The Louisiana Community and Technical College System has seen a 17.6 percent increase in enrollment this semester.
To give some perspective, in fall 2008 there were 59,480 students enrolled in the state's technical colleges. This semester it's 69,967 students. An additional 10,000 students.
We've written about BPCC's increase on the blog already. They experienced a 16.4 percent increase from this time last year. College Chancellor Jim Henderson has hinted that the college was outgrowing it's current facilities during an educational leaders roundtable. The campus was constructed in 2005.
The numbers are based on the 14th day enrollment count which means that these students are paying customers of the college.
Can't wait to see LSU-Shreveport's and Southern University-Shreveport's enrollment numbers.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Caddo district's service contract with charters
The Caddo Parish School Board discussed the service contract with the charter schools -- Linwood and Linear -- last night.
The details of the contract wasn't in my story this morning since it really deserves it's own space.
The contract (which you can see by clicking here) has some interesting details on how much the district will charge the Recovery School District, which is entering into the contract on the charter's behalf.
But first some background: The charter operators and respective governing boards moved into the school buildings July 1. That is the official day the RSD said they could move in and it's also the day listed on the contracts as the effect date.
The charter groups at Linear and Linwood can choose to have the district supply services such as transportation and food. Or they can choose to go another route. If they did, the contracts are negociated through the RSD.
So this is what's in the contract:
The details of the contract wasn't in my story this morning since it really deserves it's own space.
The contract (which you can see by clicking here) has some interesting details on how much the district will charge the Recovery School District, which is entering into the contract on the charter's behalf.
But first some background: The charter operators and respective governing boards moved into the school buildings July 1. That is the official day the RSD said they could move in and it's also the day listed on the contracts as the effect date.
The charter groups at Linear and Linwood can choose to have the district supply services such as transportation and food. Or they can choose to go another route. If they did, the contracts are negociated through the RSD.
So this is what's in the contract:
- Food service. The district is charging $1.90 for breakfast and $3.80 for lunch. According to the contract, the prices include "mailing, printing, and processing of student meal applications, assistance in application for free and reduced price meals; provision of at-risk student information for E-rate Title I, and other grants," among other services. The district charges its student $1 for breakfast and $1.75 for lunch. For students on free or reduced meal plans, the district charges its students 30 cents for breakfast and 40 cents for lunch.
- Maintenance. The district is charging $131.309 for a head custodian, assistant custodian and three sweepers. The cost is subject to pay increases. Also under maintenance is $3,000 for an energy manager, $400 for fire alarm inspections, and $3,500 for lawn care.
- Utilities are estimated to be $102,000
- Special education Evaluations. $55/hr for pre-referrals, $600 for inital evaluations, and $350 for re-evaluations.
What am I working on today?
Today I'm finding out the district's response to swine flu or how they'll respond to it.
A district official gave me a flier that will be distributed to students very soon (within the week) on how to avoid getting the flu.
Here's a link to the flier.
I can't give you anymore details. You'll just have to wait for the story to print in this weekend's The Times.
A district official gave me a flier that will be distributed to students very soon (within the week) on how to avoid getting the flu.
Here's a link to the flier.
I can't give you anymore details. You'll just have to wait for the story to print in this weekend's The Times.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
New map: Caddo Parish School Board Members
The Caddo Parish School District lists all the addresses and contact information for school board members.
But we've put it in a map for everyone. Click on a green thumb tack to get information on your school board member. Click on the link under the map to get a larger view.
View Caddo Parish School Board Members in a larger map
But we've put it in a map for everyone. Click on a green thumb tack to get information on your school board member. Click on the link under the map to get a larger view.
View Caddo Parish School Board Members in a larger map
LSUS Celebrates Constitution Day
The LSU Shreveport International Lincoln Center for American Studies and the Student Activities Board will host the annual Constitution Day event, at 9:30 a.m. Thursday. in the University Center Theater. The guest speaker, Rodney A. Grunes, will give a lecture entitled “The U.S. Constitution: Why it Still Matters.” The event is free and open to the public.
Grunes is professor of political science and chair of the history and political science department at Centenary College.
For more information, please contact The International Lincoln Center for American Studies at 797-5138 or Dr. William Pederson at William.Pederson@lsus.edu
Grunes is professor of political science and chair of the history and political science department at Centenary College.
For more information, please contact The International Lincoln Center for American Studies at 797-5138 or Dr. William Pederson at William.Pederson@lsus.edu
LSUS gets matching funds for professorships
LSU-Shreveport will host a press conference 11 a.m. Monday to announced $240,000 in matching funds from the LA Board of Regents for existing professorships.
Professorships? For the average joe, a professorship is how programs and positions are sometimes funded. The money from a professorship is used to add to a professor's salary. That allows schools like LSUS to stay competitive and attract academians. A college or university, especially if they are a four year or research insitution lives or dies by its faculty.
The Board of Regents have a 60/40 program (there is a proper name for it but those in higher ed circles know it by 60/40) A school raises $60,000 in private donations and the Regents will match it with $40,000. That $100,000 creates a professorship. The same goes for $600,000. They'll match it with $400,000.That $1 million will create a chair.
