Dr. Steve Abrams, Chairman Senate Education Committee

Dr. Abrams, Chairman Senate Education Committee, is a key proponent of the Coalition of Innovation Districts bill.

Dr. Steve Abrams (born 1949) is a Republican member of the Kansas Senate, representing the 32nd District. He was a member of the Board of Education for USD 470 inArkansas City, Kansas. In 1995, he was elected a member of the Kansas State Board of Education, representing District 10. He served as chairman for the Kansas State Board of Education from 2005 to 2008. In 2008, he became the Senator for Kansas Senate District 32.

Capitol Office

Room: 224-E

Seat: 19

Phone: 785-296-7381

Email:[email protected]

 

Committee Leadership

Chair

Education – Day: – Time: 1:30 pm – Room: 144-S

Vice-chair

Regulatory Boards and Commissions, Ways and Means – Day: – Time: – Room:

Vice-chair

Education Subcommittee, Ways and Means – Day: – Time: – Room:

Committees

Joint Committee on Corrections and Juvenile Justice Oversight – Day: On Call – Time: On Call – Room: On Call

Ways and Means – Day: Daily – Time: 10:30 am – Room: 548-S

Agriculture – Day: Tue/Wed – Time: 8:30 am – Room: 159-S

The post Dr. Steve Abrams, Chairman Senate Education Committee (KSSATalk #7) appeared first on KSSA Talk.

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Dr. Marlin Berry, Olathe USD #233

Kansas Superintendent Of The Year

Candidates for superintendent of the year are assessed according to their professionalism, communication, community involvement and leadership in meeting the needs of students. As Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Berry was recognized at the KSSA Awards and Recognition breakfast during the USA|Kansas annual convention in January, and went on to compete in the National Superintendent of the Year program. In addition, KSSA provides a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior selected by the Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

“The recognition is purely a reflection of a very good school district with great teachers, administrators and support staff along with a very fine Board of Education. I’m humbled to be honored with a state full of very good superintendents who work each day to help educate the kids of Kansas,” Berry said.

Berry has served Olathe Public Schools since 2007; he first served as assistant superintendent and was then selected to serve as superintendent in 2010. Before coming to Olathe, Berry served as the superintendent in Smoky Valley Public Schools and Abilene Public Schools. Before being a district-level administrator, Berry was high school principal in both the Lindsborg and Gardner Edgerton school districts.

Amy Martin, Olathe Board of Education president, was pleased to hear the news.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Dr. Berry has been recognized with this honor,” she said. “He is an exceptional leader who truly puts the needs of students first. We as a board stand behind him and are happy to see him recognized for his dedication to the students and staff of the Olathe Public Schools.”

Superintendent Berry is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association, and the United School Administrators of Kansas. He also is a member of the Mid-States Benchmarking Consortium and the Kauffman Kansas-Missouri Superintendents’ Forum.

In addition to his educational leadership, Berry is active in various community and civic organizations, serving on the Olathe Economic Development Board, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Johnson County Business Leaders Council and the Johnson County Juvenile Justice Authority Board.

Berry has deep roots in Kansas. Following his graduation from Topeka West High School, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Ed.D. in Education Policy and Administration at the University of Kansas. Berry received his M.S. in Education Administration from Emporia State University. Emporia State University presented Berry with the Outstanding Graduate Award while serving Smoky Valley Public Schools.

“Dr. Berry is a strong representative of the many fine superintendents in Kansas,” Don Wells, KSSA executive director, said. “Marlin continues to show his leadership style of thoughtful action for the betterment of each child in his district and his advocacy for all children of Kansas.”

Kansas Education Commissioner Diane DeBacker congratulated Berry on his selection as Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

“Dr. Berry has provided strong and focused leadership to the Olathe school district and has been an advocate for students across Kansas,” DeBacker said. “Dr. Berry is most deserving of this recognition.”

Berry will represent Kansas at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education in February in Los Angeles and will be considered for the National Superintendent of the Year program.

Dr. Don Wells, Executive Director, KSSA

The Kansas School Superintendents’ Association (KSSA) announced Dr. Don Wells as the new executive director of KSSA in the summer of 2011. Wells recently retired from the superintendency in USD 466 Scott County Schools.

