Upcoming Events at Clayton State University

Clayton State University has re-opened for 2010, although classes for the spring semester (not that it feels much like spring) won’t start until Monday, Jan. 11.

Clayton State Schedules Welcome Back Week for Students, Jan. 11-14

The Clayton State University Department of Campus Life is ready for the new year. Specifically, Campus Life has the schedule for its traditional “Welcome Back Week” for students in place.

Welcome Back Week will start with the first day of spring semester classes, Monday, Jan. 11, when Campus Life and the Clayton State Customer Service Team will hold another Clayton State tradition, the Ask Me! program. Ask Me! volunteers in bright orange T-Shirts will welcome new and returning students back to campus, assist with campus navigation, and distribute information about upcoming events. Ask Me! will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12.

Also on Tuesday, Jan. 12, the Campus Events Council will be making free Las Vegas Name Tags from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street in 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

The Las Vegas theme will carry on to Wednesday, Jan. 13 with a fun-filled night in Las Vegas in the Student Activity Center ballroom. It’ll be a night of games, prizes and refreshments from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On Thursday, Jan. 14, Campus Life will hold its Student Involvement Fair from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Activity Center ballroom.

Clayton State Graduate Studies Open House, Jan. 12

The Clayton State University School of Graduate Studies will celebrate the new year on Tuesday, Jan. 12 by holding its first informational open house of 2010.

The open house will run from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 101 of the University’s Harry S. Downs Center on the main campus in Morrow.

The Graduate Studies open houses are now providing information on the new Master of Archival Studies program. In addition, prospective graduate students will have a chance to learn more about the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching English, Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. The Clayton State School of Graduate Studies holds open houses on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

LEAD the Way Seminar and Service Learning Project for MLK Day of Service, Jan. 14

The Department of Campus Life will sponsor its first monthly LEAD the Way Seminar for the Spring Semester on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Student Activities Center Ballroom C.

Eddie Yongue with Keep Clayton Beautiful will be the featured speaker to discuss the leadership needed in the community to preserve our natural habitats and vegetation and how these efforts impact community economic development.

Then students will have an opportunity to make the MLK holiday weekend a “Day On, and Not A Day Off” by volunteering with Trees Atlanta to plant trees and upkeep gardens in the city of Atlanta on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010.

Lianna Williams to Sing at Naturalization Ceremony, Jan. 15

The regional Department of Homeland Security Immigration Office was so impressed with Clayton State senior Voice Performance major Lianna Wimberly Williams’ performance at their recent naturalization ceremony at the National Archives at Atlanta that they’ve requested that she perform for their next mass naturalization ceremony, Jan. 15, 2010, at the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta.

Mezzo-soprano Williams, a Jonesboro resident, is one of the Clayton State music program’s most accomplished singers; performing in the Clayton State Opera and as a soloist in campus events and in concerts with the Clayton State Chorale, singing at the People’s Inaugural Gala Weekend and Ball in Washington, D.C., and being chosen by competitive audition for the fall 2007 Georgia National Association of Teachers of Singing master class.

Bernice King and Alejandro Mayorkas, the national director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service from Washington, DC, will be the speakers at the Jan. 15 ceremony at the MLK Center. Clayton State Staff Accompanist Alexander Benford will accompany Williams on the keyboard.

Clayton State’s 10th Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Event, Jan. 21

Clayton State University’s 10th Annual Martin Luther King Commemorative Event will run from Monday, Jan. 18, 2010 to Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 as will be highlighted by a showcase of talent and reflections on this year’s theme; “Dr. King’s Legacy: Where are we now? Where are we going?”

This year’s keystone event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 21 and will feature the Second Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Rally and March and the Showcase. The March (sponsored by the Tau Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and the Clayton State Department of Campus Life) will take the campus community along a historical journey and will reflect upon pivotal points during the Civil Rights movement. It will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the James M. Baker University Center Quad and will proceed to Spivey Hall where the Showcase will be held starting at 7 p.m.

Clayton State Homecoming, Jan. 30

The 2009/10 academic year is a special one for Clayton State University, as the University is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and the celebration will continue into January with a special Anniversary Homecoming.

Clayton State will have its Homecoming on Saturday, Jan. 30, as the Laker basketball teams will square off against Flagler College in Peach Belt Conference action at the Athletics & Fitness Center. The women’s game will tip-off at 1:30 p.m., followed by the men’s game at 3:30 p.m.

Black History Month, Feb. 1

The annual Black History Celebration at Clayton State University will begin on Monday, Feb. 1, 2010. The Department of Campus Life is currently in the process of organizing the calendar of events for this celebration.

Visiting Writers Reading Series Returns, Feb. 2

On Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m., the spring 2010 Visiting Writers Reading Series will open with novelist Patti Callahan Henry reading in room B10 of the Lecture Hall.

Henry is a New York Times bestselling novelist. She has six novels with Penguin/NAL ("Losing the Moon," "Where the River Runs," "When Light Breaks," "Between the Tides," "The Art of Keeping Secrets," and "Driftwood Summer").

Hailed as a fresh new voice in southern fiction, she has been short-listed for the Townsend Prize for Fiction and has been nominated for the Southeastern Independent Booksellers Fiction Novel of the Year. She is a frequent speaker at luncheons, book clubs and women’s groups where she discusses the importance of storytelling and anything else they want to talk about.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Clayton State Recognized at Golden Key International Conference

Clayton State University, Associate Dean of Students Jeff Jacobs, and Assistant Director of Orientation and New Student Programs Barbre Skwira were recently recognized by the Golden Key International Honour Society for their efforts on behalf of the University’s Golden Key chapter.

