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DEPARTMENT
OF EDUCATION
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MEET
THE COMMISSIONER
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 Meet
Vermont Education Commissioner Armando Vilaseca
A resident of Westford, Vermont, Armando Vilaseca graduated from the University of Vermont with a bachelor of science degree in education. He received his masters in education with a focus on educational leadership from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Vilaseca has over 29 years of experience in Vermont education, having spent his entire professional career in Vermont schools. He began as a classroom teacher at the Georgia Middle School in Georgia, Vermont, and served as a teaching principal at the Reading Elementary School. He then served as the principal for Westford Elementary and Middle School, assistant principal and then principal of Essex High School, a position he served in for 10 years, and superintendent of the Colchester School District. Most recently he has served as the superintendent of Franklin West Supervisory Union.
Vilaseca, a native of Cuba, has also served as a government liaison accompanying a delegation to Cuba to introduce Cubans to Vermont agricultural products.
Communications from the Department:
- Federal Budget Information and Sequestration
Dated: May 9, 2012
The Vermont Department of Education has been paying close attention to the situation that exists within the education funding stream from the federal government. Many of you have been in touch with us looking for guidance as you develop future budgets and prepare for your educational needs in the coming year(s). We recognize that good and informed advice helps direct important decisions on your part. We recognize that these decisions are of the utmost importance and include teacher’s contracts and innovative programming that provide quality educational opportunities for our students. Please read this important memo as to the current status of federal funding.
- Student Educator Course Transcript Data Collection
Dated: May 2, 2012
Commissioner Vilaseca's letter to all superintendents addressing the Student/Educator Course Transcript data collection which should be underway. The deadline for this data collection is August 15, 2012 and it must be completed in order to ensure that Vermont is in compliance with Statewide Fiscal Stabilization Fund for which Vermont districts have already received funds.
- Opinion Piece Submitted by Armando Vilaseca: Don’t Let This Opportunity Pass Us By
Dated: April 11, 2012
Every session our Legislature considers hundreds of bills, all of which aim to enhance our current status. This year legislators have an incredible opportunity to fundamentally improve the lives of thousands of Vermont students, and make a concrete investment in the future of our state.
- ALERT: Suspicious Letters PDF
Dated: March 9, 2012
Notes from Conference Call on March 9, 2012 with Commissioner Armando Vilaseca and Captain Chris Reinfurt of the Vermont State Police with school administrators.
- Commissioner Vilaseca on School Choice PDF
Dated: January 25, 2012
Since 2005 there have been several legislative changes and I have reviewed this memo and decided that the time has come to apply a more liberal, and arguably more literal, interpretation of the “5% or 10” transfer provision.
- Commissioner Vilaseca Opinion Piece on Bennington Strike PDF
As commissioner, I have no authority to intervene in the Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union (SVSU) strike or any other local contract negotiation. However, I believe I have a responsibility to speak up on behalf of the students.
- Commissioner Vilaseca Opinion Piece on ESEA Waiver PDF
Vermont and the rest of the country have been given a wonderful opportunity to shed the flawed aspects of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and refocus our efforts on true success for all students.
- School Bus Idling Law, Administrative Rule, and Potential Penalties PDF
To put it simply, buses are to be turned off while loading and unloading students at the school. If a bus is parked on school grounds during a sporting event or for any other reason, it is to be turned off. Idling is unnecessary, adds costs, is unhealthy, and pollutes.
- Extended NECAP Test Window for School Affected by Hurricane Irene PDF
Recognizing that a number of Vermont Schools are starting the new academic year under the worst of circumstances, we are working out arrangements with our assessment contractor, Measured Progress, to extend the NECAP testing window to November 1, 2011 for those schools that have experienced significant delays in opening schools in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Administrators from schools interested in using the extended testing window must contact our Director of Educational Assessment, Michael Hock, (802-828-3115/ Michael.Hock@state.vt.us) by no later than September 16, 2011 so that Measured Progress and the Department has sufficient time to prepare for the extension.. The assessment window for all other schools will continue to be October 3, 2011 to October 25, 2011, with pick up on October 26, as originally scheduled.
- Update on US Department of Education Waiver Request PDF
- Educator Reporting Requirements and Access to Child and Adult Abuse Registries PDF
- Opinion Piece Reflecting on the Past Year
This article was written by Commissioner Vilaseca and reflects upon the end of another school year and reviews the various accomplishments and challenges that were encountered throughout the past year.
- School Configurations and Accountability PDF
This memo is in response to the several requests received in recent months from Superintendents interested in making changes to their school configurations for the purpose of school accountability (AYP).
- Guidance for Alternative Acquisition of Physical Education Credit PDF
This reminder about School Quality Standards and guidance for alternative credit acquisition in physical education has been prepared because the 2010 Vermont School Health Profiles Report indicates that an increasing number of schools are exempting students from physical education. While the Vermont Department of Education does support alternative pathways to learning, it is important that such pathways are of high quality and are equally accessible to all students.
- Guidance on the Mandates of Act One: Improving Vermont's Sexual Abuse Response System PDF
This joint letter from Commissioner Vilaseca and Commissioner Yacavone clarifies questions about "Section 9 - AN ACT RELATING TO IMPROVING VERMONT'S SEXUAL ABUSE RESPONSE SYSTEM."
