will take some work to accomplish that. When that happens (months from now) the website will no longer be the redirect but will in fact be the actual website. In any case, wanted you to be the first to know! Try the new address by clicking on it and then bookmark the new web address.

Budget promises or hopes?

Budget continues to be a priority across the state and here in Riverside. The coming question is what happens in January? We know that the state is "short" $12-20 Billion in January. Typically our "share" is 40% -- which is obviously a huge hit to us in the mid-year. However, current theory coming from Sacramento is that we can have "no more cuts in 09-10" due to federal maintenance of effort (MOE). MOE essentially says that unless you want to pay back all of the "stimulus" in California, the state must keep paying education the same amount as they did before. In the current circumstances, we have essentially reached the MOE "floor" -- therefore we can't have further cuts. A similar argument gets made for the 10-11 year; however, there are several of us that have the belief that when the "chips are down" and California is severely limiting its social programs and has further economic risk -- the feds will relent and not hold CA to the MOE.

As a related matter, there was a good article in the last Time magazine regarding California. Similar to the point I made at the end of the blog on 10/16, the article points to the economic strength and recovery of California. Meanwhile, the article also points to the continuing crisis of the budget and governance in the state. There is a difference between the two, and while things truly are getting better for the economy, many of us are caught in the issues, problems, and dilemmas of the continuing budget issue -- which will not be solved easily.

I Know it's October but Budget Time is upon us

As the conversation has continued about the state budget, we are now in the time when we MUST start our process to allow the Board of Education to make their reductions and modifications by December. As such, our BAC (Budget Advisory Committee) met this week and have their website up and operating to both provide information to you as well as provide an opportunity for you to provide information to us. We are blessed with the same membership from last year which allows for the group to leverage prior learning and not lose time on this important work.

I appreciate the leadership of Mike Fine and the willingness of this important group of stakeholders to help us solve the budget dilemmas that we face given the state economic situation and the decisions that are being made in Sacramento. We would continue to remind ALL that we need to call and communicate with our Sacramento representatives and hold them accountable for the results.

Time for Reform?

I was struck by last Sunday's article in the LA Times regarding "value-added" attempts in San Diego. While I am not here to defend Terry Grier or San Diego, I do think the concept of "value-added" is of worth. Further, I don't believe that it is an anathema to "unions" and teachers. I first got engaged with the concept value-added with William Sanders 7 or 8 years ago. When he introduced the model in Tennessee, it was essentially a growth model that allowed schools to be recognized for the great work that had been done while it pointed out those that had been "coasting" (often affluent schools that were "good" but didn't add value). Sanders focus was on schools NOT teachers Per Se.

The LA Times article had an interesting juxtaposition with a recent Friedman article (also this week) that makes a case that economic recovery MUST include educational recovery. While anyone might reasonable take issue with parts or the whole of either article, it does seem clear that as an educational system we need to take stock of where we are and more importantly where we are going. There would be many of us that would defend the efforts in schools and districts that have brought us to this point, while at the same time advocate that it is now time to undertake fundamental reform of the system.

Connected in a Digital World

It is great to be located in a community that is forward thinking and creative in their approach. Smart Riverside is certainly evidence of that -- as it allows many of our citizens (including students) access to the Internet from their homes. Further it works on "digital inclusion" that mitigates the digital divide that exists in many communities between those that have/have not access to digital resources. It is no surprise, that the City of Riverside was recently listed as one of the top communities in the U.S. and the world in terms of their connectedness. Riverside is there along with communities from 13 countries and every continent except Africa. There are 5 communities in the U.S. named. Good job Riverside!!

Thank you to Target Corp and their helpers!!

Outstanding example this past week of the community in action!! Target Corporation chose Victoria Elementary for an "extreme makeover" of their library. They have been engaged with this project for the past 6 months and brought to completion on Friday afternoon. In addition to the thousands of dollars in support of the "makeover" there were 200 Target volunteers that participated in the project including the final production on Friday. What excites me most of all is that ALL of our students went home from school on Friday with 2 brand-new books that now belong to them -- thanks to Target. Additionally, for every child that showed up with their family on Friday afternoon, they got an additionally 5 books, plus 5 books for each sibling. My observation from other times and places is that it is a HUGE gift for a child to receive and possess their "own" book. Between the "makeover" and the books directly into student's hands for their keeping -- Target has clearly advanced the cause of literacy in the Victoria Elementary neighborhood. Thanks to Target! Thanks to ALL of their 200 volunteers that helped make it happen!!

