MINUTES 

WEST VIRGINIA BOARD OF EDUCATION 

Board Conference Room 

Capitol Building 6, Room 353 

1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East 

Charleston, West Virginia 

August 13, 2008

I.        Call to Order

         President Delores W. Cook called the meeting of the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) to order at 12:32 p.m. on August 13, 2008, in the Board Conference Room, Capitol Building 6, Room 353, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East, Charleston, West Virginia.

        The following members were present:  President Cook, Vice President Priscilla M. Haden, Secretary Jenny N. Phillips, Robert W. Dunlevy, Barbara N. Fish, Burma Hatfield, Lowell E. Johnson, Gayle C. Manchin, and Ronald B. Spencer, and ex officio Steven L. Paine, State Superintendent of Schools.  Members absent were ex officios Brian E. Noland, Chancellor, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education.

II.        Approval of Agenda

                Upon motion by Mrs. Manchin, seconded by Dr. Johnson, Board unanimously approved the agenda.

III.        Math and Science Indicators for Comparing States and Nations

        Dr. Jan Barth, Executive Director, West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Office of Assessment/Accountability, introduced Dr. Gary Phillips, American Institutes for Research, who provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding a method of reliable and credible external benchmarks that West Virginia can use to judge success.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment A.)

IV.        Economic Impact Study at Cedar Lakes Conference Center

        Mr. Ron Grimes, Executive Director/General Manager, Cedar Lakes Conference Center, introduced Dr. Calvin A. Kent and Ms. Jennifer L. Price, Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research, who provided an overview of a 2007-2008 comprehensive economic impact study of the Cedar Lakes Conference Center and its related activities.  The results of this analysis were presented, including an evaluation of potential structures for the conference center to become self sustaining.  Following discussion, Dr. Stanley Hopkins, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Technical and Adult Education Services, was directed to provide recommendations in response to the economic impact study at the September or October meeting of the Board.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment B.)

V.        Break

        President Cook called for a break at 2:25 p.m.  

VI.        Call to Order

        President Cook called the meeting back to order at 2:40 p.m.

VII.        Director’s Information

        Dr. Kenna R. Seal, Director, Office of Education Performance Audits (OEPA), in response to a Board directive, provided information regarding a new process that is now in place that provides a 30 day period for a school and/or county school system to respond to OEPA findings.  No recommendation for a change in accreditation status will be made before a final report is presented to the Board for action.  

VIII.        Update for Winchester Avenue Elementary School

          and Martinsburg North Middle School, Berkeley County

        Dr. Seal distributed a corrective action plan, as prepared by Berkeley County Schools, for Winchester Avenue Elementary School and Martinsburg North Middle School for the Board’s review. Announced on-site reviews were conducted at Winchester Avenue Elementary School on April 29, 2008 and Martinsburg North Middle School on May 20, 2008.  Several findings of noncompliances were identified at both schools and action regarding accreditation status for both schools was defeated at the July meeting.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment I.)

IX.        Pilot Draft Education Performance Audit Report for

        Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) V

        Pilot Draft Education Performance Audit Report for RESA V

Dr. Seal reported that a pilot on-site review was conducted at RESA V June 24, 2008.  The WVBE specifically directed the OEPA to conduct two pilot on-site reviews in accordance with Policy 3233 and Policy 2320.  This was the second pilot on-site review conducted as directed by the WVBE.  The refinement of the implementation standards for RESAs will be accomplished following the pilot reviews.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment C.)

X.        Recommendations for Professional Development

        Based on Education Performance Audits and Annual Performance Measures

        Dr. Seal presented the OEPA’s recommendations for professional development based on education performance audits and annual performance measures for the Board’s consideration.  W. Va. Code §18-2-23a requires the West Virginia Board of Education to establish goals for professional development in the public schools of the state.  An analysis of annual performance data and Education Performance Audits is presented to the WVBE to consider in establishing professional development goals.  

        Upon motion by Dr. Johnson, seconded by Mrs. Fish, the Board unanimously approved the OEPA’s recommendations for professional development based on education performance audits and annual performance measures.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment D.)

XI.        The 2008 Annual Report of the Office of Education Performance Audits

        Dr. Seal presented the OEPA’s 2008 annual report for the Board’s information.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment E.)

