Dr. Mark Eastridge & Crawford County Community School Corporation Recognized

Dr. Mark Eastridge, Superintendent of Crawford County Community School Corporation, and adjunct faculty member in the School of Educational Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University, is pictured with members of his school board after learning that a third school in his district (out of six) has been nominated as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.  In addition to having three schools recognized nationally, Dr. Eastridge’s school district has had two schools honored by the Indiana Department of Education as Four Star Schools.

Dr. Eastridge is quick to point out that his faculty and staff are responsible for doing all the “heavy lifting”, but school board members, parents, faculty, and staff are quick to recognize that Dr. Mark Eastridge is a Christ-centered World Changer who is making a difference for P-12 students in Indiana.  Congratulations to Dr. Eastridge and the entire Crawford County Community School Corporation for consistent demonstrated excellence.

Destin Haas, PLP Cohort 32, named District IV Principal of the Year

Mr. Destin Haas has been named Indiana District IV Principal of the Year.  Destin started his career in education at Benton Central Jr./Sr. High School in 1997 as a history teacher, and was name principal in 2007.  Destin completed Indiana Wesleyan University’s Principal Leadership Program as a member of cohort, PLP 32.

Destin’s impact as a world changer has been great.  Two new programs started this year are a Credit Recovery Program and Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering Program.  In 2008, due to a reduction in staff and consequently not being able to offer Physics II/AP Physics, he determined the best option for the 17 students this would affect would be to offer “Zero Hour”, enabling the students to meet Academic Honors Diploma requirements.

Destin says he challenges his staff on a daily basis to remember why they got into the education field.  “By working to change the culture, which can be a challenge, the learning community will witness firsthand the positive changes that are taking place.”

REPA Rule Change Update

The proposed Rule Revisions for Educator Preparation and Accountabilty (REPA) continue to be modified by the Indiana Professional Standards Advisory Board.  The next meeting of the Board is tomorrow, December 10, 2009, where they will continue the process of going through the proposed rule change a section at a time.   It is anticipated that the Board will vote to approve a final version of the proposed REPA rule at their January 7, 2010 meeting.  This will make it possible for the state of Indiana to submit its application for “Race to the Top” funds before the January 19, 2010 deadline set by the federal government.

It is important that all educators and future educators stay abreast of the proposed rule change.  If you have yet to review the proposed rule, you may view the REPA draft at http://mustang.doe.state.in.us/dg/repa/20090930-IR-515090481PRA.xml.pdf.