Three professorships will be effected by this:
• Pete and Linda Ballard Endowed Professorship in Accounting
Professor recipient: Dr. Carl Smolinski, associate professor of accounting
• Hubert and Patricia Hervey Endowed Professorship for the Museum of Life Sciences
Professor recipient: Dr. James L. Ingold, professor of biological sciences
• Miriam M. Sklar Endowed Professorship for Theoretical Math and Physics
Professor recipient: Dr. Richard Mabry, professor of mathematics
Some of the money will also go the AEP/SWEPCO LaPREP Super Professorship. That program is a college-prep program for middle school kids and has been around more than 17 years. The brain child of . Carlos Spaht, director of LaPREP and professor of mathematics at LSU Shreveport, money the typically supported this program was vetoed by the Gov. Jindal in the summer.
What about the rest of the money? From the press release:
Finally, the Board of Regents awarded $40,000 in matching funds to establish the Dalton J. and Sugar Woods Endowed Scholarship for First Generation College Students at LSUS. This endowment was established by Michael and Tracie Woods.
Professorships? For the average joe, a professorship is how programs and positions are sometimes funded. The money from a professorship is used to add to a professor's salary. That allows schools like LSUS to stay competitive and attract academians. A college or university, especially if they are a four year or research insitution lives or dies by its faculty.
The Board of Regents have a 60/40 program (there is a proper name for it but those in higher ed circles know it by 60/40) A school raises $60,000 in private donations and the Regents will match it with $40,000. That $100,000 creates a professorship. The same goes for $600,000. They'll match it with $400,000.That $1 million will create a chair.
Three professorships will be effected by this:
• Pete and Linda Ballard Endowed Professorship in Accounting
Professor recipient: Dr. Carl Smolinski, associate professor of accounting
• Hubert and Patricia Hervey Endowed Professorship for the Museum of Life Sciences
Professor recipient: Dr. James L. Ingold, professor of biological sciences
• Miriam M. Sklar Endowed Professorship for Theoretical Math and Physics
Professor recipient: Dr. Richard Mabry, professor of mathematics
Some of the money will also go the AEP/SWEPCO LaPREP Super Professorship. That program is a college-prep program for middle school kids and has been around more than 17 years. The brain child of . Carlos Spaht, director of LaPREP and professor of mathematics at LSU Shreveport, money the typically supported this program was vetoed by the Gov. Jindal in the summer.
What about the rest of the money? From the press release:
Finally, the Board of Regents awarded $40,000 in matching funds to establish the Dalton J. and Sugar Woods Endowed Scholarship for First Generation College Students at LSUS. This endowment was established by Michael and Tracie Woods.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The cousin is coming
This year's speaker is Jeff Johnson, aka Cousin Jeff. He's the host of BET's "The Truth with Jeff Johnson."
Fall convocation is a ceremonial pep talk really. Depending on the college or university, students and faculty come together to get inspired for the upcoming year. The tradition around the event is different for every college. At Centenary, the freshmen are applauded as they enter the chapel.
I'm not sure if SUSLA has any traditions around their convocation; I didn't cover last year because of another story. But I'm looking forward to see SUSLA's traditions in action.
And of course to hear what Cousin Jeff has to say.
What: SUSLA Convocation with Jeff Johnson
When: 10 a.m.Wed. Sept 23
Where: SUSLA Gym (MLK Campus)
On the agenda: Caddo school board meeting
The Caddo Parish School Board is Tuesday and there are lots of items to hear about.
Here's the Cliff Notes version complete with links.
Item 1) How the impact of the minimum wage increase will effect Caddo Parish employees.
The minimum wage increases classified pay for example: subs in nine schools will get paid from $50 to $75. Here's what's in the board packet.
Item 2.) Discussion and vote on the request for a type II charter.
We've written about this before on the blog and we wrote a story about it in the paper. The short verison:
The charter application is being submitted by Eddie Cheathem who wants to open a K-5 school with a $3.5 million budget.
Item 3) Rename Math/Science Middle School to the M. J. Moore Math/Science Middle School, Moore was the Linwood principal who died in Feb.
Item 4) Approval of the contracts for the charter schools. Some of the services the district is providing are buses and lunch services.
We haven't gotten the contract yet though we've asked for it. We'll ask for it again and report back.
School board meeting is at 4:30 Tuesday at the district's offices, 1961 Midway.
Here's the Cliff Notes version complete with links.
Item 1) How the impact of the minimum wage increase will effect Caddo Parish employees.
The minimum wage increases classified pay for example: subs in nine schools will get paid from $50 to $75. Here's what's in the board packet.
Item 2.) Discussion and vote on the request for a type II charter.
We've written about this before on the blog and we wrote a story about it in the paper. The short verison:
The charter application is being submitted by Eddie Cheathem who wants to open a K-5 school with a $3.5 million budget.
Item 3) Rename Math/Science Middle School to the M. J. Moore Math/Science Middle School, Moore was the Linwood principal who died in Feb.
Item 4) Approval of the contracts for the charter schools. Some of the services the district is providing are buses and lunch services.
We haven't gotten the contract yet though we've asked for it. We'll ask for it again and report back.
School board meeting is at 4:30 Tuesday at the district's offices, 1961 Midway.
Teachers and $200
Today's story about teachers, the district, and the $200 allotment had some interesting features and additions that you can't find or see easily on our site. So I thought I'd show them to you here since they are an important part of the story.
Here's a link to the Aug. 18 Caddo Parish School Board meeting. It was during this meeting that the school board members approved the item, allowing the district to give teachers $200 purchasing cards at School Aids.
