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November 2010
REFLECTIONS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher and cannot be esteemed highly enough. One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." – Carl Jung

Dear ABEC friend,

November is a month of thankfulness. I know we’re all thankful the election is over. Once again, we can see around the corner without our view being blocked by red, white and blue lettering! I am thankful for my wonderful husband and family – including the good hearts in the ABEC family. I’m also thankful for those who worked with me to help me become the person I am – my teachers. I’m thankful Mr. Doyle was so patient with me in 5th grade. I’m thankful I had Mr. Tabeek in my life in 8th grade. He helped me understand the fascination that is science – and he genuinely cared that I was successful. I’m thankful I had Sra. Rosa Rochin in my life as my high school Spanish teacher.  She connected my new language to a beautiful culture, which I appreciate to this very day – and she cared that I’d thoroughly enjoy the classroom.  I’m thankful for my Phoenix Central High School principal who didn’t kick me out for trying to cut class that day.  He was my dad, after all, in his first principalship and I was sure making his life tough!  I’m thankful for the many classroom teachers who cared about the learning of my own children, as we worked together, teacher and parent, to ensure that they were challenged, suffered natural consequences, and became responsible young citizens. And now, with our grandson, quality teaching is not only no less important, it’s leaped ahead light years in challenges and requirements.  I am thankful young people still go into a profession that too often doesn’t provide significant rewards for excellence. I thank them. As they say, if you can read this … you, too, should thank a teacher.
 
Sincerely,

Susan Carlson
ABEC executive director
 
"Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." – Margaret Cousins
 
 
WHAT I'M THANKFUL FOR ... 
By Paul Winslow, ABEC board president and partner, Orcutt|Winslow Partnership
  
Every year as we approach Thanksgiving it gives us a time to reflect on how we have been blessed the past year.  This year, though difficult, has some major positives for education.  Our recent election process was difficult in many ways, but for education, there were some very positive things to be thankful for. The most specific was the public’s refusal to allow funding to be taken from our education system. This simple gesture may be the seed from which changes in our basis of educational funding can grow.  We must not lose sight of this event as we proceed on our quest with the legislature, for the benefit of our students, schools and our entire future as a state.

On a personal note, let me share three things that have given me cause for great thankfulness.  First, was the opportunity to shadow a superintendent through the ABEC "Shadow the Super" program.  Though I have worked with many superintendents over the past 45 years, this is the first time I really got to go behind the curtain.  I was truly amazed at what I found.  My gracious mentor and guide was Dr. Gail Pletnick from Dysart Unified School District.  She is an amazing person as are so many superintendents.  However, the amazing experience was sitting in on a weekly curriculum planning team meeting and seeing what was one of the most efficient, productive and professional meetings I have ever seen.  The ability of this group of teachers to share ideas openly, plan strategies and focus on the ability to find ways to meet their individual student’s needs was totally amazing.  I suggested that if they ever need to ask the public for support, they should just film these types of sessions and the public could never refuse.  I was overwhelmed!

A second experience that happened the following day, by coincidence, was to visit with teachers from the Teach for America program and University Public School.  Though admittedly I was not as knowledgeable about the program as I should have been prior to that experience, I was again amazed at the focus, level of enthusiasm and responsible student participation.

The third experience was seeing the performance provided by students at The Arizona School for the Arts.  Their closing performance at their annual Showcase was unbelievable.  The fact that students picked by lottery to attend, can be universally brought to such high level of performance capability while being a top scoring school in the state, is remarkable.

What this says to me is that with the diversity of approaches to learning, teaching and administering in Arizona education, the examples are there.  Our dilemma is how to share our best practices and then let the public see it in its true perspective.  These are not isolated examples, but are just a few among the many that could be celebrated. 
 
 
SPOTLIGHT: HOPES FOR OUR NEXT STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
The 2010 elections are over and the voters have chosen Arizona's next State Superintendent of Public Instruction - John Huppenthal.  We asked two of our ABEC members to share with us what they “hope” from our next state superintendent.  Here’s what they shared: 
 
The Education View – Panfilo Contreras, Arizona School Boards Association
I hope that our new Superintendent of Public Instruction will follow his passion for data by addressing the issue of the inadequate data system so that it works for the benefit of all.  The department certainly needs good data, but so do the schools.  In this era of high expectations and accountability, good data is the key to good decisions for students at every level.
 
I also hope that this superintendent will be an advocate for PUBLIC instruction.  I hope that he will be truly interested in a collaborative relationship with his public sector governing boards, administrators and teachers.  Communications with this constituency is a good start.  I also hope we have a strong advocate for the human, physical and monetary resources necessary for everyone to succeed.
 
Lastly, while the regulatory and fiduciary roles of the department are important, a supportive role is more important to the folks on the line every day doing what is in the best interest for the students in their charge. Acknowledge the hard work and give credit to the many outstanding results and work to discredit the myths about the system. 

The Business View – Dave Howell, Wells Fargo Bank

Two phrases that have become part of our national political conversation lately come to mind: “Elections have consequences”; and “We have to deal with the world as it is.”
 
Elections do have consequences, and the 2010 vote in Arizona has left our state as one of the most solidly “red” states in the nation. That’s the Arizona world as it is and will be for at least the next two to four years. It has some very worried and others very optimistic. My prediction is that it will be neither as bad as the worst fears nor as good as the best hopes imagine.
 
Our new Superintendent of Public Instruction is no stranger to many of us at ABEC. John Huppenthal has been actively involved in education issues for a long time. He has played a central role in most of the education legislation the state has considered. Like most of us at ABEC, I haven’t always agreed with John on specific bills or initiatives, but one thing I have never questioned: he deeply cares about Arizona’s K-12 students and the education they receive.
 
I’ve heard John speak twice recently, once during the campaign (at an ABEC meeting) and once since (at an ADE Teacher/Principal Evaluation Task Force meeting). In each case, that underlying commitment to the students and their academic growth came through. And in each case, I also heard a willingness to work with others in the system to make it better. While he clearly has strong opinions about many education issues, he has also demonstrated a solid grounding in the challenges K-12 public education faces and sincere empathy for the teachers and administrators who are working to meet those challenges in a very difficult fiscal environment.
 
But regardless of what Mr. Huppenthal may want to accomplish, the fiscal environment will dictate what can be accomplished. Instead of being one of the state lawmakers deciding what the ADE budget should be, he’ll have to deal with what the Legislature sends him. That change of perspective may mean we see a somewhat different John Huppenthal to work with.

 
Related article: 
Huppenthal's agenda: Learn from Arizona's best schools - district and charter, The East Valley Tribune, 11/07/10

For a complete listing of Arizona's 2010 election results, click here.
 
 
REVIEW:  "THE DEATH AND LIFE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN SCHOOL SYSTEM"
by ABEC member Kirk Hinsey, Mesa Education Association
 
Over the last few weeks, I have read an excellent book that addresses many of the educational reforms that have occurred over the last few years.  Reading the book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System by Diane Ravitch, has given me the research and the answers to many of these reforms.
 
Dr. Ravitch is an educational researcher who worked in the Dept. of Education and helped to author the NCLB Act in 2001.  In 2006, she was brave enough to look at her research and realize that it was a mistake.  Her book is well-researched and addresses many of the challenges facing American Public Education.
 
Her book begins talking about the idea of school reform and what it has looked like over the last few years.  She continues her journey through the standards and how testing and accountability became the buzz words, sometimes at the expense of real learning.  She does a great job explaining the experiments in New York City and the transformations there before discussing these same ideas in San Diego.  Both experiments had good intent, but delivered very mixed results.
 
Her book continues talking about running schools as businesses and the advent of NCLB.  She touches on choice and discusses a unique vision for the charter school movement.  Her book continues with my favorite chapter (since I am a teacher) about one of her favorite teachers and how she would measure up in today’s world.  She ends with the money and foundations supporting education and her hope to rescue public education.
 
Dr. Ravitch supports many of her opinions with several studies and, as a researcher, she is able to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the studies. Her book is an easy read and should provide great discussions on the mission of ABEC, the education and business communities, and all stakeholders in public education.
 
 
ABEC 3RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT - RESULTS
Thanks to all who came out to support our 3rd annual golf tournament on Friday, November 5th at the Foothills Golf Club ... and a special thanks to all of this year's sponsors:
 
Corporate Sponsors:
Sodexo Education (2), CORE Construction, Echo Canyon Electric, Inc., Hawkeye Electric, Inc., McCarthy Building Companies, Salt River Project, Sundt Construction
 
Friend Sponsors:
Kortman Electric, Midstate Energy, Orcutt|Winslow Partnership, Progressive Roofing, SCF Arizona  
 
Tee Box Sponsors:
AzSBA, Valley Schools, PLUS our corporate and friend sponsors above!
 
THE RESULTS:
 
1st Place – Sodexo (team #2): Albert Hale, Margo Seck, Stan Overturf, Robert Dreger
 
2nd Place – Core Construction: Sarah Angus, Christ Kruger, Arturo Carrizoza, Raul Carrizoza
 
3rd Place – Sundt Construction: Jim Carabell, Eric Feinberg, Rick Garcia, Jeff Shevalier
 
Last Place – ABEC: Susan Carlson, Robin Berry, Greg Wyman, and Rick Murphy
 
Longest Drive, Men – Chris Kruger (Core Construction)
Longest Drive, Women – Susan Carlson (ABEC)
Closest to the Pin (Short hole) – Mike Sundberg (Orcutt|Winslow)
Closest to the Pin (Long hole) – Shane Jacobs (Sodexo)

LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEAR'S TOURNAMENT!!!
 
 
KUDOS TO OUR MEMBERS ...
… Maria Harper-Marinick, on her promotion to executive vice chancellor and provost for the Maricopa Community Colleges.

… Tamara Caraway, principal project development, as the new Adolfson & Peterson Construction representative on the ABEC board of directors.
 
… Mary Anne Doty, president, as the new Arizona Council on Economic Education representative on the ABEC board of directors.
 
... Ron Shoopman, president, as the new Southern Arizona Leadership Council representative to the ABEC board of directors.
 
… John Pedicone, on his new appointment as superintendent of Tucson Unified School District.

… and to Marty Shultz, on his retirement from Pinnacle West/APS after 32 years as a "titan of the Capitol," effective December 31st.
 
EDUCATION NEWS & SPECIAL REPORTS
EDUCATION NEWS
 
NAEP Shows Promise as 'Preparedness' Yardstick - EdWeek, 11/22/10
Initial studies have delivered early but promising indications that it might be possible to use the exam known as “the nation’s report card” for a brand-new purpose: to gauge students’ preparedness for college or work.  MORE ...
 
New panels hint at Arizona Legislature's focus for session - The Arizona Republic, 11/21/10
When Arizona's new Legislature gets to work in January, it has a lot of political promises to keep: a balanced budget, more jobs, tax reform and additional illegal-immigration measures.  MORE ...

Valley parents urged to speak out on school cuts - The Arizona Republic, 11/21/10
With the state's deficit likely to trickle down to Valley school districts, money for clubs and extracurricular activities are at risk.  MORE ...

Edu-Prize School founder named Charter Leader of Year - The Arizona Republic, 11/20/10
Edu-Prize School superintendent and founder Lynn Robershotte is known as an education pioneer with a passion for preparing each child to be successful. MORE ...

Glendale Apollo educator is Arizona Teacher of the Year - The Arizona Republic, 11/19/10
Amanda McAdams, a 10th-grade English teacher at Apollo High School in Glendale, was named the 2011 Teacher of the Year by the Arizona Educational Foundation on Thursday. MORE ... 
 
Bill Gates on School Budgets: Cut Wisely, Change Pay Schemes - EdWeek, 11/19/10
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates says he knows that the nation's schools are struggling financially, and could be for years to come. But he argues that states and districts need to continue to press to create new merit pay models, and that they should consider allowing larger class sizes—if those classes are taught by effective teachers. MORE ...

Harvard uses top chefs to spice up science, far-reaching lessons from culinary arts - Globe Staff, 11/02/10
In a basement lab at Harvard University, students Omar Bari and Aaron Mattis are playing with chocolate syrup. They put spoonfuls of the stuff into a bath of clear liquid, and wait as it turns into jiggling chocolate blobs.  MORE ...

 
 
 
IN THIS ISSUE:
 
REFLECTIONS From the Executive Director
 
WHAT I'm Thankful For ...
 
SPOTLIGHT: Hopes for our next State Superintendent of Public Instruction
 
REVIEW: "The Death & Life of the Great American School System"
 
ABEC 3rd Annual Golf Tournament Results
 
KUDOS to our Members
 
EDUCATION News & Special Reports
 
READ Past Issues of eNews Spotlight
Wish to COMMENT on the ABEC eNewsletter? Contact Patrick Contrades, ABEC eNewsletter editor and Deputy Director.
 

CRASH COURSES

  PART I:  State Revenue Structure - How It Works And What Are the Issues
 
Monday, December 6, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rio Salado Conference Center
2323 West 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
 
Presenter: Dennis Hoffman, Director of WPC Seidman Research Institute at Arizona State University
 
  
PART II: State Revenue Structure Change – Solutions or Rhetoric?
 
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Rio Salado Conference Center
2323 West 14th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
 
  
 ABEC BREAKFAST:
PEW Center on the States on the
Fiscal State of the States
 
December 9, 2010
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Embassy Suites
2630 East Camelback Road
Phoenix, AZ 85016
 
 
 
 
 
REMINDERS:
  
Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2010
ABEC Board Meeting
Open to ALL current members
 
Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011
ABEC Legislative Connection
A "members-only" event
 
Friday, Feb. 25, 2011
ABEC Board Meeting
Open to ALL current members
 
Monday, June 6, 2011
ABEC Annual Conference
 ABEC Board Meeting
  
 
For more information on any upcoming ABEC event, go to
 
 EVENTS OF ABEC
MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
 Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry
2011 Legislative Forecast Luncheon
Hyatt Regency - Downtown Phoenix
January 7, 2011
 
 
 ABEC SIGNIFICANT SUPPORTERS
 
 
 
The Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC) is a 501(c)3 organization providing a balanced forum for business and education leaders to collaborate and improve K-12 education policy, with linkages to pre-kindergarten and postsecondary education. Guiding principles include: increasing public awareness about the relationship between Arizona’s future workforce and the quality of the K-12 system; actively and effectively influencing education policy; and sharing responsibility for the growth of student achievement in Arizona. For more information, visit www.azbec.org. You are receiving this e-mail because you are a member of ABEC, have signed up to receive our eNewsletter, attended an ABEC or ABEC-related event, or have made direct contact with ABEC.
 
Copyright 2010. Arizona Business & Education Coalition. All Rights Reserved.