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E-mail Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2008 > July > 29 > Entry
Strickland: Give me feed back on education reform ideas
(Gov. Ted Strickland at Tuesday’s event in Dayton)
Gov. Ted Strickland outlined 10 ideas for education reform — some of them controversial — in the latest in a series of forums seeking feedback as he builds a wider plan to overhaul the state’s education system.
Strickland has promised a plan by next March and said Tuesday there would be follow up meetings to talk specifically about school funding. This time, he laid out what he called his “mission and principles” and asked for feedback.
“Every parent, student, teacher, educator, business person and taxpayer — every Ohioan — has something important at stake when we discuss education,” Strickland told a room of more than 100 people at the Dayton Convention Center. “We want to hear their voices and your voices as as we seek to improve our system of education. It cannot be changed overnight.”
In his opening remarks, Strickland touted the same guiding principals he laid out in his February State of the State address — stronger public schools, better links between schools and economic needs, building on existing strengths, using top teachers to guide the process, more personalized instruction and improved assessments.
He went on to list reform ideas, ranging from longer school days and more hands-on learning to tougher teacher training programs and giving more power to principals.
During the question period, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Walter E. Rice asked Strickland about charter schools.
“Distrust and antipathy between traditional schools and charters is mostly over competing for a share of finite funding,” Rice said. I would hope you would preside over a small summit to try to get the groups on the same page around reform.”
Strickland agreed but stopped short of committing to the summit.
“If we have the same goals it would be possible to find a significant measure of common ground.”
Bryant Scott, a student at Belmont High School, cited the city schools recent decision to drop high school busing as a concern.
“With longer school days our dropout rate is going to be higgher because we have no more transportation to get to school,” Scott said.
Strickland responded by highlighting a program he launched to try to raise the graduation rate of black high school students.
“We are very concerned about those who drop out of school,” he said.
Here are the reform ideas he mentioned:
—Interdisciplinary teaching. The idea would be to teach students several subjects as part of each assignment or task.
—Hands-on learning. Rather than require memorization, student would need to apply lessons for several disciplines in their work.
—Longer school days. Strickland raised the idea of 200 school days a year rather than 182, with classes continuing through the summer and later in the day.
—Use different tests. The PISA international test uses more open ended questions and requires more analysis than the Ohio Graduation Test.
—A focus on major skills. There are key “life learning” skills that are wrapped around all subjects and themes, Strickland said.
—Redefining teacher training. A system more like medical school, with an internship after classes but before moving to a full-time job, could be a benefit, he said.
—Tie “value-added’ tests to teach compensation and tenure. Value-added test compare where student score at the start and end of the school year.
—Give principals more authority. Principals could be given control over budgeting and other key decisions.
—Performance agreements. Schools that met their goals could get more funding while those who do not could face quicker state takeover.
—A focus on collaboration. Using academic and social skills together is what employers want students to be able to do, Strickland said.
This was the fourth of 12 forums Strickland is holding around Ohio. For more information, go to a Web site he set up for this issue at conversationoneducation.org.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Schools and Politics
Comments
By Drewk
April 3, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this
Why cant we pay teachers per child they educate. Develop A national test. New small netbook instead of books Open market develop interactive software and sell it to teachers. The best programs will be bought by more teachers. Children look at school like a social event. Allow the children to educate themselves with the interactive software and test out of many classes.
By joe mamma
August 1, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
-We need to quit thinking that education exists to provide individuals with customized services; it exists to serve the needs of the general public.- Karl Marx couldn’t have put it more succintly.
By Dan Kennedy
August 1, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Scott, Have you leaned of any districts that have dispensed with athletics in order to focus solely on academics? Did academics improve?
By Oldprof
August 1, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
I’m not able to find record of Ohio taking over and directly running any systems. The biggest case, Cleveland, involved the state giving the mayor limited authority over the system. A few minor improvements followed (at the same time, other urban districts in Ohio were improving much faster). Looking nationally, Chicago’s mayor took over the schools and it seems to have been a smashing success; other city/state takeovers look like failures. Without some careful study, there’s no guarantee that a takeover would improve things—and considering that Ohio’s state board of education can’t even do its own job properly, I wouldn’t trust them.
By KT
July 31, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
Teacher, the answer to your question depends on what you mean by improvement. When the state takes over they assume fiscal responsibility. The do not come in and change the staff with the possible exception of the upper administration. Basically, after the state took over Cleveland City Schools and realized that they had bit off more than they could chew they were not so eager to continue this practice! Until certain segments of society step up to the plate, parent their own children and make education a priority there will be no significant changes or improvements in public education. How could there be?