The district will spend $600,000 to give teachers cards from this store.
Here's a link to the copy of the bid on a website called BidSync.
And here's another link to the bid's sign off. This was part of the school board's meeting packet for that day. District officials usually write a paragraph about the outcome of a bid or what they recommend. That memo is usually initaled by all the people involved.
The final link was to a Google map showing the locations of the businesses involved and the school board office. If you click on the dots, more information will pop up including address and phone number.
View Educational supplies in a larger map
Here's a link to the Aug. 18 Caddo Parish School Board meeting. It was during this meeting that the school board members approved the item, allowing the district to give teachers $200 purchasing cards at School Aids.
The district will spend $600,000 to give teachers cards from this store.
Here's a link to the copy of the bid on a website called BidSync.
And here's another link to the bid's sign off. This was part of the school board's meeting packet for that day. District officials usually write a paragraph about the outcome of a bid or what they recommend. That memo is usually initaled by all the people involved.
The final link was to a Google map showing the locations of the businesses involved and the school board office. If you click on the dots, more information will pop up including address and phone number.
View Educational supplies in a larger map
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Shaping the next three years
Head of the state's community and technical colleges are in Baton Rouge this week for the Louisiana Community and Technical College System board of supervisiors meeting.
BPCC Chancellor Jim Henderson is at one of the meetings and just tweeted this:
Wonder what's in store for the next three years. With enrollment at a high and the call from Gov. Jindal for more workforce oriented degree programs, it will be interesting to see what the group came up with.
BPCC Chancellor Jim Henderson is at one of the meetings and just tweeted this:
"Setting 2010 agenda for community and technical colleges @ LCTCS workshop. Process has effectively shaped policy for last three years..."
Wonder what's in store for the next three years. With enrollment at a high and the call from Gov. Jindal for more workforce oriented degree programs, it will be interesting to see what the group came up with.
No more furloughs or lay offs at LA Tech
In a faculty/staff meeting in Ruston recently, Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau said that unless the state goes through another round of mid-year lay offs, there wouldn't be any more furloughs and lay offs for the campus.
Furloughs are similar to unpaid vacation days.
“The state is going through difficult times and will probably go through difficult times in the future,” Reneau said. “I want you to know that Louisiana Tech has never stood at a higher point than it does now. There will be no furloughs or additional layoffs, unless midyear cuts are announced.”
Furloughs are similar to unpaid vacation days.
“The state is going through difficult times and will probably go through difficult times in the future,” Reneau said. “I want you to know that Louisiana Tech has never stood at a higher point than it does now. There will be no furloughs or additional layoffs, unless midyear cuts are announced.”
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The 29 Schools
Earlier on this blog I wrote more about Tuesday night's Caddo Parish School Board meeting and the 29 unnamed schools that will be getting additional attention this year in the district's corrective action plan.
The additional attention is because these schools had more than 15 percent suspension rates.
Here's where all these schools are located. Click on the link below the map for a larger view:
View Caddo Parish schools needing additional CAP hel in a larger map
Here are the 29 schools:
Atkins Elementary
Barret Elementary
Caddo Heights Elementary
Midway Elementary
Queensborough Elementary
Westwood Elementary
Turner Elementary/Middle School
Vivian Elementary/Middle School
Bethune Middle Academy
D. Bickham Middle School
Broadmoor Middle Lab
Caddo Math and Science Middle Academy (formerly Linear Middle)
Caddo Middle Career and Technology School
J.S. Clark Middle School
Newton Smith Middle School
Ridgewood Middle School
Youree Drive Middle School
Fair Park High School
Green Oaks High School
Huntington High School
North Cadoo High School
Northwood High School
Southwood High School
Booker T. Washington High School
Woodlawn High School
Alexander Learning Center
Hamilton Terrace Learning Center
Hosston Alternative
Academic Recovery and Career Discovery Center (formerly Oak Terrace Alternative)
The additional attention is because these schools had more than 15 percent suspension rates.
Here's where all these schools are located. Click on the link below the map for a larger view:
View Caddo Parish schools needing additional CAP hel in a larger map
Here are the 29 schools:
Atkins Elementary
Barret Elementary
Caddo Heights Elementary
Midway Elementary
Queensborough Elementary
Westwood Elementary
Turner Elementary/Middle School
Vivian Elementary/Middle School
Bethune Middle Academy
D. Bickham Middle School
Broadmoor Middle Lab
Caddo Math and Science Middle Academy (formerly Linear Middle)
Caddo Middle Career and Technology School
J.S. Clark Middle School
Newton Smith Middle School
Ridgewood Middle School
Youree Drive Middle School
Fair Park High School
Green Oaks High School
Huntington High School
North Cadoo High School
Northwood High School
Southwood High School
Booker T. Washington High School
Woodlawn High School
Alexander Learning Center
Hamilton Terrace Learning Center
Hosston Alternative
Academic Recovery and Career Discovery Center (formerly Oak Terrace Alternative)
BPCC teams up with the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy
Bossier Parish Community College and the North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy have entered into an agreement to offer college credit to graduates of the academy.
Officials from the academy and BPCC will sign the agreement in a press event at 10 a.m. Monday. According to the agreement, academy graduates can earn15 hours toward a criminal justice degree at the college.
