Here’s what Arne Duncan said about the schools making improvement: “…what’s clear already is that almost without exception, schools moving in the right direction have two things in common; a dynamic principal with a clear vision for establishing a culture of high expectations, and talented teachers who share that vision, with a relentless commitment to improving instruction.”

Based on the MDUSD SIG presentation, it seems that most SIG schools in the district share these traits. I have also heard (and observed) that Mary Louise Newling at Meadow Homes is fostering a similar culture there. Can the same be said of Oak Grove MS?

As previously mentioned, the MDUSD principal noted in my blog post is Liane Cismowski, who is now an elementary principal, after previously working as a vice principal/teacher at MDHS and as a teacher at Olympic HS. She has also served on the National Certification Board for teachers.

It looks like the board will wait to implement the strategic plan until after the election.

During the PH candiate’s forum, Whitmarsh said she thought the board would review a plan regarding the district’s disproportionality in November. But,it looks like that will wait until after the election too.

Also, here’s the blog post that goes into more detail and shows that FCMAT could not name a single district that clusters special education students: http://www.ibabuzz.com/onassignment/2012/07/31/mdusd-appears-to-misrepresent-some-information-in-letter-to-parents-suggesting-it-came-from-an-outside-agency/

The CAC blog now has Davis’ report posted at http://mtdiablosped.blogspot.com/2012/10/mdusd-cac-update.html