Wells grew up in Washington County, Kansas and graduated from Washington High School. He attended Coffeyville Community College on scholarship and transferred to Emporia State University; it was there that he completed his Bachelor’s degree in education.

His accepted his first teaching and coaching position was in Sedgwick, Kansas, and in 1974, he became the principal at Sedgwick Junior/Senior High School. His next position was assistant principal at Abilene High School at which he spent several years there prior to his work in sales for recreational vehicles in Junction City.

In 1979, he returned to education as principal of Kingman High School and served in that capacity until he was selected to be superintendent of Cheney Schools in 1985. From there, Wells went on to serve as superintendent of Mulvane Schools from 1996 to 2001.

In 2001, he accepted the interim superintendent’s position at Haysville USD 261 and then moved on to serve as the Charter School Administrator for the Augusta District in conjunction with the South Central Kansas Education Service Center in Clearwater. In 2003, he returned to Washington County to be closer to his father, who was ill. While there, he served as superintendent for the North Central and Hillcrest districts. During this leadership, both districts consolidated with their neighbors of Republic County and Washington County Schools creating USDs 108 and 109. That consolidation effort resulted in Wells becoming the superintendent at Scott County in 2006 and continuing until his recent retirement.

In a recent release, Dr. Wells stated, “My major focus will be to work with the leadership of KSSA to become a strong voice for the superintendents of Kansas and to communicate the important issues of the Pre K-12 schools to the public and to the legislature, as well as to provide enhanced service to the membership.” Wells also noted that KSSA president Mike Mathes, Seaman; president – elect Randy Watson, McPherson; and past -president Sharon Zoellner, Louisburg will be a key to a newer and stronger KSSA.

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Terri Peckham

Director of Student Services Terri coordinates and oversees Direct Student Services at ESSDACK which includes the 14 ESSDACK Learning Centers.  The learning centers offer a diploma completion program that provides adult learners the opportunity to complete their high school diplomas. Learning centers also provide credit recovery options for high school students. Additional services she offers are professional development for ESL instructors and paras along with training in the new Kansas Professional Development regulations. She is currently working to develop Project Based Curriculum for implementation into all of these instructional venues. Terri taught English and social studies for 12 years before joining ESSDACK in 2000. Her hobbies include reading, counted cross-stitch, gardening and playing with her eight dogs. Contact Terri at[email protected]

Dropout Recovery and Prevention

The ESSDACK Learning Center concept began as a performance-based high school diploma program for adults in 1996 in four central Kansas locations. In its ten years of existence, the program has evolved and expanded into community learning centers in 14 locations.

Crucial to the Learning Center success is the support of the sponsoring high schools, many of which now also utilize the program as an alternative for traditionally-aged high school students, both as drop-out and recovery. Courses meet the standards of the district issuing the diploma.

The high school diploma program is consistent in all of the learning centers. The program is individualized for each student both in content and schedule. The students work at their own pace and set their own goals and timeline. The addition of totally virtual delivery in 2005 allows for anywhere, anytime learning. The addition of a career development component in the fall of 2006 helps meet long term goals of students.

Each learning center has adapted to meet the needs of the community it serves. The Centers now provide classes such as computer classes, ESL classes, virtual art, and workplace classes to community members. The flexibility of the courses allow each student to juggle employment and family responsibilities while earning his or her diploma.

To view information on a specific learning center, please click on the links below. For other questions, please contact Terri Peckham.

Learning Center Locations:

* Anthony Learning Center, 107 W. Main, Anthony, Kansas

* Barton County Academy, 5220 W. 10th , Great Bend, Kansas | Facebook

* Goodland Community Learning Center, 912 Main, Goodland, Kansas

* Harvey County Learning Center, 1025  Washington Rd., Suite B, Newton, KS 67114

* Haysville Learning Café, 315 N. Main, Haysville, KS 67060 | iHigh | Facebook

* Herington Community Learning Center, Herington, Kansas

* Hutch Mall Learning, Center, 1500 E. 11th Ave., Hutchison, Kansas

* Macksville Adult Education Center, Macksvile High School, 422 N. Gilmore, Macksville, Kansas | Facebook

* Marion County Learning Center, 107 S. Main, Hillsboro, Kansas

* McPherson County Learning Center, 915 E.