If you'd like to attend the press conference, here are the details:
When: 10:30 a.m. Monday
Where:North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy, 2981 Old Plain Dealing Rd.
Directions: Hwy. 3 north through Benton. Take a left at Hwy. 160. Follow it until it ends. At the end take a right and travel approximately 5-6 miles. There will be a large sign with “North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy” on it.
Where to park: On the north side of the building. Enter through the north entrance. The signing will be in the first classroom to the left.
Officials from the academy and BPCC will sign the agreement in a press event at 10 a.m. Monday. According to the agreement, academy graduates can earn15 hours toward a criminal justice degree at the college.
If you'd like to attend the press conference, here are the details:
When: 10:30 a.m. Monday
Where:North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy, 2981 Old Plain Dealing Rd.
Directions: Hwy. 3 north through Benton. Take a left at Hwy. 160. Follow it until it ends. At the end take a right and travel approximately 5-6 miles. There will be a large sign with “North Louisiana Criminal Justice Academy” on it.
Where to park: On the north side of the building. Enter through the north entrance. The signing will be in the first classroom to the left.
More stuff from the school board meeting
Yesterday's Caddo school board meeting was one of those times when there was more meeting than space in the paper to write about it.
Thank goodness for blogs.
Some items that didn't make it into today's story. includes the number of visits the 20-team consultants would be making. They'll visit 77 times through out the year but they won't all come at once. They'll stagger their visits working with the 29 schools with suspension rates over 15 percent.
The names of those 29 schools were not made available last night but we'll ask the district for the list and their suspension rates.
Robert March, the consultant hired for the Corrective Action Plan, talked about how the suspensions were categorized and among the most cited is disrespect. That could mean several things -- dress code violations, talking back to the teacher, etc.
The CAP came about after six parents with help from the Southern Poverty Law Center, filed a complaint with the state department of education in 2006. Here is the original complaint and the original settlement agreement.
This year, the district will have to pay March over $700,000 to execute the plan within the district. Here's a copy of March's contract.
To read a play by play of yesterday's meeting, click here.
Thank goodness for blogs.
Some items that didn't make it into today's story. includes the number of visits the 20-team consultants would be making. They'll visit 77 times through out the year but they won't all come at once. They'll stagger their visits working with the 29 schools with suspension rates over 15 percent.
The names of those 29 schools were not made available last night but we'll ask the district for the list and their suspension rates.
Robert March, the consultant hired for the Corrective Action Plan, talked about how the suspensions were categorized and among the most cited is disrespect. That could mean several things -- dress code violations, talking back to the teacher, etc.
The CAP came about after six parents with help from the Southern Poverty Law Center, filed a complaint with the state department of education in 2006. Here is the original complaint and the original settlement agreement.
This year, the district will have to pay March over $700,000 to execute the plan within the district. Here's a copy of March's contract.
To read a play by play of yesterday's meeting, click here.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Swine Flu on local campuses
Our Baton Rouge reporter, Mike Hasten, wrote a story about colleges and universities and swine flu Friday.
So far in the area we know of LSUS' four cases, three of which happened two weeks ago and one was reported on Thursday of last week.
We know that LSUS uses the LSU System's plan for swine flu. Southern University-Shreveport has its own plan as does Northwestern State University.
I haven't seen plans for Centenary or BPCC yet and I haven't heard from SUSLA if they've had any reportings of the flu. I'll keep you posted if they do.
So far in the area we know of LSUS' four cases, three of which happened two weeks ago and one was reported on Thursday of last week.
We know that LSUS uses the LSU System's plan for swine flu. Southern University-Shreveport has its own plan as does Northwestern State University.
I haven't seen plans for Centenary or BPCC yet and I haven't heard from SUSLA if they've had any reportings of the flu. I'll keep you posted if they do.
More local students pass state exam to be promoted to the next grade
Just got some info from the state's Department of Education -- 82 percent of Caddo's fourth grade students and 70 percent of eighth grade students who took the state exams in the spring and/or summer passed it. That means they were promoted to the next grade.
Of the students tested in the summer, 15 percent of fourth graders tested at the basic level or above in English Language Arts and 12 percent in math
Eighth grade summer testers: 10 percent tested at the basic level or above in English Language Arts and 11 percent in math
High school summer testers: 8 percent in English Language Arts, 11 percent in math, 3 percent in Science, 4 percent in Social Studies.
To see the numbers or to see how other districts around the state did, here's the spreadsheets.
Promotional standards report
All testers - raw numbers
All testers - percentage
Of the students tested in the summer, 15 percent of fourth graders tested at the basic level or above in English Language Arts and 12 percent in math
Eighth grade summer testers: 10 percent tested at the basic level or above in English Language Arts and 11 percent in math
High school summer testers: 8 percent in English Language Arts, 11 percent in math, 3 percent in Science, 4 percent in Social Studies.
To see the numbers or to see how other districts around the state did, here's the spreadsheets.
Promotional standards report
All testers - raw numbers
All testers - percentage
What is the president going to say?
Pres. Obama will address the nation's students today in a televised speech. But the speech will be delivered among controversy.
Superintendent Gerald Dawkins asked the district principals to allow students to watch the address. Parents of Caddo district students can opt-out of that.
In Bossier Parish, teachers will decide whether to have students watch the speech.
To read the president's speech click here. The speech begins at 11 a.m.
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Superintendent Gerald Dawkins asked the district principals to allow students to watch the address. Parents of Caddo district students can opt-out of that.
