State educators explain what AYP designation really means for local schools

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The president of Education Minnesota, the state educators’ union, cautioned today against judging the quality of a school using the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) report issued Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Education.

“Many parents are shocked when they see their school on the failing list because it just doesn’t reflect their personal experience,” said Tom Dooher, president of Education Minnesota. “In fact, some of the schools listed as failing to make AYP this year are on the 2006 Newsweek list of the top schools in the country.”

Education Minnesota wants parents to understand what the results mean for the local schools where they are sending their kids in just a few days. “It is important to understand that Adequate Yearly Progress is a misnomer because it actually is based on proficiency and not progress,” said Dooher. Under No Child Left Behind, AYP status does not reflect the tremendous growth most students make during the school year, but instead provides a snapshot of their proficiency.

“This way of labeling schools is too simplistic. School accountability cannot be reduced to a simple rating like a movie or dining review. Schools and students are much more complex and cannot be evaluated by a one-time snapshot. Consider your driver’s license photo. That is a representation of you at one moment in time but in no way accurately represents who you are. The same is true of the AYP results,” Dooher stated.

Education Minnesota and its national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers and National Education Association, are seeking significant change in this area as the No Child Left Behind law is reauthorized. “We are not against accountability,” said Dooher. “But we want accountability that makes sense, accurately represents our schools and gives parents and teachers the information they need to improve student performance.” Priorities include:

· Using growth models to measure changes in each student’s performance

· Shifting AYP from a system that labels and penalizes schools to one
that rewards growth

· Providing a fair and equitable system for assessing and counting test
scores for students with disabilities and English Language Learners

· Reducing class sizes to improve learning and allow for more individual
instructional time

· Ensure teachers have appropriate professional development to enhance
instructional skills and tailor lessons to help students grow.

Letters from Readers ~ August 29, 2007

Where is spokesperson on behalf of people?

This letter is in reference to the article, “Family Dynamics Prove Destructive” by Bob Grawey, which appeared on the front page of the Star News Aug. 15.

In this interview with Heidi Olson, estranged wife of recently convicted State Rep. Mark Olson, R-Big Lake, Heidi made a revealing contention. She indicated that Mark Olson conducts his family life much like he conducts his politics—with a complete lack of diplomacy and compromise. Mark Olson has to be in charge and in control, even if the family suffers as a result. Apparently in Mark Olson’s tyrannical world, everyone from family to constituents are there just to nod their empty little heads in support of Mark Olson; much like those bobble-headed plastic dolls.

I wonder in what part of that set-in-stone mind set Rep. Mark Olson thinks falls the description of “representative”? At what point did we begin to allow politicians like Mark Olson to become the niggardly, narrow, invasive voice in our head instead of a spokesperson on behalf of the people? And why do we still allow it? Good for Heidi for having the courage to put the welfare of her children first. Do we the people have the same pluck and prudence?—Mary Helen Taft, Zimmerman

Letter: Olson misunderstands Bible he claims to follow
By Laurel Resman, Milaca

Published: August 26. 2007 12:30AM

District 16B Rep. Mark Olson was recently convicted of domestic assault with intent to cause fear. I am a devout born again Christian, and it disturbs me that Olson makes excuses for his self-indulgent actions and his abusive behavior under the guise of being the head of a Christian household.

The Bible does not give free reign to the husband to dominate and intimidate his wife. Rather, the Bible enjoins us to, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).

The Bible also goes on to instruct the husband, "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy" (Ephesians 5:25).

Further, in regard to children, fatherhood is not an excuse to rule with an iron fist and absolute oppression. Rather fathers are commanded: "Fathers do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Olson has used the Bible to belittle and subjugate his wife and children. He erroneously acts upon the distorted belief that a wife's submission to her husband means that the husband has every right to forcibly, if not brutally, force his will in all things.

Olson makes a mockery of Christianity and the Bible, which reminds us that, "Love does not insist on its own way and it is not self-seeking" (1 Corinthians 13:5).

Wergin to donate a kidney
By Lawrence Schumacher lschumacher@stcloudtimes.com

Published: August 24. 2007 12:30AM

While some state lawmakers are preparing for a special session, Betsy Wergin is preparing for a medical procedure she will undergo in hopes of restoring her sister’s health.