Mike Mathes

Mr. Mathes has served Seaman Schools since 1993; first as an assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent and then being named superintendent in 2002. Before coming to Seaman, Mathes taught for one year in Grainfield, KS, four years at St. Patrick’s Catholic Schools in North Platte Nebraska, followed by four years in Ellis, KS where he coached the 1985 state track champions. He then spent six years as cross country and track coach at Pratt Community College where he coached eight event All Americans and eighteen Academic All Americans. Superintendent Mathes earned his undergraduate degree from Ft. Hays State University as well as his Master’s and Specialist’s degrees.

In addition to his educational leadership, Mr. Mathes is active in various community and civic organizations, serving on the Topeka Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Topeka Chamber of Commerce and served as Chair for the Intergovernmental Cooperation Council in 2010.

Kansas Education Commissioner, Dr. Diane DeBacker said, “It is a rare educational leader in today’s politically-correct world that will carry a message to legislators and other policy makers that questions the reasoning of decisions that have the potential to negatively impact our children. Mike is that rare leader. Through his relentless pursuit for what’s best for Kansas students, Mike has established himself as THE superintendent to carry the message.”

House Bill 2027

 

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McPherson USD #418 College & Career Advocates

 

Elise Matz, McPherson Middle School

Elise Matz

Elise was born and raised in Hillsboro, KS.  After High School she attended Kansas State University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Psychology. She worked in mental health for two years before beginning her graduate work at Wichita State University.  In 2011 she received my master’s degree in Social Work, with an emphasis in school social work.  During that time she worked for Communities In Schools of Sedgwick County, focusing on dropout prevention. This is her first year with the McPherson School District, where she works at the Middle School as a College and Career Advocate.

 

 

 

Megan Olsen, McPherson High School

College & Career Readiness Advocate

Megan Olsen

(620) 241-9520

Megan is one of the two college and career advocates at McPherson High School. Before coming to USD 418, she worked as a district AVID Coordinator in the Salt Lake City area.

 

 

Stephanie Hamilton

College & Career Advocate

McPherson High School

College & Career Readiness Advocate

620-241-9520

Interview with Dr. Randy Watson

Remarkable Chatter

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Dr. Steve Noble,

DURHAM-HILLSBORO-LEHIGH USD 410

Steve’s Blog, Experience Learning

Twitter @StevePNoble

“College and Career Ready means an individual has the academic preparation, cognitive preparation,  technical skills, and employability skills to be successful in postsecondary education, in the attainment of an industry recognized certification or in the workforce, without the need for remediation.”

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Dr. Bill Hagerman

Dr, Randy Watson

Olathe’s Marlin Berry Named 2013 Kansas Superintendent of the Year

Topeka, Kansas – The Kansas School Superintendents’ Association has selected Olathe Superintendent Marlin Berry as the 2013 Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

Candidates for superintendent of the year are assessed according to their professionalism, communication, community involvement and leadership in meeting the needs of students. As Kansas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Berry will be recognized at the KSSA Awards and Recognition breakfast during the USA|Kansas annual convention in January, and will go on to compete in the National Superintendent of the Year program. In addition, KSSA provides a $1,000 scholarship to a high school senior selected by the Kansas Superintendent of the Year.

“The recognition is purely a reflection of a very good school district with great teachers, administrators and support staff along with a very fine Board of Education. I’m humbled to be honored with a state full of very good superintendents who work each day to help educate the kids of Kansas,” said Dr. Berry.

Dr. Berry has served Olathe Public Schools since 2007; he first served as assistant superintendent and was then selected to serve as superintendent in 2010. Before coming to Olathe, Dr. Berry served as the superintendent in Smoky Valley Public Schools and Abilene Public Schools. Before being a district-level administrator, Dr. Berry was high school principal in both the Lindsborg and Gardner-Edgerton school districts.