In Bossier Parish, teachers will decide whether to have students watch the speech.
To read the president's speech click here. The speech begins at 11 a.m.
Share
|
BPCC's enrollment skyrockets
Just got word from BPCC that it's enrollment has surpassed the 5,000 student mark.
Enrollment has grown to 5,430 students this fall. The official enrollment count for this time last year was 4,665. That an increase of 765 students.
To put it in perspective, the college's first semester enrollment in 1967 was only 97 students.
So what do the numbers mean? Here's quote from Chancellor Jim Henderson.
"Record enrollment at BPCC means more students than ever are investing in their futures and changing their worlds. Record enrollment at BPCC means our employers will have a competitive advantage and our regional economy will thrive. We're celebrating, to be sure, but there are so many more lives we will need to touch before we rest."
It'll be interesting to see how many reach the finish line and if what one Ohio professor predicted will come to pass.
Enrollment has grown to 5,430 students this fall. The official enrollment count for this time last year was 4,665. That an increase of 765 students.
To put it in perspective, the college's first semester enrollment in 1967 was only 97 students.
So what do the numbers mean? Here's quote from Chancellor Jim Henderson.
"Record enrollment at BPCC means more students than ever are investing in their futures and changing their worlds. Record enrollment at BPCC means our employers will have a competitive advantage and our regional economy will thrive. We're celebrating, to be sure, but there are so many more lives we will need to touch before we rest."
It'll be interesting to see how many reach the finish line and if what one Ohio professor predicted will come to pass.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Caddo School Board and the Corrective Action Plan
The Caddo School Board will have a special called meeting on Tuesday. The topic: the Corrective Action Plan.
I'm still doing some reporting to understand it fully since this was before my time. Here's what I know so far:
The purpose of the meeting is to hear an update from Robert March, a nationally certified school psychologist based in Colorado and to take action on the Corrective Action Plan and Budget for 2009-10 and on his interim contract. March is the consultant hired to look at creating an improvement plan for services offered to emotionally and behaviorally disturbed students as part of a 2006 settlement agreement with the state education department.
The Corrective Action Plan, its budget, and March's contract is extensive. From what I've read so far, the district will have to pay Dr. March $736,750 this year for his services. What do said services include? Here's the list:
I'm still doing some reporting to understand it fully since this was before my time. Here's what I know so far:
The purpose of the meeting is to hear an update from Robert March, a nationally certified school psychologist based in Colorado and to take action on the Corrective Action Plan and Budget for 2009-10 and on his interim contract. March is the consultant hired to look at creating an improvement plan for services offered to emotionally and behaviorally disturbed students as part of a 2006 settlement agreement with the state education department.
The Corrective Action Plan, its budget, and March's contract is extensive. From what I've read so far, the district will have to pay Dr. March $736,750 this year for his services. What do said services include? Here's the list:
- On/off site consultation. $198,000 total for on site, $82,500 for offsite
- $96,250 for travel
- $54,000 for data analysis
- $306,000 for enrollment in online professional development
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Charter school application
Hello all! Here are the links I promised with the charter school application
Letter of Intent
Type 2 Charter Application
Budget
Letter of Intent
Type 2 Charter Application
Budget
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Too many college graduates?
As a higher education reporter this opinion was intriguing. So I did what reporters do, pulled some numbers. Going to the Census' American Factfinder I pulled the percentages for the Shreveport-area.
If you're not from Northwest Louisiana or aren't familiar with it, the Shreveport-Bossier City area has lots higher education options. There are two four year institutions- LSU-Shreveport and Centenary College. There are three two year institutions-Southern University-Shreveport, Bossier Parish Community College, and Louisiana Technical College-Shreveport/Bossier City campus.
Then outside the area, down the street to the east and to the south, are Louisiana Tech, Grambling State, University of Louisiana-Monroe, and Northwestern State University.
With all these schools, some have said that Louisiana has too many of them. The word consolidation has been uttered by politicians and there's even a committee to streamline programs at these schools. Add to that a statewide effort to retain students and to increase graduation rates.
So now you know why I'm interested.
According to the 2005-2007 American Factfinder, 24.4 percent of the local Shreveport area population has a bachelor degree or higher. That's slightly lower than the national average of 27 percent.
Here's the breakdown of the college educated population:
20.1 percent have some college education
4.5 percent have an associate degree
16.1 percent have a bachelor degree
8.3 percent have a grad degree or professional degree
24.3 percent of the population is enrolled in college.
Those numbers will probably go up if what some of the college presidents, chancellors, and officials say is true.
We'll see how the 14 day enrollment count plays out and what the results of the 2010 Census says.
How much Womack was loved
It's not for the obvious reason of the somber event. This is why: how do you capture a person's life with mere words?
That's what the speakers at the memorial for Dean David Womack had to do.
I never had a chance to interview Dean Womack but from the people who knew him he was a bubbly, happy, positive person who loved making things better for students.
"He was really a nice man," said junior accounting major Catie Depew. "I'm an athlete and he was a big supporter of Division I."
What is Depew going to remember most? "Simple. The memory of his smile."
Depew wasn't the only student who will remember Womack's sunny deposition. "Everytime I'd see him he was bubbly and smiley. Always willing to help," said Stephanie Wright, a sophomore biology major.