Wergin, a state senator from Princeton, is scheduled to have a kidney removed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester this morning. Her kidney will be transplanted to her sister, Loni Knase of Coon Rapids.

“I think most anybody would do it for a sibling,” Wergin said. “I can’t wait to see her feeling better.”

The second-term Republican said she expects to be in the hospital for three to five days, but she’s been told not to expect to feel great for up to six weeks afterward.

Though she doesn’t think a special legislative session is necessary, the surgery shouldn’t affect her ability to represent her district if Gov. Tim Pawlenty calls one, Wergin said.

“It’s not like I’m going to be lifting heavy boxes or doing lots of physical labor,” she said. “My body will have to adjust to 50 percent kidney function, but you can live a full, healthy life after that.”

Wergin’s sister has had kidney problems for many years, and was a candidate for transplant six years ago, Wergin said.

But Knase was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly before a scheduled transplant, and recipients must be cancer-free for five years before a transplant can take place, Wergin said.

Since then, Knase has received kidney dialysis treatment, but has contracted a disease related to dialysis that made her very sick, Wergin said.

Wergin and another sister had both volunteered to be donors six years ago and were initially considered tissue matches, but the other sister was recently screened out before final approval, she said.

Wergin, 55, is an assistant Senate minority leader and the ranking minority member of the Senate Capital Investment Committee, which deals with state bonding bills.

Our view: Olson does not belong at Capitol anymore
Times Editorial Board

Published: August 24. 2007 12:30AM

He continues to claim he committed no crime despite a jury's conviction and a judge's sentence. He's repeatedly said "no" to a not-so-subtle request from leaders of his (former) political party to resign. Not to mention he wouldn't even talk issues with this editorial board in his last election bid.

Clearly, District 16B House Rep. Mark Olson is a denial machine. So we make this request in the wake of his criminal conviction and recent sentencing for causing his wife fear of bodily harm: Resign your legislative seat immediately.

Presuming yet another denial, we make this request of District 16B voters: Do not re-elect him, should he seek a ninth term in November 2008.

Why our formal call for his immediate resignation supplanted with a nonendorsement in an election 14 months away?

Well, just from the perspective of legislative representation, we believe Olson no longer embodies an effective approach, especially for a fast-growing district such as 16B, the geographic heart of Sherburne County.

While he once held some appeal as a "maverick" legislator, he's really yielded few tangible results considering he's served the district since 1992. And now that he's lost the support of his own party, he's truly become a nonfactor in Minnesota's two-party system.

Really, though, Olson should resign because of his obsession with denial.

The news coverage of the entire domestic abuse case involving he and his wife, Heidi, consistently shows a man who never even offers the slightest hint he did something wrong. He doesn't seem to understand that physical reactions in emotional situations are the textbook definition of abuse and assault. Not to mention such responses are criminal.

Indeed, aside from his unsubstantiated claims of him being the victim, he seems most upset by how the whole situation put his family in the spotlight.

Funny. If he was so concerned about the impact on his family, why did he adopt legal strategies that included multiple delays for trial dates? Or why is he talking about keeping the court case alive through appeals?

Such actions seem only destined to contribute to more public attention on family matters, not less.

But we digress. Ultimately, Olson and his wife, Heidi, who is seeking a divorce, clearly had a troubled four-year marriage.

That in itself is sad, but not a crime. However, the judicial system determined Olson did commit a crime, one certainly serious enough to warrant his immediate resignation.

Assuming he doesn't offer it, district voters must elect someone else come next November. They need a strong, credible voice grounded in reality.

Olson doesn't meet that standard at any level any more.

Letter: If voters prefer fairness, they won't vote Bachmann
By Brian Melendez, chair, Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, St. Paul

Published: August 24. 2007 12:30AM

Times Writers Group columnist Ron Baert commends Rep. Michele Bachmann for voting against funding the arts, in the mistaken belief that such funding is somehow unconstitutional. ("Lean times call for watchful eye," Aug. 16.)