Special thanks to all of our Board members for their attendance and support at this event.

The BUDGET continues!!

Though we have all been on a bit of a hiatus with the budget discussion -- it has not gone away. This week Dan Walters, long-time Sacramento Bee columnist and Capitol observer pointed out that surprise, surprise the next 5 month budget cycle is on-track with the announcement that July's budget assumptions didn't quite work out as planned or announced. This would be consistent with our contention since July that the next budget reduction for schools will be announced in or around the December-January timeline -- which is mid-year for us.

While there continues to be evidence of economic recovery nationally and to some degree in California, that does not necessarily resolve the structural budget problems and dilemma of the state budget. There should be a clear separation in the minds of all between the health of the economy -- and the health of the California budget. While the economic slide ends and improves -- it has little to do with the budget circumstance that we are engaged with in Sacramento.

Science in Riverside

Had the great privilege to go over and participate in the STEP 10 (Science and Technology Education Partnership -- Year 10) conference offered in the Riverside Convention Center. The program is coordinated by Dr. Pam Clute of UCR along with many other sponsors. A great day for students to engage in science at lots of different levels. Clearly, by all measures, we in the U.S. need more scientists and science trained citizens as we progress in a global economy in the 21st Century.

STEP 10 exposes students to great science experiences and the positive aspiration, "What kind of scientist do you want to be?". I saw flight simulators -- for students to actually fly -- how cool is that? I also was able to go into the science show which was "crazy cool" and involved:

• several Airzukas that blew 12+" perfect smoke rings across the room,
• cooking hot dogs with electricity, and of course
• the pickle light bulb.

Riverside is blessed with many resources including Institutions of Higher Education that want to be involved and make a difference with our students and community. Astronaut Buzz Aldrin will be at STEP tomorrow (Thursday).

Student "engagement"

Kudos to the Poly HS administration and staff for hosting a "student engagement" with their students. This is a two-day activity where all the "voices" in the room are students talking about their school and the facilitators / listeners are all of the adults. The idea is to discover the thoughts and concerns of students regarding their school and their relationships within the school -- for the purpose of improving the school, relationships, and the experience at school.

This particular activity has been previously provided at North HS. The activity is and has been facilitated by the Eastside Think Tank along with support and facilitation from the Riverside Policy Department. Though this kind of activity can be a bit anxiety producing (as you never know what people will say), it promises to provide long-lasting improvement for the student experience at Poly HS. Kudos to all.

JROTC

Interesting interaction this afternoon with the instructors from our JROTC units across the RUSD District. I was most surprised to find that we have the oldest (1916) JROTC High School unit in the country with Poly High School. We have a diversity of services represented with the Army at Poly, Air Force at Arlington, Marines at Ramona, and Navy at King. Each program has in excess of 100 students with Poly taking the prize at 142 students.

There is an emphasis on academic preparation and preparedness as well as the normal military topics that one would expect. Based on the flexibility of the PE waiver, there are 400 minutes (or more) of physical activity being guaranteed every 2 weeks along with supporting PE curriculum regarding health and nutrition. The JROTC is a great program that is assisting our students and our country. We should be pleased and thankful for this fine option for our students.

English Language Learners

Interesting review of our English Learner (EL) student data over the past several weeks with our "principal summits." Each school and principal has a little different setting regarding their EL students and needs. We have schools where 70% of their students are EL and on the opposite end of the spectrum we have schools with 2% of their students with the need to acquire English Language. It is not a surprise that the vast majority of our EL students are Spanish speakers; however, within the mix of our schools we have some situations where the majority of EL students are NOT Spanish speakers but come from various other languages and cultures (there are approximately 40 different languages we serve with EL students).

What I found most interesting was the fact that of our 8,095 EL students 82% of them were born in the U.S. (and probably Riverside). Obviously, those same students began school with us in Kindergarten and the 1st grade. I would hope that we can extend the gift these students have with capacity in English. It is a tremendous asset to them individually and our economic community to be bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate in a global economic society.

Innovation is HERE!