Even former Centenary College President Ken Schwab had more than kind words to say.
"He was loved," he said. "He had an infectious enthusiasm about life and the college campus."
After the outpour from students, faculty, staff and alumni, I think the campus felt the same way. Look for my story about the memorial in The Times tomorrow.
Caddo students to watch president's address
The activity comes at the request of Superintendent Gerald Dawkins, according to a press release. Principals received a memo from Dawkins asking them to develop a plan for student to watch the speech.
Plans are also being developed for student whose parents opt out of the activity. Parents will receive a letter from their child’s school. Those choosing to opt out will have to return the letter by Sept. 8.
Womack given posthumous title
The title was awarded during a gathering of family, friends and community members following a memorial service celebrating the life of Dean Womack who died suddenly on Saturday, August 29.
Reading from a letter written to the family, Rowe acknowledged the impact Dean Womack had in the short year he was at the College.
“Because of his year of exceptional service, his legacy will be long-lasting,” said Rowe.
According to research conducted by archivist Chris Brown, and Dr. Lee Morgan, author of Centenary College of Louisiana 1825-2000: The Biography of an American Academy, Womack already holds the distinction of being the first African American to serve at the senior level of leadership for the institution.
Womack held the position of Dean of Students and had been at Centenary since September 2008. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Henning, and his four children, Donovan, Tyler, Mason and Landon.
Health chat at LSUS
The James K. Elrod Department of Health Administration and the LSUS Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives Higher Education Network will host a presentation by Minden Medical Center CEO George E. French, III, FACHE on at 6:00 p.m Tuesdayin the Assembly Room on the Third Floor of the Noel Memorial Library at LSU-Shreveport.
French’s presentation is called “People Focus as a Key Strategy: Operational Excellence as a Result,” His primary audience will be the students of the Master of Health Administration program at LSUS, but the presentation is open to anyone interested in learning about the healthcare industry and associated strategy.
For more information, contact Dr. John L. Fortenberry, Jr., chair of the James K. Elrod Department of Health Administration via email at John.Fortenberry@lsus.edu.
French’s presentation is called “People Focus as a Key Strategy: Operational Excellence as a Result,” His primary audience will be the students of the Master of Health Administration program at LSUS, but the presentation is open to anyone interested in learning about the healthcare industry and associated strategy.
For more information, contact Dr. John L. Fortenberry, Jr., chair of the James K. Elrod Department of Health Administration via email at John.Fortenberry@lsus.edu.
BPCC Foundation raises scholarship funds
Bossier Parish Community College Foundation, Inc., will sponsor the first BPCC 100: Mini NASCAR Event on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26 at 6220 E. Texas Street in Bossier City.
Admission is free.
The event will feature customized go-carts competing for prizes as they speed around a raceway. Prior to the main event race, fans will enjoy food and pre-race speedway activities. For the kids, there is a “Pit Stop,” which will feature inflatable activities and games.
Money raised will fund student scholarships at BPCC.
For more information contact Stephanie Rogers at 678-6010 or srogers@bpcc.edu.
Admission is free.
The event will feature customized go-carts competing for prizes as they speed around a raceway. Prior to the main event race, fans will enjoy food and pre-race speedway activities. For the kids, there is a “Pit Stop,” which will feature inflatable activities and games.
Money raised will fund student scholarships at BPCC.
For more information contact Stephanie Rogers at 678-6010 or srogers@bpcc.edu.
Charter Schools Conference in New Orleans next week
The 2nd Annual Louisiana Charter Schools Conference will be September 11-12th in New Orleans at the Hampton Inn & Suites across from the convention center.
From the press release:
The two day event features breakout sessions, networking events, as well as many high profile speakers including:
Dr. Howard Fuller, Board Chair, Black Alliance for Educational Options
Supriya Jindal, First Lady, State of Louisiana
Paul Pastorek, Superintendent, Louisiana Department of Education
Chas Roemer, BESE Member, 6th District
Dr. Yvonne Chan, Founder of the 1st Turnaround School in the nation and veteran educator
Julio Melera, Motivational Speaker and author
From the press release:
The two day event features breakout sessions, networking events, as well as many high profile speakers including:
Dr. Howard Fuller, Board Chair, Black Alliance for Educational Options
Supriya Jindal, First Lady, State of Louisiana
Paul Pastorek, Superintendent, Louisiana Department of Education
Chas Roemer, BESE Member, 6th District
Dr. Yvonne Chan, Founder of the 1st Turnaround School in the nation and veteran educator
Julio Melera, Motivational Speaker and author
Womack memorial today
David Womack, the Centenary dean of students who died Saturday, will be memorialized today at Brown Memorial Chapel at 11 a.m. The Rev. Betsy Eaves, College Chaplain, and Dr. David Rowe, President of the College, will officiate.
He was 49 when he died.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Endowments nationwide are taking a hit
Just saw a tweet from National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities about Stanford University letting 412 employees go after a 30 percent drop in its endowment.
The letting happened over the past 8 months but 60 more people will lose their jobs by the end of the year, according the press release from the university.
Some background: Private colleges such as Stanford and, locally, Centenary College depend on endowments to survive. Endowments are, at its essence, the interest from donations.
When a donor gives money, the college invests it. The invested money is called the prinicpal and can never be touched. Ever. That money can be invested in anything including stocks. The money made from the donation is what is used to fund the college and/or programs on campus. Professorships and chairs are also funded this way.