But the Constitution explicitly authorizes spending for the "general welfare" (art. I, sec. 8), and the Supreme Court held more than 70 years ago, in United States v. Butler, that "the power of Congress to authorize expenditure of public moneys for public purposes is not limited by the direct grants of legislative power found in the Constitution."

We should indeed worry about our mounting national debt. But that debt's chief cause isn't spending for the arts, which even Baert recognizes is measly. The cause is President Bush's reckless tax giveaways to corporations and the wealthy few, together with out-of-control spending on Iraq.

Next year, the 6th District's voters will weigh in on what kind of society they want to live in. If they admire spiraling deficits, failed diplomacy and unaccountable government, then they should commend Bachmann's consistent loyalty to Bush's dismal record of failure.

But if the district's voters prefer a fairer Minnesota, where people who work hard and play by the rules have an equal opportunity for a brighter future for themselves and their families, then they should consider electing new representation in Congress.

Letter: Bachmann stood up for U.S. families with vote
By Brad Northenscold, Waite Park

Published: August 23. 2007 12:30AM

It's easy to sit on the sidelines and criticize, especially when it comes to environmental issues. But elected officials must be more responsible and look at the big picture when making their decisions.

Thanks go to U.S. 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann, who stood up for American families by opposing H.R. 3221, legislation that would increase gas prices, stifle domestic energy production and weaken our national security.

The Aug. 15 letter "Bachmann sided with polluters on key issue" mischaracterized the 15 percent renewable electricity standard mandated in H.R. 3221 by ignoring its inevitable consequences.

The RES mandate will result in a heavy tax on consumers as electric bills become more expensive, particularly in states that do not possess the resources to fulfill it.

I support renewable energy and so does Bachmann. She's been part of the effort to provide incentives for solar energy and other renewable resources, and she's joined her Minnesota colleagues in the U.S. House Renewable Energy Caucus.

But as we've seen in Minnesota, implementing a RES is best left to the residents of a state to decide. Should Congress harm consumers by forcing this mandate on those states who cannot achieve it? In voting against this provision, Michele Bachmann answered no. Thank goodness for big picture common sense.

Letter: Bachmann has made fool of self since day 1
By Jim Donovan, Foley

Published: August 22. 2007 12:30AM

An open letter to 6th District Rep. Michele Bachmann:

Well Michele, like all members of Congress, you said you were going to hit the ground running in Washington, D.C. You certainly did, but you were running in the wrong direction.

From the day you planted that kiss on George W.'s cheek until now, I don't think you have done even one thing right.

You try desperately to stay in the headlines, and in doing so, you make a fool of yourself. I don't really want you to change, as I am quite sure you will be (in office just one term).

I know you believe PAC money will get you re-elected, but you know they are vindictive and they only spend money on people who they think can win. I don't think you fall into that category.

Bush promises 'flood of help' for Minnesota

Bush praises response to flooding, bridge collapse and promises a "flood of help."

By Bob von Sternberg, Star Tribune

Last update: August 21, 2007 – 5:40 PM

President George W. Bush arrived in the Twin Cities at approximately 4:26 p.m. aboard Air Force One at the International Airport's Air Reserve Station.

Following a 15-minute closed-door briefing on recovery efforts related to the I-35W bridge collapse and flash flooding in southeastern Minnesota Bush departed for for a private political fundraiser on behalf of U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman.

On hand to meet with Bush at the airport were Gov. Tim Pawlenty and First Lady Mary Pawlenty, Coleman, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, U.S. Reps. Michele Bachmann, John Kline, Keith Ellison, Tim Walz and Betty McCollum and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.

Following the briefing, Bush spoke briefly about both the bridge and the flood.

"A flood of help" will be coming to southeastern Minnesota, he said, including small business aid and housing assistance. "There's help, it's available," he said.

Bush suggested that accomodating rail transit may be an option on a replacement for the I-35W bridge.

"The question now is how fast we can get the bridge built," he said, referring to the "significant chunk of money" that has been pledged by the federal government.

"Our job now is to cut through the bureaucracy as fast as possible and get the people down here a new bridge," he said.

"The questions are how fast can it be built" Bush said, and whether the bridge can be made accessible to "modern forms of transportation," apparently referring to discussions about making a new bridge capable of carrying light rail trains. "I believe the answer to that question is yes," Bush added.