The honor came at the 2009 Golden Key International Conference in Orlando, Fla., wherein Clayton State’s chapter was recognized for having achieved good chapter standing, meaning that the University’s chapter had completed the appropriate amount of activities needed to stay active within the Society. Jacobs and Skwira are the co-advisors to the Clayton State chapter.

“The advisor(s) and student members are actively involved in promoting Golden Key’s mission of recognizing outstanding academic achievement and connecting high-achieving individuals locally, regionally and globally with lifetime opportunity, reward and success,” reads Golden Key’s letter of citation to Clayton State.

Golden Key International Honour Society is the world’s premier collegiate honor society, with nearly two million members and more than 375 chapters around the world. Golden Key was founded in 1977 by a group of undergraduate students at Georgia State University. Since its inception, Golden Key has been established as a positive force in higher education. Membership to this academic achievement organization is granted by invitation only and requires the achievement and maintenance of high academic standards. Golden Key is not only an academic achievement organization, but is also involved in community and university service, thus providing many opportunities for the members to gain valuable experience.

The Clayton State chapter was established in the fall of 2006 and was originally recognized as a “benefits only” chapter. On Feb. 17, 2008, the Clayton State chapter was officially chartered and recognized as the 358th Golden Key Chapter world-wide. Invitation to join Golden Key is only extended to the top 15 percent of the sophomore, junior and senior classes at Clayton State.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Charter Schools Rally at State Capitol to Draw Close to 1,000

Event will feature students, parents, educators, politicians and other charter supporters

A crowd of nearly 1,000 students, parents, educators, politicians and others will show their support for public charter schools in Georgia at the first ever “Rally at the Capitol for Charter Schools,” Friday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. – noon, on the steps of the Georgia State Capitol building.

Event will illustrate bi-partisan, diverse support for charter public schools

The event is coordinated by the Georgia Charter Schools Association and sponsored by Connections Academy (a virtual K-12 online school). It is designed to show the growing amount of support in Georgia for charter schools, which are seen as quality public educational options by an increasing number of parents and communities from various socioeconomic backgrounds. The charter school movement is garnering great bi-partisan support from officials across the political spectrum as well, including President Barack Obama, U.S. Education Sec. Arne Duncan, and noted Republican and conservative leader Newt Gingrich. This point will be clearly illustrated by the scheduled speakers at the rally:

· State Rep. Jan Jones (R – Alpharetta), House Minority Whip
· State Rep. Alisha Morgan (D – Austell)
· State Rep. Ed Setzler (R – Acworth)
· Black Alliance for Educational Options President Gerard Robinson
· Georgia Charter Schools Association Chief Executive Officer Tony Roberts, Ph.D

Rally a show of support, not a protest

“This is not a protest march at all. In fact it is a celebration of the positive impact that charter public schools are having on student achievement here in Georgia,” Roberts said. “This is our opportunity to come together to say that we support our current charter schools and want more charter public schools in our state.”
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Clayton State Graduate Studies Open House October 13

The Clayton State University School of Graduate Studies next monthly informational Open House will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 101 of the University’s Harry S. Downs Center on the main campus in Morrow.

The Open House will give prospective graduate students a chance to learn more about the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching English, Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. The Clayton State School of Graduate Studies normally holds open houses on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

The mission of graduate education at Clayton State is to stimulate, encourage and support efforts that build national distinction and that are characterized by innovation and by increasing contribution to the social, cultural, economic, health and technological development needs of Georgia and the nation. The University is committed to excellence, innovation and collaboration in research and in the preparation of professionals for the highest levels of practice.

Graduate education prepares: scholars in the arts, humanities, and the sciences who maintain and advance our understanding of the human condition; scientists, engineers, and other professionals needed by industry, government, and universities to conduct the nation's research and development; and scholars in all disciplines who become the faculties of our colleges and universities.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Clayton State School of Business to Offer MBA Prep Class Starting October 24

The Clayton State School of Business will offer an MBA Prep Course on four Saturdays starting on Oct. 24.

The cost of the course is just $50, plus the cost of two GMAT books. The classes will meet from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Oct. 24, Oct. 31, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 in room B-11 of the University’s Lecture Hall on the main campus in Morrow.

Applications for the MBA Pep Course are available at www.business.clayton.edu/mba. Registrations will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dr. Michael Tidwell, director of the Clayton State MBA program, states that the interest in offering such a course, which was previously held in August 2009, has been strong.

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia recently gave its approval to Clayton State’s proposal to establish a cohort of the MBA program at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Dr., Conyers, Ga., starting in January 2010. The Clayton State MBA program, which graduated its first degree-holders this past May, is already operating with cohorts based on the main campus in Morrow, and the University’s instructional site, Clayton State – Fayette, in Peachtree City.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Clayton State Celebrates 40th Anniversary on Sept. 30

Clayton State University first opened its doors to students on Sept. 30, 1969. Richard Nixon was in the White House. The Braves were in first place. And Dr. Harry S. Downs was in the president’s office of the newest unit of the University System of Georgia USG).

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of that historic occasion, Clayton State faculty, staff and students will gather in the University quad on Wednesday, Sept. 30 for the annual Hot Dog Rally of the Faculty/Staff Fund Drive.

The Hot Dog Rally, featuring hot dogs, chips and drinks for all plus music, Clayton State trivia and door prizes, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. behind the James M. Baker Center.