So the older the donation, the bigger the return in a good or average economy. But in a not-so-good economy, the interest doesn't grow as much or as quickly. That means things have to be cut. On a college campus it's either people or programs.
This is different for a public university or college since they also have another source of funding--state money.
I did a story about local endowments and how they were performing back in March. It wasn't going well at the time.
At LSU-Shreveport, the endowment took a 17.3 percent hit by March 2009 (the fiscal year goes from June to July)
"In the 11 years I've been here, I've never worked at a loss," said Glenda Erwin, vice chancellor for university development, at the time.
The university invests it's prinicpal in equities and stocks and strive for an 8 percent return, although it only uses 4 percent.
Centenary's endowment was down 21 percent as of Dec. 31. The college's $100 million endowment is 30 percent of the budget. It invests its prinicpal in U.S. and global stocks and bonds.
Southern University-Shreveport has a small endowment that was recently started. At the time of the March article, the college's $400,000 endowment lost about $5,000.
The letting happened over the past 8 months but 60 more people will lose their jobs by the end of the year, according the press release from the university.
Some background: Private colleges such as Stanford and, locally, Centenary College depend on endowments to survive. Endowments are, at its essence, the interest from donations.
When a donor gives money, the college invests it. The invested money is called the prinicpal and can never be touched. Ever. That money can be invested in anything including stocks. The money made from the donation is what is used to fund the college and/or programs on campus. Professorships and chairs are also funded this way.
So the older the donation, the bigger the return in a good or average economy. But in a not-so-good economy, the interest doesn't grow as much or as quickly. That means things have to be cut. On a college campus it's either people or programs.
This is different for a public university or college since they also have another source of funding--state money.
I did a story about local endowments and how they were performing back in March. It wasn't going well at the time.
At LSU-Shreveport, the endowment took a 17.3 percent hit by March 2009 (the fiscal year goes from June to July)
"In the 11 years I've been here, I've never worked at a loss," said Glenda Erwin, vice chancellor for university development, at the time.
The university invests it's prinicpal in equities and stocks and strive for an 8 percent return, although it only uses 4 percent.
Centenary's endowment was down 21 percent as of Dec. 31. The college's $100 million endowment is 30 percent of the budget. It invests its prinicpal in U.S. and global stocks and bonds.
Southern University-Shreveport has a small endowment that was recently started. At the time of the March article, the college's $400,000 endowment lost about $5,000.
NSU best value for online learning
Just got an email from David West at Northwestern State University about an interesting press release naming them as one of the best values in online education.
I usually don't cover NSU. They do have a nursing school in Shreveport but it's usually covered by our health reporter. Our area reporter usually writes stories about NSU. So it's rare that I get to write about the Natchitoches-based school.
Anyway, GetEducated.com, an organization that ranks and rates online colleges, ranked NSU in the top ten for most affordable online colleges. They are the only Louisiana school on the list.
Here's the press release. And thanks to Mr. West for sending that along!
I usually don't cover NSU. They do have a nursing school in Shreveport but it's usually covered by our health reporter. Our area reporter usually writes stories about NSU. So it's rare that I get to write about the Natchitoches-based school.
Anyway, GetEducated.com, an organization that ranks and rates online colleges, ranked NSU in the top ten for most affordable online colleges. They are the only Louisiana school on the list.
Here's the press release. And thanks to Mr. West for sending that along!
Community colleges and Louisiana
Here's a story from Inside Higher Ed about how Louisiana likes its community colleges. In two words: a lot.
Thanks to BPCC Chancellor Jim Henderson for the heads up through his Twitter feed.
Here's the story.
Thanks to BPCC Chancellor Jim Henderson for the heads up through his Twitter feed.
Here's the story.
David Womack: A Tribute
Just saw this on Centenary's twitter feed. Students put together a tribute for Dean David Womack who died suddenly on Sat.
On campus memorial will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Memorial Chapel.
On campus memorial will be at 11 a.m. tomorrow at Memorial Chapel.
Grambling State faculty: no confidence in school's president
Here's a story from our sister paper in Monroe about Grambling State University faculty and a vote of no confidence for university president Horace Judson.
We don't typically cover GSU but there are tons of alums in the area.
So what does a vote of no confidence mean? A lot and nothing at the same time.
The faculty can't hire or fire the president but they can send a strong message to his bosses that they don't think he's doing a good job. The bosses in this case would be the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors.
A vote of no confidence from the faculty could mean several things -- they may think he doesn't have the skills set to do his job, might not like his politics, or even how he runs the university.
Whether this vote will mean anything will be up to the Supervisors. The next meeting is Oct. 23 in Baton Rouge.
We don't typically cover GSU but there are tons of alums in the area.
So what does a vote of no confidence mean? A lot and nothing at the same time.
The faculty can't hire or fire the president but they can send a strong message to his bosses that they don't think he's doing a good job. The bosses in this case would be the University of Louisiana Board of Supervisors.
A vote of no confidence from the faculty could mean several things -- they may think he doesn't have the skills set to do his job, might not like his politics, or even how he runs the university.
Whether this vote will mean anything will be up to the Supervisors. The next meeting is Oct. 23 in Baton Rouge.
Linwood Charter students have to go back to school tomorrow. Sorry.
School will be back in session tomorrow at Linwood Public Charter School after a water main break shut the school down today.