Amy Martin, Olathe Board of Education President was pleased to hear the news. “We are absolutely thrilled that Dr. Berry has been recognized with this honor. He is an exceptional leader who truly puts the needs of students first. We as a board stand behind him and are happy to see him recognized for his dedication to the students and staff of the Olathe Public Schools.”

Superintendent Berry is a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the Kansas School Superintendents’ Association, and the United School Administrators of Kansas. He also is a member of the Mid-State Benchmarking Consortium and the Kauffman Kansas-Missouri Superintendents’ Forum.

In addition to his educational leadership, Dr. Berry is active in various community and civic organizations, serving on the Olathe Economic Development Board, the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Johnson County Business Leaders Council and the Johnson County Juvenile Justice Authority Board.

Dr. Berry has deep roots in Kansas. Following his graduation from Topeka West High School, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree and Ed.D. in Education Policy and Administration at the University of Kansas. Dr. Berry received his M.S. in Education Administration from Emporia State University. Emporia State University presented Dr. Berry with the Outstanding Graduate Award while serving Smoky Valley Public Schools.

“Dr. Berry is a strong representative of the many fine superintendents in Kansas. Marlin continues to show his leadership style of thoughtful action for the betterment of each child in his district and his advocacy for all children of Kansas.” stated Dr. Don Wells, KSSA Executive Director.

Kansas Education Commissioner, Dr. Diane DeBacker congratulated Dr. Berry on his selection as Kansas Superintendent of the Year. “Dr. Berry has provided strong and focused leadership to the Olathe school district and has been an advocate for students across Kansas. Dr. Berry is most deserving of this recognition.”

Dr. Berry will represent Kansas at the American Association of School Administrators’ National Conference on Education in February in Los Angeles and will be considered for the National Superintendent of the...

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Steve and Kevin talk about learning badges. The conversation was prompted by an article by Tom Vander Ark titled On Merit Badges.

 

 

Introduction to Merit Badges

You can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, and future careers as you earn merit badges. There are more than 130 merit badges. Any Boy Scout may earn a merit badge at any time. You don’t need to have had rank advancement to be eligible …

Kevin Honeycutt

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Kevin Honeycutt

This episode features an interview that we did with Kevin Honeycutt. Kevin is a coworker, close friend, and renowned worldwide speaker on educational topics. More information can be found on Kevin at his website which is loaded with valuable information.

This interview lasts about 45 minutes which is much longer than our typical show will be. However, when we have the opportunity to visit with a guest the caliber of Kevin Honeycutt we’ll take advantage while we have the opportunity.

Kevin is not only an inspirational speaker, but a prolific action researcher. Kevin will spend over 200 days on the road this year, yet every time he has a chance he will spend his open days in a school, working with kids and teachers.

It is indeed a pleasure to get to visit with Kevin Honeycutt!

Kevin’s Bio:

Specialty:

Instructional Technology & Integration

Online Safety

Cyber-Bulling

Social “Learning” Networks

Mentoring Digital Kids

Bully Prevention

Keynote Speaker

Project / Problem Based Learning

Technology Integration Specialist (Testimonials)

Kevin grew up in poverty and attended school in many cities across the United States. As he witnessed education around the country, he collected powerful experiences that still influence his conversations and his work with educators. He spent 13 years teaching art K-12 in public school and for 17 years spent summers leading creative adventure camps for kids of all ages. In 1991 he received the Making IT Happen Award which is an internationally recognized awards program for educators and leaders in the field of educational technology integration in K–12 schools. The program identifies and rewards educational technology leaders around the world for their commitment and innovation.

He is currently serving his ninth year as a Technology Integration Specialist at ESSDACK, an educational service center based in Hutchinson, Kansas. At ESSDACK he researches and designs programs, training and staff development with a strong passion for helping teachers and learners become successful with educational uses of technology. He shares his thinking and learning on his blog Tradigital Learning and in his podcast Driving Questions in Education. He is a school board member in the town of Inman Kansas and is currently serving in his second term. He feels that one of his most important roles is to help envision what the future holds for learners and to help move schools in the right direction. During his classroom tenure, he developed project-based approaches to learning that infused technology and problem solving skills into the curriculum.