• The House and Senate resolutions honoring Anna Schultz, 2008 Teacher of the Year; and Jeff Rudkin and Dexter Suggs, 2008 Milken Educator Award Winners.
• Tech Day featuring technical education, including Project Lead the Way, exhibits in the State House.
• Recent conferences:
• The Indiana Association of the Gifted conference and the Indiana Middle Level Education Association conference with guest speaker Tom Jones, former astronaut.
• Awards presented at the Indiana Career and Technical Education conference and awards presentation.
• National Public Broadcasting System (PBS) meeting, to discuss greater cooperation between PBS and Departments of Education.
• Presidential Math and Science Awards at Marion College.
• National School Conference on International Exchange Students.
• A school visit to South Wood Elementary and a teacher who built his own “smart board”.

IV.    Member Comments and Reports from Board Member Representatives to Other Groups

Jeffery P. Zaring, State Board of Education Administrator, introduced John Elcesser, Director, Indiana Non-Public Education Association.                 

V.     Committee Reports

A.        Mr. Edwards reported on the Strategic Planning Committee and discussed the following issues:

• The Board formally adopted the mission, strategies, and vision statement for student learning in Indiana.
• Ongoing work includes looking at data elements and surveys to see which are necessary to measure academic achievement and success.

Mr. Zaring said information on professional development offered by various associations has been received.  Information on dual enrollment course offerings will be available soon and will be used with the strategic plan.

Board members discussed the draft document, Broader Strategies to More Specific Actions distributed by Mr. Zaring and Mr. Shane.  The document includes projects and strategies to achieve the objectives.  Board members will review and provide comments.

B.         Mr. Gabet reported that the Regulatory Review Committee did not meet this past month.  He gave Board members a copy of a draft curriculum rule.

Mr. Zaring asked Board members to look over the document, bring this matter back to the Board meeting in April, and begin the rule making process.

Dr. Robert Marra, Associate Superintendent discussed pending public hearings for proposed Special Education rules.

It was the consensus of the Board for the Regulatory Review Committee to look over documentation on the fiscal impact statement.  Board members decided to have the final public hearing on the morning of May 7.  Following adjournment of the public testimony, the official Board business meeting will be held.  Location of this meeting will be announced at a later date.

VI.    Discussion

A.        Wesley Bruce, Assistant Superintendent, and Mr. Zaring, gave an assessment and accountability update:

• The amendment request for the No Child Left Behind accountability plan was discussed.
• The question and answer document for Indiana’s comprehensive assessment plan was discussed by Board members.  Mr. Bruce said this will be updated frequently as the DOE goes through the transition from fall to spring testing. 
• GQE retesting is scheduled for March 11, 12, and 13.
• CTB McGraw-Hill will fund a research study on Grades 3 - 8 diagnostic testing.  The Center for Evaluation and Education Policy (CEEP) will conduct the study.

B.         Mr. Zaring discussed legislative issues and gave Board members an updated list of the most significant bills. 

Board members discussed the House and Senate version of the property tax summary and how education will be affected. 
 
VII.  Public Comments

VIII. Consent Agenda

A.        Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School petition from Christian Academy of Indiana. [Agenda item X, A]

B.         Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School petition from Crown Point Christian School, St. John. [Agenda item X, B]

C.        Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School petition from Damar Academy, Camby. [Agenda item X, C]

D.        Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School petition from Willowglen Academy, Gary. [Agenda item X, D]

E.         Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School renewal for Rock Creek Christian Academy, Sellersburg. [Agenda item X, E]

F.         Mr. Zaring presented a request for approval of a Freeway School renewal for The Oaks Academy, Indianapolis. [Agenda item X, F]

Mr. Huston moved for approval of the consent agenda items.  Mrs. Blacketor seconded the motion.  The motion passed unanimously.

IX.    Action

A.        Debbie Hineline, Director, K-12 Financial Management, presented a request for approval of advancements from the Common School Fund for technology and school construction.

Dr. Eiler moved for approval.  Mr. Gabet seconded the motion.  The motion passed with eight ayes and one no (Mrs. Blacketor).