Bush expressed sympathy and admiration for flood victims who "woke up and found their lives turned upside down. You can wreck the infrastructure but you can't wreck the spirit."

He praised Navy divers working on the recovery effort at the bridge collapse site and the "unprecedented cooperation of federal state and local government" in the response.

The fundraiser was to be held at the Eden Prairie home of hearing aid executive and philanthropist William Austin and his wife Tani. The Austin's have contributed generously to the Republican party and its candidates in recent years.

More than 50 protesters gathered near the site of the fundraiser Tuesday afternoon, condemning the war in Iraq and faulting Coleman for his loyalty to Bush and his policies.

Arkansas Governor Considers Special Session to Correct Law that Allows Any Age to Marry

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Gov. Mike Beebe said Tuesday that if he called a special session to correct a law that mistakenly eliminated the minimum age to marry for minors, the session would probably not address other issues.

Beebe told reporters that he hoped to decide within the next week whether a session is needed to correct a law mistakenly passed that would allow anyone under the age of 18 to get married with parental consent.

"There's a whole lot of legal arguments, as you might imagine," Beebe said.

Beebe said issues such as immigration, an increase in the severance tax on natural gas and a trauma center are "not ripe" for a special session.

"One of the last things a governor wants to do is call a special session on a number of issues and not have it agreed to on the front end or else you end up with an open ended, long special session, which is not productive," Beebe said.

Beebe said if he did call a special session, it probably would not include other issues unless there were technical matters that needed to be corrected in a short period of time. Beebe said his office is looking at other states that do not have a minimum age to marry to see how they handle enforcement.

"One of the options would be to see what would happen if you did not have a special session in terms what the clerks would be doing," Beebe said.

"It becomes a question of whether the clerks have sufficient leeway to be able to deny that," Beebe said.

The marriage age law, which took effect July 31, was intended to establish 18 as the minimum age to marry but also allow pregnant teenagers to marry with parental consent. An extraneous "not" in the bill, however, allows anyone who is not pregnant to marry at any age if the parents allow it.

The bill reads: "In order for a person who is younger than eighteen (18) years of age and who is not pregnant to obtain a marriage license, the person must provide the county clerk with evidence of parental consent to the marriage."

A code revision commission — which fixes typographical and technical errors in laws — had tried to correct the mistake, but the Arkansas Legislative Council last week asked the commission to reverse the correction because lawmakers said the commission overstepped its bounds.

Before the marriage issue arose, some lawmakers had floated the possibility of a special session to consider immigration measures and Rep. Denny Sumpter, D-West Memphis, has said he wants Beebe to consider a special session to help fund a trauma care system.

Beebe has also challenged companies exploring Arkansas' rich natural gas fields to come up with support to raise the state's severance taxes before 2009 or face a voter-led initiative to raise the taxes. Beebe said such a tax hike would not be on the special session's agenda.

"It's not ripe yet for that in terms of having the votes," Beebe said. "It may be ripe for purposes of the issue, but you've still got to have the votes."

With respect to last week’s article by Mr. Bob Grawey, the trial that I wish could have been avoided is now over. This article presents quite a different picture than what was presented in the trial. Regardless of any accuracies or inaccuracies in this article, I will not re-engage in another public trial, which like the last one is designed to destroy our wonderful family even more.

Before publishing last week’s article, Mr. Grawey contacted me for an interview about issues other than the trial. He then wrote an article about everything but the issues that I was contacted about.—Mark Olson, Big Lake

Divorce and forgiveness

Even though the couple’s divorce is imminent, Olson has stated publicly that he wants to reconcile their marriage. But Heidi will have nothing to do with the notion.

“He totally crossed the line at the trial when he said I have the potential to kill him in his sleep,” Heidi says, and that he was afraid. I would never reconcile with Mark.”

Though Heidi says she still loves Olson and will miss some things about him, she will not put herself or her children through another hurtful or abusive situation.

Questioned about her public claim of forgiveness for Olson, Heidi admits she is still working on it.

“I can forgive him, but it doesn’t mean I have to invite him back into my home,” Heidi says. “Forgiveness for me means letting go of the need to punish him. It’s going to be more of a journey than an event.”