Chiefline 12.18.12

CCSSO Compiles Resources for Parents and Students to Help Address the Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
On behalf of the nation's state school chiefs, CCSSO extends its deepest condolences to the community of Newtown, Connecticut in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy that took the lives of 20 students and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary. Many organizations have developed resources to help schools, parents, and students make sense of Friday's shootings. We have compiled a list below for your reference. Please share these with appropriate networks, and please continue to inform CCSSO of additional resources as they become available, by emailing communications@ccsso.org.
NEA Health Information Network, School Crisis Guide
PBS Kids, Strategies for Talking and Listening
American Psychological Association, Helping Your Children Manage Stress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
National Association of School Psychologists, Talking to Children about Violence
The Child Mind Institute, Caring for Kids After a School Shooting
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association, Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, Guidelines for Responding to the Death of a Student or School Staff, Parent Tips for Connecticut School Shooting
The New York Times, Tips for Talking to Children about the Shooting
The U.S. Department of Education, Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center, Creating and Updating School Emergency Management Plans, resources for schools to prepare for and recover from crisis, resources for parents following traumatic events.
The United Way of Western Connecticut, has created the "Sandy Hook School Support Fund," that will provide direct support services to the affected families and community. Please click here for more information.
Association and Related News
25 States Commit to Advancing Recommendations to Improve Educator Preparation
Twenty-five states have expressly committed to advance recommendations aimed at dramatically improving educator preparation and entry into the profession. The recommendations are outlined in a new CCSSO report, "Our Responsibility, Our Promise: Transforming Educator Preparation and Entry into the Profession." more
CCSSO to Host Webinar on Sample Assessment Items from PARCC and Smarter Balanced
On December 19, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. ET, CCSSO will be hosting a webinar on the recently released Partnership for Readiness for College and Career (PARCC) and Smarter Balanced sample assessment items in mathematics with middle school mathematics teacher Jim Mamer. more
Next Issue of Chiefline Scheduled for January 3
Next Issue of Chiefline Scheduled for January 3 more
Education Newsbriefs
State Chiefs to Examine Teacher Prep, Licensing
Twenty-five state schools chiefs are vowing to take action to update their systems of teacher preparation and licensing, with an eye to ensuring teachers are ready the minute they take charge of their own classrooms. more
Arne Duncan Picks 16 Race to Top District Winners
The U.S. Department of Education announced on Dec. 11 that 16 winners -- including three charter school organizations -- will share $400 million in the Race To the Top district competition. Miami-Dade is the largest urban district on the list, having also recently won the prestigious Broad Prize this year. more
Alaska Teachers to Be Evaluated on Student Achievement Starting in 2015
On Dec. 7, the Alaska State Board of Education approved a measure that includes student learning data in teacher evaluations. Beginning in the 2015-16 school year, student growth and performance criteria -- including at least one standardized test -- will make up 20 percent of teacher evaluations. more
Nebraska Social Studies Standards Heading to Schools
The Nebraska State Board of Education recently adopted new standards for social studies instruction, but local school boards will have to adopt or strengthen and implement them. The standards determine what students should know at different grade levels in history, geography, civics, and economics. more
Report Endorses Statewide Standards for Maine Teacher Evaluations
The Maine Educator Effectiveness Council, a task force, issued its first report on how Maine schools should evaluate teachers, though it said implementing a standardized evaluation system could take several years. State Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen said, "Of the education laws passed last session, this is one of the two most significant. We are extremely grateful for the work of the Maine Educator Effectiveness Council. more
Connecticut Launches Database That Tracks Public School Performance
On Dec. 10, Connecticut Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor unveiled an online database that provides information on school performance for use by parents and other public school stakeholders. The database tracks the School Performance Index and the graduation rates of public schools. "The state's new school accountability and support framework enables more precise, more helpful snapshots of school performance. more
Meet the Chiefs

Christopher Koch
Superintendent of Education
Assumed Office: December 6, 2006
Illinois State Department of Education
Meet All the Chiefs
Featured Resource
Our Responsibility Our Promise, Transforming Educator Preparation and Entry into the Profession
Featured Item
Common Core Webinar Series
CCSSO is hosting webinars throughout the year to provide assistance to states, districts, and teachers on Common Core implementation. You may listen to archived webinars on this page.
CCSSO would like to thank the following level I Partners:



CCSSO would also like to thank the following Level II Partners:
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