The Annual Faculty/Staff Fund Drive, this year entitled “Give a Little, Get a Latte,” began on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009, and will run through Oct. 9, 2009.

Clayton State has a tradition of extraordinary support for the work of the University through thoughtful giving. As has been the case over the years, nearly 100 percent of the faculty and staff participate in the annual Faculty/Staff Fund Drive. This outstanding accomplishment sends a powerful message — that the faculty and staff believe in Clayton State and support its mission of student, faculty and staff learning.

Clayton Junior College first welcomed 942 students in 1969. Since Downs opened Clayton State as a junior college, there have been two more presidents, two interim presidents, and three name changes. Four-year status – as Clayton State College – was granted by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in 1986, and University status – as Clayton College & State University – in 1996. The present name was adopted in May 2005.

When Downs retired in January 1994, Dr. Richard A. Skinner became president. When Skinner left in July 1999 to head up the USG’s Georgia GLOBE initiative, Michael F. Vollmer stepped in as interim president for a year, after which Dr. Thomas K. Harden served as the University’s third president from July 2000 to June 2009. After Harden was appointed chancellor of the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Dr. Thomas J. “Tim” Hynes, Jr., was named interim president, starting in May 2009. Hynes will preside at Wednesday’s event.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools Named

Seven Georgia public schools were named 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools today.

"These seven schools are outstanding examples of how high expectations and hard work can lead to outstanding student achievement," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "These schools show that, regardless of a school's size, geography or demographics, all students can achieve at high levels."

The No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools award distinguishes and honors schools for helping students achieve at very high levels and for making significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the National Blue Ribbon School award winners this morning. (See U.S. Department of Education Release -
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/09/09152009.html)

Blue Ribbon Schools are chosen in one of three categories (See the full criteria descriptions - http://tinyurl.com/NationalBlueRibbonCriteria)

- TOP 10%: Schools that scored in the top 10 percent in student achievement.

- TOP 10%: (40% Disadvantaged): Schools that scored in the top 10 percent in student achievement AND have at least 40 percent of its students considered economically disadvantaged.

- GREATEST GAINS: Schools with at least 40 percent economically disadvantaged students that have dramatically improved student achievement to high levels.

Five Georgia private schools also were named National Blue Ribbon schools. The selection process for private schools is different. For more information, go to http://www.capenet.org/brs.html.

Georgia's winning schools will join other national winners at an awards ceremony on November 3 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

For more information on the Blue Ribbon Schools program, go to the Blue Ribbon Schools website at http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/awards.html.

2009 GEORGIA BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

Public
- Alice Coachman Elementary School, Dougherty County
- Carter Godwin Woodson Elementary School, Atlanta Public Schools
- DeKalb School of the Arts, DeKalb County
- Hightower Trail Middle School, Cobb County
- Honey Creek Elementary School, Rockdale County
- Trion High School, Trion City Schools
- Tunnel Hill Elementary School, Whitfield County

Private
- Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Johns Creek
- Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Atlanta
- Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, Atlanta
- Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, Tyrone
- St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, Brunswick
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Clayton State University School of Nursing Expands Simulation Lab

The School of Nursing (SoN) at Clayton State University is expanding the student learning experience by adding a new lab space in Clayton Hall and expanding the simulation lab in the Harry S. Downs Center.

“Because of the nursing shortage, we have increased our enrollment over the last few years so we can graduate more nurses to increase the nursing workforce. We have outgrown our present lab so we are excited about the new additional space which will allow us to expand student learning experiences,” says Katrina Barnes, R.N., M.S., clinical assistant professor of Nursing and lab coordinator.

The simulation lab is welcoming a new state of the art manikin funded through a grant and student lab fees. The SoN has been able to create another “hospital room” in the lab which will accommodate a labor and delivery unit. New video equipment has been installed allowing students to perform simulations in all three rooms at the same time with different classes.

Clayton Hall will now house the health assessment portion of the lab. That lab will include exam tables and equipment used for the physical assessment of all body systems.

“We can now have health assessment labs any time on Tuesday and Wednesday, which we couldn’t do before because it was needed for the other clinical classes. Moving the Health Assessment portion of the lab will allow students increased practice times on Monday and Thursday in the CE lab area so they can review skills they have learned in their regular clinical courses,” says Barnes.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Superintendent Cox Launches New Teacher Tools

PBS TeacherLine and Verizon Thinkfinity Save Time and Money

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox launched two online teacher tools this morning that will save educators and school systems time and money.

"These resources were developed without spending any taxpayer dollars and will help our teachers provide a world-class education to all of our students," Superintendent Cox said. "Time and money are precious commodities, especially in these times, and these teacher tools will help save both."

At an event at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Superintendent Cox announced expanded state partnerships with Georgia Public Broadcasting/PBS TeacherLine and Verizon's Thinkfinity.

"We have partnered with two outstanding organizations to bring high-quality resources to our classroom teachers," Superintendent Cox said. "We will continue to look for opportunities to provide valuable tools to our educators at little or no cost to the taxpayers of Georgia.”

PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is an online tool that offers low-cost, high-quality professional development classes to teachers so they can improve their abilities and earn the Professional Learning Units -- or PLUs -- they need to maintain their certification.

"The Georgia Department of Education has reviewed PBS TeacherLine's English language arts and mathematics classes and given them our stamp of approval," Superintendent Cox said. "These classes are well-aligned with our state standards and the high expectations we have for teachers in Georgia."