Riverside Unified School District Board of Trustees voted uniamously on Monday night to adopt open source digital textbooks in high school math and science -- as referenced earlier. I appreciate the proactive leadership of the Board and the Governor in attempting to create new and innovative solutions that will be more efficient and effective in this new century. I suspect that given time with this new option, we will look back at this innovation with an understanding that it "saved money" while at the same time provided more and better instructional options for our students and staff. Innovation always requires a certain amount of courage and leadership -- I appreciate both with the action of our Board.

The Cost of What IF…

As we enter into the “age” of digital textbooks in RUSD, I am sure that several are asking the question – in an era of budget cuts and a clear lack of adequate funding, HOW can we buy digital textbooks, etc. to make this work? Great question! In the current situation, the digital textbooks are being provided by the State of California (that is the texts are free). While there is currently no cost to these digital texts, it is likely that there will be cost over time – in a coming adoption cycle. However, costs even then are likely to be VERY much reduced as there is no paper or printing involved. The other costs associated with this matter are the equipment needs to utilize the digital texts. Currently, we have a great deal of infrastructure in place, as well as Smart Riverside has provided community development to reduce digital divide issues. Additionally, we are able to utilize a small portion of our Instructional Material funds (which is provided for the purchase of textbooks) due to flexibility that has been provided by the State of California. Bottom line, we are NOT taking money from our general program operations accounts.

While there is essentially little or no expense at this time, even in the long-term we are likely to have MUCH reduced costs with this option.  I believe that everyone wins with this digital option.

What IF... Becomes now

Our journey with digital textbooks continues. We met this week with a representative from Intelligent Papers (there is NO sound on this video) who demonstrated a small, color-capable device that would hold a multitude of digital textbooks. The most interesting part of this presentation was the fact that a student could "write" on the book and "highlight" relevant sections that would meet the individual needs of the student. The battery provides a minimum of 8 hours before recharging and most importantly is durable such at it can withstand the bumps and bruises of life -- including an occasional spill.

The overall idea is that we in education need to begin to adapt to the needs of students (the future) rather than asking the students and parents to adapt to our schools (the past). It will be interesting to see this digital textbook initiative evolve.

City of Arts and Innovation

My wife and I had the opportunity to share a bit in what we offer in the City of Riverside ...relative to "arts and innovation." We attended the Riverside Philharmonic for a great performance. While there are other venues that might offer some similarity in the quality of music -- it is rare that you would have the intimacy of the setting at Riverside Municipal Auditorium. It's great to be here.

Riverside College & Career Fair

Great job by the Chamber and our staff in producing the College/Career Fair on Wednesday night (watch the hyperlinked video). As I understand it there were over 7,000 people in attendance and I can attest to the fact that it was standing room only. Special thanks for organizing all of this (on the RUSD side) to Dr. Jenny Hirst.

It was great to have representation from Historically Black Colleges, which speaks to the issue that we have struggled with state/nation-wide. Many of our students (i.e., "students of color" or "minority" students) have been greatly underrepresented both at HS graduation time and when it comes to matriculation into college or post-secondary opportunities. Attached is just one representation of that data with the SAT scores by ethnicity. As we move forward we need more events like the College/Career Fair to engage our students, as well as more support and engagement every day with our students to ensure their success.

The Race is On!

An interesting day yesterday with Gubernatorial Candidate Meg Whitman in town and speaking at a noon Chamber of Commerce event at the Convention Center. Whitman clearly is a small business advocate but has an interesting set of goals. Her intent is to be focused on 3 goals and not be deterred by other distractions (a good strategy many of us could learn from).

1. Creation of Jobs and streamline regulations that thwart that effort.
2. Reduction of Governmental Spending and the State workforce.
3. Improvement of K-12 Public Education.

Relative to the K-12 education solution she again has a 3 step approach:

1. Institute an A-F grading system for schools that provides information to parents regarding the quality of their student's school. She provides Florida as an example where this has been successfully implemented.
2. We should have more charter schools. Her contention is that charters are more successful and that we currently have a cap on the number of schools possible.
3. We should move authority and accountability for schools back from Sacramento to local school districts and communities.

While I would inclined to debate some of the specifics of her arguments regarding schools, I think she has the right ideas/principles/values in this area. IF we could have:

• a clear, simple accountability system that could be communicated to the public,
• provide for choice of schools within our era of choice, and
• move back to local control

-- we would all be better off.