Principal Buck Magee said maintenance men found out about the break early this morning in time to cancel classes for the day.
Magee said he expected the problem to be resolved in a couple of hours.
Students were in the middle of taking weeks worth diagnostic exams. The day will be made up within the week, Magee said.
“We’ll shuffle some schedules around.”
Principal Buck Magee said maintenance men found out about the break early this morning in time to cancel classes for the day.
Magee said he expected the problem to be resolved in a couple of hours.
Students were in the middle of taking weeks worth diagnostic exams. The day will be made up within the week, Magee said.
“We’ll shuffle some schedules around.”
SUSLA Registration nearing 3K
Just got a press release from Southern University-Shreveport and the news is huge...literally. The two-year school is experiencing record registration.
Since the beginning of the process, 2,900 students have registered for classes. The apartment on campus, Jaguar Courtyard is at 100 percent capacity.
So why am I saying registration instead of enrollment? Answer: money. Registration is what happens when students sign up for classes. Enrollment is what happens when students pay. In Louisiana, colleges and universities are funded by the 14th enrollment day count. That's when students who haven't paid or made a payment, are dropped from classes. For SUSLA the 14-day count is around Sept. 17.
But the amount of students registering is extremely large. Enrollment for fall 2008 was 2,437.
Since the beginning of the process, 2,900 students have registered for classes. The apartment on campus, Jaguar Courtyard is at 100 percent capacity.
So why am I saying registration instead of enrollment? Answer: money. Registration is what happens when students sign up for classes. Enrollment is what happens when students pay. In Louisiana, colleges and universities are funded by the 14th enrollment day count. That's when students who haven't paid or made a payment, are dropped from classes. For SUSLA the 14-day count is around Sept. 17.
But the amount of students registering is extremely large. Enrollment for fall 2008 was 2,437.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
State school board association to meet later this week
The Louisiana School Boards Association will have a community forum at 6 p.m. Thursday at Woodlawn Leadership Academy , 7340 Wyngate St.
Participants will hear updates on statewide education issues including charter schools and the “Race to the Top” program
The group will have its quarterly meeting the next day at 9:30 a.m. at the Caddo Parish School Board, 1961 Midway. Representatives from State Superintendent Paul Pastorek’s office will make a presentation.
For more information call Tammy Phelps, board president and Caddo Parish School Board member at 861.8902.
Participants will hear updates on statewide education issues including charter schools and the “Race to the Top” program
The group will have its quarterly meeting the next day at 9:30 a.m. at the Caddo Parish School Board, 1961 Midway. Representatives from State Superintendent Paul Pastorek’s office will make a presentation.
For more information call Tammy Phelps, board president and Caddo Parish School Board member at 861.8902.
Getting off the list...
Caddo school superintendent Gerald Dawkins took time today to recognize the five schools (six total but one has since closed)
Surrounded by the principals of the schools, Dawkins said their hard work is what lead to their success.
"These people worked hard and focused on success stradegically," he said.
The prinicpals talked about what they did to reach their success. Among their techniques: follow through, using data, and staying focused.
Surrounded by the principals of the schools, Dawkins said their hard work is what lead to their success.
"These people worked hard and focused on success stradegically," he said.
The prinicpals talked about what they did to reach their success. Among their techniques: follow through, using data, and staying focused.
Certified vs alternative certification. Which teach is more effective?
The National Center for Policy Analysis just released a report that finds teachers who went through the alternative certification were just as effective as those who became teachers the traditional way.
The study used information from the National Center for Education Statistics, a clearinghouse of stats that are gathered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Among the conclusions in the report are that teachers who go through an alternative certification program aren't as effective when they first start out in the classroom but they cover ground quickly.
In the Shreveport-Bossier area we have three- the LSUS teach program, the Centenary program and a new program for those teaching in the charter schools, the Louisiana Teaching Fellows program. These programs allow would-be teachers to be in the classroom as they persue their certification.
The study used information from the National Center for Education Statistics, a clearinghouse of stats that are gathered by the U.S. Department of Education.
Among the conclusions in the report are that teachers who go through an alternative certification program aren't as effective when they first start out in the classroom but they cover ground quickly.
In the Shreveport-Bossier area we have three- the LSUS teach program, the Centenary program and a new program for those teaching in the charter schools, the Louisiana Teaching Fellows program. These programs allow would-be teachers to be in the classroom as they persue their certification.
Centenary interim dean announced
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From the press release:
Prior to his Centenary appointment, Keck retired in 2003 as the provost of Greensboro College, Greensboro, N.C. He also served at Greensboro as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty from 1991 until 2002, and professor of political science.
“Dr. Keck brings wisdom and experience to this role and will be a talented leader for the academic programs of the College at a pivotal time in Centenary’s 185-year history,” said College President Dr. David Rowe. “He has a distinguished record of academic and administrative experience and leadership. We have a great deal of confidence in him and we look forward to the many positive contributions he will make to our College community.”
Keck earned a B.A. in government from Miami University, a M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Connecticut, and Certificate from Harvard University, Institute for Educational Management.
Calendar Girl
This is the first time that the organization has put a calendar together. Landrieu was chosen by the organization for her work for charter schools as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Other calendar members include:
State Senator Gloria Romero from California
Mayor Daniel McKee from Rhode Island
State Senator Malcolm Smith from New York
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