Marilyn Stansbury, director of education for Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), said this is just the beginning of this partnership.

"We will continue to work together to find ways we can provide high-quality, low-cost professional development opportunities for Georgia teachers," Ms. Stansbury said. "We are excited to launch this new partnership with the Georgia Department of Education and the state's educators."

Superintendent Cox said school systems can use federal Title 1 or stimulus funds to pay for educators to take TeacherLine classes. More information will be sent to schools this week.

- To learn more about PBS TeacherLine, visit www.gpb.org/education and click on "PBS TeacherLine" or go to http://www.teacherlinesoutheast.org/.

- A list of GaDOE-endorsed classes is attached to this email.

Verizon Thinkfinity

Verizon Thinkfinity is a free, online tool that provides more than 55,000 lesson plans, activities and other resources for classroom teachers. The content has been developed in coordination with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Council for Economic Education, the International Reading Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and many other highly-regarded groups.

"Many of the resources in Verizon Thinkfinity are directly linked to the Georgia Performance Standards and can help teachers develop rigorous and relevant lessons for their students quickly and easily," Superintendent Cox said. "Verizon is an outstanding corporate partner for education across the nation, especially here in Georgia."

Verizon began its partnership with Georgia last school year when it donated $50,000 that helped train more than 16,000 teachers on how to use Thinkfinity. On Tuesday, Julie Smith, vice president for external affairs, southeast, presented Superintendent Cox with another $50,000 check from Verizon to continue and expand its partnership.

Verizon Foundation President Patrick Gaston said the Thinkfinity.org website is a great tool for school and home.

“Whether it’s an English teacher looking for resources to spark a love of reading in a student, or a parent seeking a convenient and user-friendly educational activity to stimulate the mind of a young child, Thinkfinity.org will help them quickly and easily find the information needed to improve student achievement,” said Patrick Gaston, president of the Verizon Foundation.
To learn more about Verizon's Thinkfinity, go to www.thinkfinity.org.

Teachers can access Thinkfinity resources directly tied to the Georgia Performance Standards at www.georgiastandards.org.
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Graduate Studies Open House Rescheduled to September 15

The Clayton State University School of Graduate Studies has re-scheduled its next monthly informational Open House. Originally planned for Tuesday, Sept. 8, the Open House will now be held on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The time and location remain the same -- from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 101 of the University’s Harry S. Downs Center on the main campus in Morrow.

The Open House will give prospective graduate students a chance to learn more about the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching English, Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. The Clayton State School of Graduate Studies regularly holds open houses on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

The mission of graduate education at Clayton State is to stimulate, encourage and support efforts that build national distinction and that are characterized by innovation and by increasing contribution to the social, cultural, economic, health and technological development needs of Georgia and the nation. The University is committed to excellence, innovation and collaboration in research and in the preparation of professionals for the highest levels of practice.

Graduate education prepares: scholars in the arts, humanities, and the sciences who maintain and advance our understanding of the human condition; scientists, engineers, and other professionals needed by industry, government, and universities to conduct the nation's research and development; and scholars in all disciplines who become the faculties of our colleges and universities.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Clayton State University Department of Campus Life Presents Diversity and Multicultural Conference

The Clayton State University Department of Campus Life will be sponsoring its first Diversity and Multicultural Conference for students, faculty, staff and the public on Friday, Oct. 16, in the Student Activities Center Ballroom.

The Diversity and Multicultural Conference is a one-day event from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. designed to address the topics of cultural differences, bias behaviors and attitudes, privilege, power, race, social and world issues. Author Tim Wise will be the keynote speaker. The learning outcomes of the conference are to:

• Increase participants understanding of their own identity and culture.
• Help participants learn effective strategies to enhance communication and cross-cultural understanding in culturally diverse settings.
• Increase understanding of issues faced by underrepresented or oppressed groups, such as students of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, and students with disabilities.
• Empower participants to challenge unfair, unjust, or uncivil behavior of other individuals or groups.
• Understand the impact of diversity in society.
• Learn how to integrate diversity into the classroom, student organization, and workplace.
• Become culturally competent leaders.

For more information, contact Lakiesa Cantey at lakiesacantey@mail.clayton.edu.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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ACT Participation Jumps, Scores Remain Steady

Black, Hispanic and White Students Outscore Peers Nationally

Georgia’s ACT scores remained steady in 2009 even as participation on the college entrance exam jumped by nearly nine percent in one year.

About 40 percent of Georgia’s 2009 graduating seniors took the ACT and had an average composite score of 20.6, the same as last year. The national average composite score was 21.1, also the same as 2008, according to ACT's annual report. Georgia seniors were tied for 40th on the ACT, up from 41st in 2008 and 47th in 2005.

“Even with a dramatic increase in participation, Georgia’s ACT scores held onto the gains we’ve made the past few years and our national rank improved,” said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox.

Superintendent Cox pointed out that when the scores are broken down by race, Georgia students are actually outscoring the nation across the board. According to the 2009 ACT report:

- Georgia’s African American students had an average composite score of 17.4, higher than the national average of 16.9.

- Georgia’s Hispanic students had an average composite score of 20.0, higher than the national average of 18.7
- Georgia’s Caucasian students had an average composite score of 22.6, higher than the national average of 22.2

“When you get behind the numbers, you can see that Georgia students are actually outperforming their peers from across the nation,” Superintendent Cox said. “However, Georgia must remain focused and determined to provide all students with a high quality education so that we can close the achievement gap and prepare our students for the 21st century.”