XII.        Approval of West Virginia Pre-K County Plans

        Dr. Jorea Marple, Assistant State Superintendent, Division of Curriculum and Instructional Services, distributed the approved listing of pre-k plans [received from the Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) on August 12, 2008] and provided an update regarding the status of plans that have not been approved. Mr. Clayton Burch, Coordinator, WVDE Office of Special Programs, Extended and Early Learning, Ms. Melanie Clark, WVDHHR Division of Early Care and Education, and Ms. Lena Rapp, West Virginia Head Start Collaboration, addressed questions regarding the approved listing of pre-k plans submitted by the Secretary of WVDHHR.  (Copy appended to Official Minutes, Attachment J.)

XIII.        From Classroom to Classroom: 21st Century Guide for New Teachers

        Mr. Nathan Estel, Executive Director, and Ms. Donna Peduto, Coordinator, WVDE Office of Professional Preparation, presented an overview of a new digital resource for mentor and beginning teachers entitled From Classroom to Classroom: 21st Century Guide for New Teachers for the Board’s information.  At the recommendation of the West Virginia Commission for Professional Teaching Standards, the WVBE directed the WVDE to examine issues of mentorship and induction.  At the recommendation of the stakeholder group convened for this purpose, From Classroom to Classroom: 21st Century Guide for New Teachers was created.  The website may be viewed at http://wvde.state.wv.us/mentorship.  

XIV.        Policy 2520.19, 21st Century Advisor/Advisee 9-12

        Content Standards and Objectives for West Virginia Schools

        Ms. Barbara Ashcraft, Coordinator, WVDE Office of Planning, Evaluation, Special Programs and Support Services, presented Policy 2520.19 for the Board’s consideration.  The policy was placed on public comment for 30 days at the May 2008 meeting of the WVBE.  In response to a comment received during the comment period some objectives were modified to make them more measurable.    (Copy appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment F and to the Official Minutes of August 15, 2008 at Attachment H.)

XV.        Policy 4150, Student Driver Eligibility Certificate

Ms. Patricia Lucas, Coordinator, WVDE Office of Institutional Education Programs, presented Policy 4150 for the Board’s consideration.  Policy 4150 was developed as required by HB 4023 (passed during the 2008 regular legislative session).  The key item for definition is that of satisfactory academic progress.  The policy was placed on public comment for 30 days at the June 2008 meeting of the WVBE.  A number of editorial changes were made to the policy in response to comments received during the comment period.  (Copy appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment G and to the Official Minutes of August 15, 2008 at Attachment I.)

XVI.        Policy 5202 - Minimum Requirements for the

        Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel

        and Advanced Salary Classifications

        Mr. Nathan Estel, Executive Director, WVDE Office of Professional Preparation, presented Policy 5202 for the Board’s consideration.  Policy 5202 is recommended for revision due to the amendment of W. Va. Code §18A-4-3b, to provide additional options for special educators to gain an endorsement to teach Autistic students, and in response to the revision of Policy 2510 and the realignment of social studies courses.  (Copy appended to the Official Minutes of August 15, 2008 at Attachment J.)

XVII.        Policy 6200, Handbook on Planning School Facilities

Mr. Bill Elswick, Executive Director, WVDE Office of School Facilities, presented Policy 6200 for the Board’s consideration.  Policy 6200 is the basis of the strategic facilities plan for county school systems which sets forth codes, standards and regulatory requirements required for school construction projects.  Superintendent Paine requested that Mr. Elswick investigate the issue of abandoned schools and provide a report of findings and recommendations at a future meeting of the Board.  (Copy appended to the Official Minutes, Attachment H and to the Official Minutes of August 15, 2008 at Attachment K.)

XVIII.        West Virginia Assessment Calendar 2009-2010

        Dr. Barth presented the 2009-2010 assessment calendar for the Board’s consideration.  (Copy appended to the Official Minutes of August 15, 2008 at Attachment L.)

XIX.        Future Meetings

        The next regular meeting of the Board will be held August 14, 2008 in Charleston, West Virginia.  

XX.        Adjournment

        Upon motion by Ms. Hatfield, seconded by Mrs. Manchin and unanimously carried, the Board adjourned at 4:21 p.m.

                                           Minutes approved by the Board on September 11, 2008.

                                        ___________________________

                                        Delores W. Cook, President

___________________________ 

                                        Jenny N. Phillips, Secretary

   Minutes were recorded by

         Virginia M. Harris

Executive Secretary to the Board.  

         Wvbeminutes8/13/08