By Laura
July 31, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Mary, you obviously don’t get what I’m saying. The Govenor wants more “personalized” education. A large percentage of Americans do not want to spend anymore (and preferably less) of their money on education. There are constant complaints about the lack of self-discipline or interest in receiving an education by students. Although my comment was somewhat sarcastic, I really do wonder if that is what many Americans would rather see. By “cream of the crop”, I mean just what some other countries do: pick their brightest, most capable, most likely to succeed students to go on to higher education and the rest are tracked into a trade. To expect public schools to provide an individually designed education for every student is ecpecting a public school to provide a private school education- without the funding. NO where in the recommendations do I see how the schools are supposed to pay for the personally designed program of study, extra school days, longer school days (which is ridiculous for young children- most can barely handle what they have now), and the “internship” he suggests. Just who is going to pay for a teacher to do an internship? Many colleges have already increased their courseloads so that it takes nearly 5 years to complete an education degree and now we are going to add additional time as an intern?? AT some point, the fact that students and their parents have to become more responsible and quit blaming it all on the schools and teachers. AS to what I want for my child regarding sports- I only want what students in other districts have. If everyone was on a level “playing” field, whether that was no extracurricular sports or a deluxe arena, I would be fine with it. I just don’t think my child should have less of an opportunity in ANY area, just because some people ( in my community it’s the senior citizens) don’t value the youth of their community.
By Teacher
July 31, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Question? What has happened to the districts that the state has taken over? Is there improvement?
By Mary
July 31, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
With all due respect, Laura, as long as schools are sucking up to booster clubs, forking out millions of dollars to provide recreation for 80 or so young men out of thousands of students on a football field, 15 or so young men and women on the basketball courts out of thousands of students, etc. and forking out thousands of dollars for their personalized coaches, trainers, and transportation, why are you lecturing us on individually designed education for the masses and who is really the cream of the crop. As I recall, you (like many parents employed inside and outside the schools) expect those individually designed recreational services for your child, but the rest of us are supposed to hold back asking for appropriate educational services.
By Oldprof
July 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Mary, I’m noting that public education seems to have worked in my case. But you’re not reading clearly. Students getting different instructional programs based on abilities and interests—as Laura suggests—is not the same as the current school “choice” boondoggle in which parents, motivated by aspects other than program or education quality, can require the public to bus their children to faraway duplicitous charter schools. And individualized programs are fine, but in elementary and much of secondary school all the students need to be learning the same content and skills; there’s no wisdom whatsoever in trying to train a 9-year-old for a trade.
By Davidss2
July 31, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
Yes, we traded in a convicted criminal education governonr Taft and his band of merry bandits robbing the peasants to do their will with the money they steal by forming charter schools and giving money to any and everything to buy political votes. Now we have the village idiot using the Democrat technique of pretending to represent the people by townhalls, committees, etc. He needs to just close the charter schools, tighten on the parochial schools access to state money, and start improving education. BTW that does not mean giving lots of extra funding to the large city schools like they got in the 80s and 90s compared to the other school districts. If they can’t operate a school, let the state take them over, actually close down athletics and that bottomless pit that sucks money from everywhere else in the district to the detriment of important education.
By Laura
July 30, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
With all the complaining about wanting each student to receive an individually designed education (not possible in our current form of education education of the masses), others complaining that too much money is spent and others complaining that too many students don’t care (which is true) perhaps what is truly wanted by many, but not honestly expressed, is for the U.S. to have a complete overhaul of public education and do as many foreign countries do. Students are tested and then placed in a track based on their scores. Then we would only educate those who are the “cream of the crop” and wouldn’t be “wasting” our money on those who don’t have the ability or desire to further their education beyond the bare minimum.
By aguyindayton
July 30, 2008 7:51 PM | Link to this
School choice, general education or vocational education; that is a choice. School should be a microcosm of society and students learn to adapt. Some schools have intervention counselors, drug counselors, therapists, special schools for those that can’t adapt (School of Possibilities in Centerville). There are seven locations in Montgomery County that offer GED classes including a location or two at the Dayton Job Corp. That is a wonderful place to visit if one doubts the value of an education. Aren�t we tax payers paying for those facilities? Seems that the purpose of the �free education� opportunity offered to our students is to teach them to adapt to real world conditions and to prepare themselves to compete in a global market. Guess that market will contain a lot of applicants that have already developed a work ethic before being RIF�ed from GM or the Wilmington Air Park. How do we get the students (some students) to understand that they are preparing themselves for a true battle to secure and maintain a good job?
By Basil
July 30, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
Stricklands public relations stunt is worse than when Hillary did a “listening tour” to decide if she should run for the United States Senate. The “by invitation only” forums are foolish. Strickland ran for Governor, and he won easily with the help of the OEA and the OFT. Strickland needs to get off his a**e and do the job he was elected to do instead of doing an old fashioned two step all aroung the state pretending to listen.
By Mary
July 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
oldprof, one could also say “Public education is a fable; it doesn’t work.” Also, until education is customized to individuals, the public interest will not be served. For example, the concept that all students should be going to college to learn a good or worthwhile skill or career is one of the bogus concepts. Society needs builders, plumbers, carpenters, electricians and mechanics - many of whom make more money than those with college degrees.
By Oldprof
July 30, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Roger, school choice is a fable; it doesn’t work. We need to quit thinking that education exists to provide individuals with customized services; it exists to serve the needs of the general public. We’re losing taxpayer dollars regularly over the idea that schools should compete like GM vs. Toyota; in fact schools should work like hospitals or the military, reliably addressing the needs of all involved in its mission.
By To Ed
July 30, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
I don’t remember ever reading it was a public forum, just a forum with local citizens. On a note, there were several opportunities for groups to conduct their own meetings with a facilitator and those comments can be put through on the website here: http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/programs/questions107678.cfm?programid=107678&sitedisplaymode=2
By davidss2
July 30, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
For Roger, your triple is not parallel (lacks a verb to parallel spurs and increases). The phrase would be better written as then can hold. The comma after expectations is not needed; it would be better to have put it after the word outcomes. Sidenote: do not throw stones at other posters.
By lou
July 30, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Real education reform will occur when we break the government school monopoly, but since Strickland needs the NEA teachers union to fund his next election we won’t get true reform.I’m tired of hearing the the only fix for education is to keep throwing even more money into government schools.I say give students vochers to attend the schools of their choice the ones that do a great job will prosper the substandard ones will die.I think it’s time to treat education as a business and pay based on results not as a social program were we keep throwing money at the problem and hope for the best.
By null
July 30, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Value-added? We’ve started doing AYP and it’s difficult to get all students to grow due to the fact that you can’t count on their homelife being supportive of their schoollife (helping out with siblings, etc).
By Roger
July 30, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I think all these ideas are just O.K., but shouldn’t be implemented until school choice is allowed. School choice promotes competition between schools who want the students (and the tuition from them), which in turn spurs innovative programs, response to parental demands, and increases student achievement. Parents can then hold schools accountable for their student outcomes and if a school fails to meet expectations, can be closed. A side note: check the spelling throughout your blog post.
By clyde d. jestice
July 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Governor Strickland’s proposal for “A school income tax based soley on “Earned” income ? This was supposed to greatly effect the retired, fixed’income citizens that are on soc.sec & limited interest income.
By April
July 30, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
The attendance is invitation only. From the site hosting the forum, “We are working with local school districts, educators, business leaders, parents, students and others to ensure that a broad crosssection of Ohio citizens interested in education attend.” Due to the small amount of sitting space available, there is no way to be able to make it open for everyone.
By deb
July 30, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Right now, we teach ALL students the same…whether they live in the inner-city, suburbs, or a rural community. Students in each of those areas have different needs and you can’t teach them the same….So what accommodations are going to be created so that all students succeed…..The current system does not allow for that.
By Ed Howard
July 30, 2008 8:19 AM | Link to this
An invitation only event is by definition not a public forum. Instead of graduation statistics, education needs to be the only focus. A person who is well educated from the earliest schooling will not drop out. The graduation rate will dramatically improve when each person understands that they control their own destiny and to be well educated with greatly improve their lives.
By Lollipop10
July 30, 2008 7:26 AM | Link to this
Education is an emotional issue. There isn’t enough money in the world to educate kids who do not go to school. In 2-1/2 yrs. in Ohio I have had 3 levies added to my property taxes. Politicians do not want to improve education…they just want more money…for whatever.
By mike
July 29, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
These sounds just like his campaign promises in 2006. Yawn!!
By School Supporter (Classic)
July 29, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
The best part was the 17 year old who noted that Governor Strickland signed legislation preventing high school students from carpooling other students to high school. Welcome to the world of unintended consequences…
By Gary
July 29, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Did anyone ask this knucklehead why he closed Twin Valley? I noticed that the audience was by invitation only. Could it be he didn’t want to face the music regarding his idiotic decision?
By Mary
July 29, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Was this meeting “by invitation only”? I think I read that it was in the Dayton Daily News. I think that is a mistake. (See Strickland’s statement in your third paragraph, first sentence which seems to contradict a by invitation only meeting.) Was attendance at these meetings in other areas of the state also by invitation only?