- Opinion Piece on Act 153 Implementation
This article was written by Commissioner Vilaseca for the Vermont School Boards Association newsletter, outlining his thoughts on Act 153 and school district and supervisory union mergers.
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Federal Education Jobs Fund
Information on state allocation options, allowable and prohibited uses by the school districts and reporting requirements for the Federal Education Jobs Fund (EJF).
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Challenges for Change Supervisory Union Budget Target Results
Section E2(e) of Act 146 required the Department of Education to compile estimated budget amounts gathered from supervisory unions and technical center districts on their ability to meet the recommended budget targets set in August. The deadline for this transmittal was December 15. With one unreported and six incomplete, this document reflects the summary of those budgets, indicating that just over $4 million of the $19.9 million due from the reported SU targets were reached. These figures are preliminary, incomplete and are subject to change.
- Legislative Requirement - Required Supervisory Union Board Discussions of Possible Mergers; Survey PDF
Act 153 requires the Department of Education to collect and report on a number of activities and a significant level of feedback from supervisory unions and school districts. The department will do its best to acquire necessary information while taking as little of your time as possible. At the same time, we want to give you every opportunity to let us know how the department can be of assistance. Act 153 Sec. 2(b) states "…On or before December 1, 2010, the board of each supervisory union in the state shall discuss, and the board of every school district may discuss, whether it wishes to explore the merger of districts within the supervisory union or with one or more districts outside of the supervisory union, or both under the terms of this act." Use the link above for more information.
- Teacher and Principal Evaluation Survey Results PDF
In December 2009, all Vermont principals and superintendents were surveyed regarding their districts’ teacher and principal evaluation practices. Some of the information gathered in these surveys was required as a condition of the state’s acceptance of federal Stimulus Funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). However, the department asked additional questions in order to gain as complete a picture as possible of the current state of teacher and principal evaluation practices in Vermont.
- Students Placed at Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center (August 18, 2010) PDF
The department and the Agency of Human Services/Department of Families and Children are working to improve the delivery of special education services to students who have been placed at Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center (Woodside). Many students placed at Woodside are eligible for special education services or 504 accommodations and they must be afforded all of their rights under the law. Students with IEPs or 504 Plans who stay at Woodside for more than 10 days are entitled to receive appropriate special education services and/or accommodations and modifications.
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Required Countywide Truancy Policies (August 6, 2010) PDF
By law, the commissioner is required to ensure that the supervisory unions in each county adopt truancy policies consistent with the legislative intent of confronting truancy on a statewide and countywide basis and include the involvement of both the State’s attorneys and judiciary. The deadline for this requirement was July 1, 2010. If you have not yet contacted Barbara Crippen with this information, please do so as soon as possible at barbara.crippen@state.vt.us or (802) 828-5937.
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Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion Rulemaking and Guidance (August 4, 2010) PDF
After much consideration and discussion internally, and as a result of the correspondence that has been received, the commissioner has decided to have the proposed rules on restraint and seclusion proceed through the regular rulemaking process. The Board will be asked to vote to initiate the rule-making process at its August 17 meeting with the goal to vote on permanent rules sometime shortly after the beginning of the new year. However, in the meantime, recommended guidance on how schools should handle any type of restraint or seclusion while the rules process proceeds are being provided. Use the link above to view the complete memo, guidelines and draft rules.
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Organization of the Department and Content-level Specialists (July 7, 2010) PDF
Recently the department has seen significant changes in the number of employees and the duties of the staffing at the department. In order to focus on the priorities of the State Board of Education, changes have been made to the duties of some content specialists with whom the field and our partners have had regular interaction. Use the link above to view the complete memo and a new organizational chart.
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Mandatory Abuse Registry Checks (July 1, 2010) PDF
Drafting oversights during the 2010 legislative session may have introduced ambiguity to the effective date for mandatory abuse registry checks. The effective date may be as soon as July 1, 2010. The department strongly advises school districts to run Child Protection Registry and Adult Abuse Registry checks on all prospective school employees, effective immediately. Districts should also run checks for school contractors who may have unsupervised contact with schoolchildren.
- Archived Memos from January 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010
- Archived Memos from 2009
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Current Initiatives
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American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
The ARRA (or Recovery Act or "Stimulus Bill") was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th, 2009. The passage of the Act has created a need for information concerning its effect on Vermont schools, districts and supervisory unions. The Vermont Department of Education and Vermont’s congressional delegation have been working to clarify the details and the requirements of ARRA.
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The Transformation of Education in Vermont
The Vermont education system must prepare students for a future that is continuously being reinvented and must give them the 21st Century skills they need to succeed. View the State Board and department rationale for initiating the transformation of education endeavor, what's involved in the transformation, and what skills Vermont students need in order to succeed in the world that awaits them. In addition, this page contains a link to the Transformation Policy Commission which worked to bring policy recommendations to the Board for advancing transformation efforts in Vermont.
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The Future of Education in Vermont
In the Fall of 2007, the State Board of Education and former Commissioner Richard Cate articulated their vision for the future of education in Vermont. The vision document was the starting point for several public conversations that began with the October 16, 2007 State Board meeting at which students and parents participated in roundtable discussions on the future of education.
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Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and National Governors Association (NGA) Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI)
The CCSSI is a significant and historic opportunity for states to collectively develop and adopt a core set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts. Forty-six states and three territories have joined the CCSSI. The initiative is being jointly led by the NGA Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers in partnership with Achieve, ACT, and the College Board. It builds directly on recent efforts of leading organizations and states that have focused on developing college- and career-ready standards and ensures these standards are evidence- and research-based and internationally benchmarked to top-performing countries.
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CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT
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General Phone Numbers
This link provides phone numbers for programs and services in the Department of Education listed alphabetically by topic area (e.g., GED, licensing, special education technical assistance, etc.).
- Staff Directory
Use this link to view the current list of staff members, including e-mail address links (underlined names), phone numbers (with voice mail messaging), and team affiliation.
Directions/Hours of Operation
For information about our location, office hours and mailing address, view our "contact us" Web page. |
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CALENDAR
OF DEPARTMENT-SPONSORED EVENTS
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The
department's calendar of events is designed to be used as a planning
tool by department staff, State Board members and educators in
the field. The calendar lists department-sponsored events, which,
unless noted otherwise, are intended to benefit service providers,
educators and administrators. View the calendar
of department-sponsored events.
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VERMONT
TEACHER OF THE YEAR & OTHER EDUCATOR/PROGRAM RECOGNITION AWARDS
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Each
year a teacher from Vermont’s education community is recognized
as the Vermont Teacher of the Year. The Teacher of the Year is
chosen through a thorough application and selection process. As
the recipient of this award, the teacher travels statewide visiting
schools and working with other educators. This program is sponsored
by Hannaford Supermarkets and the Vermont Department of Education.
The Vermont Teacher of the Year also becomes a candidate for the
National Teacher of the Year award sponsored by the Council of
Chief State School Officers.
This page also contains other educator awards as well as awards given in recognition of exceptional programs and activities taking place in Vermont's schools. |
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MISSION
& VISION OF THE DEPARTMENT
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Mission
The State Board and Department of Education provide leadership, support and oversight to ensure that the Vermont public education system enables each student to be successful.
Vision
Every learner completes his or her public education with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in college, continuing education, careers, and citizenship. The public education system provides flexible learning environments rich with 21st century tools that promote self-development, academic achievement, and active engagement in learning. It operates within a framework of high expectations for every learner with support from educators, families and the community.
Vermont State Board of Education & Department of Education Strategic Plan for 2010-2014 PDF
Pursuant to Section 180 of Title 16 which requires the State Board of Education to “adopt through a public process a statewide strategic education plan to describe how the agency will help schools boards to improve student performance” and that it be reviewed and updated every five years, the Board voted to approve the Strategic Plan at its meeting on August 17, 2010. The plan has been renewed to 1) reflect current practice and views, 2) assure that all students graduate from high school having achieved proficiency in reading, math, science, writing and 21st Century skill development and are prepared to enter college or training in a career of their choosing, and 3) integrate the tenets of transformation. The department will now move ahead with the development of its implementation plan.
Vermont State Board of Education Budget Book
Produced annually, the State Board of Education's Budget Recommendations and Annual Report provides an overview of the Department of Education's programs and teams along with an overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The department works with the State Board to ensure that the book is a useful resource not only to the Vermont Legislature as it reviews state agency budget proposals, but to members of the education community and general public as well. |
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ORGANIZATION OF THE DEPARTMENT/CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT
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The department is currently organized into a Finance & Administration division and four Education Program divisions. Each division is further divided into teams providing specific programs and services.
- General Phone Numbers
Find phone numbers for programs and services in the Department of Education listed alphabetically by topic area (e.g., GED, licensing, special education technical assistance, etc.).
- Organization Chart PDF
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VERMONT EDUCATION IN THE NEWS
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The communications staff at the department manages both media relations and public information for the range of constituencies interested in and served by the department. As part of its public information services, use the following links to view:
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PROGRAMS
& SERVICES
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For
information about programs and services offered by the Vermont
Department of Education, please check out the Programs
and Services
main page. |
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REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS (RFPs)
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All
requests for contract bids (requests for proposals) issued by
the department for amounts over $15,000 are posted to one of two
central state Web sites:
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NOTE: The phone number listed below is for nondiscrimination policy questions ONLY.
For questions NOT related to nondiscrimination policies,
use the department's general phone numbers Web page.
The
Vermont Department of Education does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national origin, creed, marital status,
sex, disability, age, gender identity or sexual orientation in its programs or
activities. The following person has been designated to handle
inquiries regarding NONDISCRIMINATION POLICIES ONLY:
Barbara
Crippen, Civil Rights Coordinator
Vermont Department of Education
120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
(802) 828-5937 (P)
(802) 828-3140 (F)
barbara.crippen@state.vt.us |
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Department of Education:
Awards | Calendar of Events | Current Initiatives
Organization of the Department
Vermont Education in the News
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