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement test designed to measure college readiness and preparation. The ACT includes four separate exams in English, reading, mathematics and science. There is also an optional writing portion. The exam is scored on a scale from 0 to 36.

Readiness and Rigor

The report provides strong evidence that Georgia is making the right moves in education by setting higher standards and raising expectations.

According to the ACT, 19 percent of Georgia seniors demonstrated college-readiness in all four areas of the test, the same as last year. Nationally, about 23 percent of ACT test-takers demonstrated college-readiness, also unchanged from 2008.

The ACT has identified six specific steps that states can take to better prepare their students for college and careers. Those recommendations include adopting a rigorous core curriculum for all students, establishing a longitudinal data system and defining college-and-career readiness.

"The good news is that Georgia is already doing everything the ACT recommends and much more," said Superintendent Cox. "I know we are on the right path for education in Georgia and we are already seeing the results. But I am confident that in the not-too-distant future, Georgia will see even greater gains in student achievement."

Growing Numbers

The number of seniors taking the ACT has increased to over 36,000 -- up more than 50 percent since 2005. The number of African-American students taking the ACT has nearly doubled in that time with 11,759 of last year's seniors having taken the exam.

"More Georgia students take the SAT, but the numbers are getting closer," said Superintendent Cox. Additionally, she said, fewer students are taking the SAT a second or third time. Last year, about 55 percent of Georgia students took the SAT more than once, down eight points since 2005. Superintendent Cox said it appears that instead of taking the SAT a second time, some students are taking the ACT.

"We must make sure our students are ready for whatever exam they choose to take," Superintendent Cox said. “We know that our teachers, students and school communities are working harder than ever to make that happen.”

SAT scores will be released August 25 by the College Board.

MORE INFORMATION

- Georgia's ACT Report: http://www.act.org/news/data/09/pdf/states/Georgia.pdf
- National ACT Report: http://www.act.org/news/data/09/pdf/National2009.pdf

SCHOOL and DISTRICT SCORES

- To download school and district scores, see this press release online at: http://tinyurl.com/GaACT2009

TOP PERFORMERS:

NOTE: The score for schools and district with 10 or fewer test-takers are not included.

TOP ACT HIGH SCHOOLS (average composite score)

District High School Score
FULTON CO CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL 25.2
COBB CO GEORGE WALTON COMP HIGH SCHOOL 25.1
FULTON CO RIVERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 25
FULTON CO MILTON HIGH SCHOOL 24.6
FULTON CO NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 24.6
CHATHAM CO SAVANNAH ARTS ACADEMY 24.5
COBB CO ALAN C POPE HIGH SCHOOL 24.3
FORSYTH CO SOUTH FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL 24.1
COBB CO LASSITER HIGH SCHOOL 24
FAYETTE CO STARRS MILL HIGH SCHOOL 24
GWINNETT CO PARKVIEW HIGH SCHOOL 24
FULTON CO ALPHARETTA HIGH SCHOOL 23.9
GWINNETT CO NORTH GWINNETT HIGH SCHOOL 23.9
COBB CO WHEELER HIGH SCHOOL 23.8
FAYETTE CO MCINTOSH HIGH SCHOOL 23.7
FULTON CO ROSWELL HIGH SCHOOL 23.7
MUSCOGEE CO COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL 23.7
COLUMBIA CO LAKESIDE HIGH SCHOOL 23.6
GWINNETT CO BROOKWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 23.6
FULTON CO CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL 23.4
DEKALB CO CHAMBLEE HIGH SCHOOL 23.3
RICHMOND CO JOHN S DAVIDSON FINE ARTS SCH 23.3
GWINNETT CO NORCROSS HIGH SCHOOL 23.1
COBB CO HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL 23
COBB CO KENNESAW MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL 23
GWINNETT CO COLLINS HILL HIGH SCHOOL 23

MOST IMPROVED ACT SCHOOLS (one-year change, average composite score)

District High School Score Increase

HENRY CO WOODLAND HIGH SCHOOL 19.8 4.8
JASPER CO JASPER COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 20.8 4.6
HALL CO ROBERT W JOHNSON HIGH 20.5 4
RICHMOND CO WESTSIDE HIGH SCHOOL 21.3 3.1
ECHOLS CO ECHOLS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 19.8 3
BLECKLEY CO BLECKLEY CO. HIGH SCHOOL 21.1 2.9
LAURENS CO WEST LAURENS HIGH SCHOOL 20.9 2.4
MUSCOGEE CO HARDAWAY HIGH SCHOOL 19.1 2.2
CLARKE CO CLARKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 20.2 2.1
GORDON CO GORDON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 19 2.1
JACKSON CO EAST JACKSON COMP. HIGH 19.8 2.1
CHEROKEE CO POLARIS EVENING HIGH SCHOOL 19.8 2
DODGE CO DODGE COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 22.1 1.9
MERIWETHER CO GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL 17.8 1.9
CRISP CO CRISP COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 18.9 1.8
ATLANTA CITY TECH HIGH SCHOOL 17.8 1.7
JEFFERSON CITY JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL 21.5 1.7
SEMINOLE CO SEMINOLE CO MID/HIGH SCHOOL 19 1.7
ATLANTA CITY NORTH ATLANTA HIGH SCHOOL 19.9 1.6
CHATHAM CO SAVANNAH HIGH SCHOOL 16.2 1.5
GWINNETT CO NORTH GWINNETT HIGH 23.9 1.5
JEFF DAVIS CO JEFF DAVIS HIGH SCHOOL 20.1 1.5
STEPHENS CO STEPHENS CO. HIGH SCHOOL 20.4 1.5
COLUMBIA CO EVANS HIGH SCHOOL 20.9 1.4
FULTON CO RIVERWOOD HIGH SCHOOL 25 1.4
ATLANTA CITY ALONZO A CRIM HIGH SCHOOL 15.4 1.4

