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: