May has been an eventful month for Chalkboard. Our work in support of quality educators is in full gear. Check out the stories below to learn more about a major development for the CLASS Project, information on the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and an exciting event we held in Cottage Grove - "A Conversation with Oregon Teachers."
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CLASS RFP Released 
Chalkboard is pleased to announce we are now accepting proposals from districts statewide for grant monies worth up to $68,500 in combined direct funding and in-kind technical support. Grants will be made to as many as three school districts or collaborating districts.
The monies represent the expansion of the successful CLASS Project being piloted in three Oregon school districts - Tillamook, Forest Grove, and Sherwood. CLASS (Creative Leadership Achieves Student Success) is an educational reform project that offers teachers expanded career options, performance evaluations, professional development and compensation.
Research shows the best way to achieve student learning gains is to make sure there's a great teacher in every classroom. CLASS empowers Oregon teachers to advance professionally so students get a better education. The CLASS Project provides important seed money for significant school reform. Because staff, unions, school boards and administrators collaborate to create their own plans, buy-in and long-term commitment to the CLASS Project is high.
Deadline is June 15, 2009.
You can learn more about CLASS, download the RFP, and view the press release on Chalkboard's CLASS Web page.
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Chalkboard hosts successful "Conversation with Oregon Teachers"
 On May 6th, Chalkboard hosted an event at Grove High School which collected the opinions of nearly 70 teachers and administrators while recognizing the excellent work they do in our schools every day.
Chalkboard President Sue Hildick, South Lane Superintendent Krista Parent and Jill Davidson, a teacher at Bohemia Elementary, spoke to the audience which was comprised mainly of participants in Oregon's Beginning Teacher and Administrator Mentor Program. The event focused on gathering the input of engaged Oregon teachers by asking them what Chalkboard could do to support their important work as teachers.
May 6th also marked the launch date for Chalkboard's Teachers' Lounge -- a prominent teacher-driven page on the Chalkboard Web site dedicated to providing resources for Oregon teachers.
You can find out more about the "Conversation with Oregon Teachers" by reading the press release and viewing the Conversation Report in the Teachers' Lounge.
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Tag, you're it... 
This month, Tag is doing something a little differently. On May 6th, Chalkboard asked nearly 70 teachers and administrators six questions concerning education at our "Conversation with Oregon Teachers" in Cottage Grove. Below you will find some of those questions, along with a sampling of the responses. All answers were submitted anonymously to ensure openness. If you would like to view the full Conversation Report you can visit Chalkboard's Teachers' Lounge.
What support would be most useful to you in meeting your personal and professional goals as a teacher?
"Have some unstructured meeting time where teachers set the agenda and work with colleagues who have similar needs or challenges."
"More feedback from experienced teachers visiting my classroom..."
Would professional learning teams support your teaching?
"Yes, but it is neccessary to have something in common to work toward, such as content area, grade level, teaching strategies, etc."
As a classroom teacher what are your biggest challenges?
"Classroom management -- How to keep students from being too social and staying on task."
"Behavior management. It makes or breaks a teacher."
What would be the most effective support you could receive from Chalkboard?
"Increase community value in education and public awareness about school needs."
"Advocate for the mentor program and professional development."
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Ken and Joan Austin Make a $200K Gift to CLASS
The Austins, founders of A-dec a dental supply company based in Newberg, OR, have contributed $200,000 to be disbursed over the next three years. Chalkboard extends our greatest thanks to the Austins for this important and generous gift.
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Chalkboard Publishes Stimulus Package Issue Paper
Chalkboard and ECONorthwest have teamed up to outline the emerging Obama reform agenda, summarize key grants, and offer a number of reform concepts that could be adopted by the state or individual districts. The paper concludes with ideas on how Chalkboard could partner with school districts and other education stakeholders.
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What's Next for Chalkboard...
June 5
Chalkboard presents at the Portland City Club
June 11
CLASS Advisory Council Meeting
June 15
CLASS RFP deadline
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