TOP ACT SCHOOL DISTRICTS (average composite score)

District Score

FORSYTH CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 23.1
FAYETTE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22.5
OCONEE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22.5
FULTON CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22.2
COBB CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22.1
DODGE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22.1
GWINNETT CO PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST 22.1
CHEROKEE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 22
BRYAN CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.8
LEE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.8
WHITE CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.8
DECATUR CITY SCHOOLS 21.7
MARIETTA CITY SCHOOLS 21.7
COLUMBIA CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.6
JONES CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.6
BUFORD CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.5
DALTON PUBLIC SCHOOL DIST 21.5
GILMER CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.5
JEFFERSON CITY SCHOOLS 21.5
TRION CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.5
HABERSHAM CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.2
BLECKLEY CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.1
CARTERSVILLE CITY SCHOOLS 21.1
PICKENS CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21.1
BREMEN CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 21
CATOOSA CO SCHOOL DISTRICT 21
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Charter Schools Not "Struggling" Financially

Contrary to recent media report, study does not say state’s Start-Up charters are “struggling”

A study released last week by the Fiscal Research Center at Georgia State University found that the financial health of the state’s charter schools are mixed, which is counter to headlines that appeared in media reports about the study.

The study examined the financial stability of the 25 Independent Start-Up charter schools in Georgia during the 2006-2007 school year, the most recent time frame where complete financial data was available. Independent Start-Up charter schools are those that operate with full autonomy from a local school district. Media report not correct Though the headline of a media report framed the study as suggesting that charter schools are “struggling” financially, this is not the case.

The study stated that the “financial health of Georgia’s start-up charter schools in the 2006-07 school year [was] mixed,” and added that most had a “positive” financial position.The report also stated incorrectly that a total of eight charter schools in Georgia had shut down for financial reasons up through the 2006-2007 school year. What the Georgia State University Study actually reported was that of eight charter schools which closed in Georgia, just four had closed mainly for financial reasons.

Also, it is significant that not one school studied during that period has closed for financial reasons in the two years since the study (2007-2008 and 2008-2009).

Independent Start-Up charters underfundedFor those Independent Start-Up charter schools that are having some difficulties, this is due in large part to the fact that charter schools are underfunded by school districts on the front end, receiving less funding than the traditional public schools in their districts – a point which was raised in the study.

Additionally, charter schools must pay for acquiring and maintaining facilities out of their per-student funding as there are little to no funds available for facility costs. Also, charter schools that provide transportation do so at tremendous expense with little to no reimbursement for this service which is routinely provided by school districts for non-charter schools.

“Unfortunately, school districts see the charter schools as independent entities that they have ‘authorized,’ and do not support those schools at the same level as their ‘own’ traditional schools,” said Dr. Tony Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA). “In short, school districts should support their charter schools with the full range of administrative and support services, at district expense, and charter schools need and deserve the same per-pupil funding for instruction and facilities allotted to traditional public schools.”

Start-Up charters thriving academicallyIn spite of the funding inequity, the charter school movement is flourishing in Georgia. There are currently 115 charter schools throughout the state, up from 35 just five years ago. The state’s 34 Independent Start-Up charter schools are more than holding their own in terms of student achievement. A GCSA analysis of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) data from the 2008-2009 school year found that 82 percent of Independent Start-Up charter schools and 81 percent of all Start-Up charter schools (which includes those fully supported by a school district) made AYP, compared to the state average of 79 percent for all schools.

“The Georgia Legislature, Department of Education and Board of Education should be commended for their support of quality Start-Up charter schools,” Dr. Roberts said. “Unlike traditional public schools, charter schools are held to the ultimate standard of accountability: live up to the terms of your charter and provide your students with a quality education, or close. Indeed, this is how it should be.”

Keys to financial stability for Independent Start-Up chartersIn order to help Start-Up charters continue to thrive and provide quality educational options for students, parents and communities across the state, several initiatives should be enacted:

· There should be some form of standardization mandated at the state level for financial reporting of charter schools. Without standardization and consistency, collection of the data and oversight is – and will continue to be – problematic.

· School systems authorizing charter schools need training on appropriate oversight of the schools. The school systems should support the charter schools by providing specific feedback related to financial reporting expectations, formats, etc., and need to be held accountable for appropriate oversight.

· Charter school boards and leaders need specific training on non-profit management. The Georgia Charter Schools Association offers this training on an on-going basis as a service.

“The large majority of public charter schools in Georgia are great stewards of the public funds entrusted to them,” Dr. Roberts said. “They stretch those dollars to achieve higher student achievement rates, higher graduation rates, and a higher percentage of schools making AYP. For this, the charter school community in Georgia should be commended and rewarded with higher funding levels.”
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Governor Creates Group to Look at Educational Abuse Policies

Will include a special look at alternative school settings, such as RESAs

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that he has accepted the recommendations of the Office of the Child Advocate and created a working group to examine policies and procedures that are followed when cases of abuse are alleged in an educational environment.

“Any accusations of abuse by school personnel against children must be addressed strongly, rapidly and appropriately,” said Governor Perdue.

The Governor’s Working Group on Abuse in the Educational Setting will convene experienced school administrators and leaders along with law enforcement personnel to develop consistent statewide policies and protocols for addressing reports of child abuse by school employees.

The Governor has charged the working group with developing specific child abuse reporting and response procedures that can be adopted by every school system in the state. The group’s recommendations will include specific processes for parents and students to report abuse as well as protocols for school system management to use when taking personnel action involving accused employees and reporting the incident to law enforcement, system leadership and the Professional Standards Commission.

A specific task of the group will include developing protocols for addressing allegations abuse in special settings, such as those involving special educational programs operated by Regional Educational Services Agencies (RESAs).

“We must strike the right balance between protecting our students from abuse while also treating school employees fairly,” Governor Perdue added said. “This working group will establish the clear lines of authority and responsibility that will ensure these cases are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.”

Governor Perdue’s formation of the working group comes in response to recommendations from the Office of the Child Advocate. In June, following a disturbing case alleging abuse of a child by school personnel, the Governor charged the State Child Advocate with determining whether Georgia’s laws and policies adequately address issues of abuse in the educational setting.

While the Child Advocate’s report found the state’s child abuse reporting and response laws adequate, it also found that a lack of clear responsibility for addressing allegations of abuse sometimes results in an ineffective response. The Governor’s action will help ensure that those responsible for addressing these allegations must respond quickly and adequately. The report is available online at http://gachildadvocate.org/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/62/39/145977376school%20abuse%20allegations%20070609.pdf .

The first meeting of the working group has been tentatively scheduled for late August. The members of the working group are:

o Matt Arthur, Superintendent, Rabun County Schools
o Emily Lembeck, Superintendent, Marietta City Schools
o Jeannie Edwards, Student Health Coordinator, Dawson County Schools
o Stephanie (Taylor) Williams, Ed.S., Early Intervention Program (EIP), Montgomery Elementary School, DeKalb County Schools
o Jay Fowler, Principal, Rocky Creek Elementary School, Henry County
o Pete Skandalakis, Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney
o Rachael Barron, Parent Representative, Atlanta
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Superintendent Cox and SBOE Recognize Excellence in Education

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox and the State Board of Education (SBOE) recognized several schools and educators yesterday for their outstanding performance in Media Programs and World Languages.

Every other month, the SBOE and the Superintendent recognize students, teachers, administrators, schools and school systems for a variety of awards.

"It's important that we recognize people for their accomplishments and hard work," said Superintendent Cox. "Recognition is a motivator for people to continue doing everything they can to help us lead the nation in improving student achievement."

This month's honorees were for Exemplary Library Media Programs and World Language Programs.

For a list of names and details for each award, please go to the following link: http://tinyurl.com/ExcellenceRecognition-08-2009
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Clayton State School of Graduate Studies Holding Open House on September 8

The Clayton State University School of Graduate Studies will be holding its next monthly informational Open House on Tuesday, Sept. 8 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in room 101 of the University’s Harry S. Downs Center on the main campus in Morrow.

The Open House will give prospective graduate students a chance to learn more about the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Master of Arts in Teaching English, Master of Arts in Teaching Mathematics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Science in Nursing. The Clayton State School of Graduate Studies regularly holds open houses on the second Tuesday evening of each month.

The mission of graduate education at Clayton State is to stimulate, encourage and support efforts that build national distinction and that are characterized by innovation and by increasing contribution to the social, cultural, economic, health and technological development needs of Georgia and the nation. The University is committed to excellence, innovation and collaboration in research and in the preparation of professionals for the highest levels of practice.

Graduate education prepares: scholars in the arts, humanities, and the sciences who maintain and advance our understanding of the human condition; scientists, engineers, and other professionals needed by industry, government, and universities to conduct the nation's research and development; and scholars in all disciplines who become the faculties of our colleges and universities.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Ashworth Partners with CareerBuilder to give 2009 Graduates Practical Advice on Using the Internet to Find their Next Job

Ashworth College today announced that as part of the 2009 Graduation activities, Ashworth College and Careerbuilder.com® will host a career workshop for graduates and guests.

For the second consecutive year, Ashworth has tapped the resources of CareerBuilder to provide a value-add for its graduates in the form of a career workshop. The workshop will take place prior to the ceremony on August 15, 2009 at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA.

Open only to graduates and guests, the session will include tips on interviewing, resume writing, and how to best utilize the Internet as part of a job search. A leader in distance education, Ashworth will host recent graduates from each of its high school, career school and college diploma and degree programs.

"The Internet has dramatically changed the way people find jobs," said Bill Mahoney, CareerBuilder Account Management Director. "In today’s highly competitive job market, you need to use all the online resources available to you to maximize your visibility. The most successful online job hunters are those who customize their resumes for every position and repackage their skills to appeal to the widest range of potential employers."

"Revisiting your social networking profile to promote your skills and accomplishments and convey a professional image is also important," Mahoney explained, indicating that many hiring managers today research profiles on social sites like Facebook and MySpace. Candidates who forget to clean up "digital dirt" can end up losing out on an opportunity.
The ceremony will follow the workshop.

"The Internet has changed the way many people find jobs, but not everyone knows how to use it to their advantage," commented Dr. F. Milton Miller, Ed.D, Ashworth Vice President, Education. "Now that our students have completed their education we want to help them succeed by giving them as many tools as we can. We are fortunate to partner with an expert like CareerBuilder.com®."

Workshop topics will include:
Interview skills
Salary negotiation
What makes an effective resume
Job outlook for recent graduates
Using the Internet as part of your job search
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Clayton State Alumni Association to Hold “Monday Mixer” in Morrow, August 24

Clayton State University’s Alumni Association will host its first “Monday Mixer” at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24 at Boston’s Restaurant & Sports Bar in Morrow.

“The Monday Mixer will be a social event, allowing our alumni, our community, and our university friends a chance to reconnect in an informal social manner,” says Gid Rowell, director of Alumni Relations. “Monday Mixers” will be held on a monthly basis at restaurants in the Southern Crescent. The Alumni Association plans to rotate the event monthly between restaurants in Clayton, Fayette and Henry counties.

“The Monday Mixers will be beneficial to both the Alumni Association and the Clayton State University community, allowing alumni and friends to meet and greet in an informal way,” Rowell says. “They will also provide an opportunity to share information about the University and Alumni Association. “We’re hoping to congregate at restaurants with open porches or decks -- weather permitting – the perfect setting for food and friends, with a laid back, enjoy yourself atmosphere that will make Mondays seem a little easier to get through.”The Mixers will be casual, free from admission and without an agenda. No advance registration is necessary.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
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Auction to Benefit Non-Profit Scholarship Foundation

Astronauts Offer Artifacts for Charity-Online Catalog

An online auction, featuring space artifacts that have flown as far as the moon, opened its registration last week at http://www.astronautscholarship.org/auction.pl and posted its online catalog.

The auction, which benefits the nonprofit Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, is comprised of 30 lots of memorabilia donated by hero astronauts, including many Apollo legends. Items include an American flag which flew to the moon aboard Apollo 14, a Command Module Hand Controller, hero astronaut autographed prints and more!

Nowhere else in the world have 40 American icons come together to offer such extraordinary items or their signatures for such a worthy cause. All auction proceeds go directly to support the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation’s mission of offering scholarships to top science and engineering college students pursuing degrees in science and technology. To date the Foundation has dispersed more than $2.8 million to students nationwide.

Online bidding opens on September 4, 2009, 9 AM EDT and closes on September 12, 2009, 5 PM EDT. Interested persons are required to register to receive a virtual paddle number before bidding. Winning bids, over fair market value, will be considered a charitable donation.

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization established in 1984 by the six surviving members of America’s original Mercury astronauts. Its mission is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in these fields. ASF funds 19 $10,000 scholarships annually and has awarded more than $2.8 million to deserving students nationwide. Today, more than 80 astronauts from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Space Shuttle and Space Station programs have joined in this educational endeavor. For more information, call 321-455-7012 or log on to www.AstronautScholarship.org.
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Please research all information and any organization prior to donating or contacting. The Georgia Front Page and the Fayette Front Page share information as provided from a variety of sources. We do not necessarily support, endorse or research the legitimacy of the various organization's information prior to including. We can not be held responsible for the reliability of the information or outcomes if you choose to donate or follow up with the organization (s).

Ashworth College Breaking New Ground as First Online Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter

Ashworth College and Habitat for Humanity proudly announced today that the distance education leader has become the first institution of its kind to establish an online Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter.

A Campus Chapter is a student-led organization on a high school or college campus that partners with a local Habitat affiliate to fulfill four primary functions – building, fundraising, advocating and educating.

The Ashworth Campus Chapter, who will align with Habitat for Humanity’s North Central Georgia affiliate, has become its first-ever distance education campus chapter and will operate primarily through online forum and social community groups. Habitat’s student groups traditionally have been at brick and mortar institutions.

"Because our students interact mostly online, we find that they are more organized and have a higher commitment level to student organizations than their traditional campus-based counterparts," said Ryan Rode, Ashworth Director of Social Media and faculty advisor. "The only real difference is that instead of holding regular meetings in an on-campus classroom, our members will meet in chat rooms."

Rode is optimistic that the Ashworth College Campus Chapter will create new opportunities for Habitat. "The typical college student doesn’t have the resources that our student does," he said. "Ashworth students tend to be working adults with established personal and professional networks -- this will make a big difference when it comes time to participate in any fundraising and advocacy initiatives."

Rode went on to mention that Ashworth offers a wide range of diploma, certificate and degree programs in the skilled trades to include carpentry, construction management, electrician, heating and air conditioning, landscape design, plumbing; as well as interior decorating. "We hope that students in these programs will seize the opportunity to not only give back, but to gain some hands-on experience that will help them professionally," Rode added.

Within the first month, the Ashworth College Chapter recruited more than 25 members, both in the US and abroad. "Partnering with Ashworth College will create an entirely new dynamic for Habitat," said Bill Campbell, Engagement Specialist for Habitat for Humanity International. "Habitat supports affiliates all over the world. There is a good chance that wherever an Ashworth student calls home, there will be an opportunity to participate in project nearby."
Habitat for Humanity is known for building homes for under-privileged families and Ashworth has already made plans to participate in a local build. As part of its upcoming 2009 Graduation weekend activities, the Chapter is co-sponsoring a house in North Atlanta.

"Ashworth does an amazing job at providing the students opportunities to enhance our education as well as our outreach efforts. It really makes us proud of our school," said Anne Cox, president of the Ashworth Campus Chapter. "The build is also an opportunity for Ashworth students, alumni, faculty and staff to meet face-to-face and work side-by-side for a worthwhile cause."

"This demonstrates that online students share many of the same interests as those at campus-based school," Cox, a forensic science student, added. "Attending school online doesn’t mean that you’re missing out."

Ashworth College

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