Newswire – October 16, 2018

TELL THAT TO THE KIDS… who people like “that” above (and below…) probably never talk to; or their families, who are constantly worried and lacking power to make critical decisions and stuck in a school to which they were zoned without a choice regardless of fit. Sadly, evidence of lagging indicators emerges from the nation’s news daily that confirm why this nation needs dramatic transformation of schooling:

New York State Regents (a.k.a. State Board of Ed) are grappling with persistent achievement gaps that Strauss and others think is actually okay. “The needle hasn’t moved for minority children in decades,” NY regent Kathleen Cashin told the Albany Times Union. “We can’t just say ‘Well here we go again.'”

Grade Inflation. Like board members in most states, the NY Regents actually grade our kids on a curve; aka, inflate them, rather than admit the vast majority are failing. According to the NY Post this June reporting on the Regents grading sham, “…students who score just 26 out of 86 points (30 percent) come away with a 65 on the Algebra I test. Graders tack on extra points to produce a minimum passing score.

“Algebra II students also need just 30 percent to reach the minimum, the State Education Department website shows. English Language Arts, 55 percent.

“In fact, Regents scores in every subject are “adjusted” so that all students, except those at the very bottom, pass with at least a Level 3 on the state’s five-level scale, indicating they have “partially met” standards for subject knowledge. A full 70 percent, in effect, are guaranteed to pass.”

But defenders of the status quo would argue that’s a glass half-full, too, no doubt.

POLITICAL MOTIVATION. Many of the candidates for State superintendent, Governor and the like are embracing the union mantra that had teachers walking out of schools advocating for more money, rather than addressing the more comprehensive issue of where and how funds are spent or whether schools are even set up to work for student success!

For example, Florida gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum, a Democrat, says no to all reforms and yes to higher salaries, whereas Connecticut Democrat Ned Lamont, while a fan of more money, is talking a lot about substance like strong apprenticeship programs and tech boot camps for students.  Hawaii Republican Andria Tupola supports both charter schools and more money, just like the Democratic contender in that race. Very few candidates of either party – other than incumbents – seem to be promoting anything truly bold, and like apple pie and lemonade, are embracing only the delicious sounding policies.

IRRESPONSIBLE TAKE II. Speaking of political motivation, a new “report” out by the left leaning Center for American Progress compares the aggregate scores of students in virtual schools in 5 states to traditional school scores, making stunningly irresponsible conclusions about the worth of those schools to the families and students that attend them, without ever seeking information from the target of their investigation, the company K12. Making direct comparisons between virtual schools of choice and brick & mortar schools not only masks individual student progress but casts aspersions on opportunities that can have the effect of limiting options for kids who will be forced to go to schools they once fled.

K12’s Chairman Nate Davis said in a statement: “It is unfortunate that the Center for American Progress (CAP) did not engage with the educators, nonprofit charter board members, providers, or parents of online charter schools for this report. The report does not include significantly more relevant data and school-level information, nor does it examine other important factors including effects of mobility on graduation rates and achievement, in particular for academically at-risk students. At a time when demand for online education continues to rise, CAP chose instead to attack the model rather than understand why parents are choosing online charter schools and how to best address students’ needs.”

It appears that CAP’s political arm, their action fund, is actively creating campaign fodder for candidates running against educational choice. They planned then paused this event, starring Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) who has been against charter schools and all forms of education opportunity since he won his seat.  He and his colleagues, using CAP’s report as its foundation, are demanding the GAO spend money and time investigating virtual schools and companies providing such opportunities to students.

CHARLESTON, SC IS BEING HONEST. Their superintendent recently took the bold step of studying the district’s deficiencies. Breaking inequity by zip code was just one of the conclusions of the report, which focused on how to address deep rooted issues. Whatever they are, they were honest enough to admit that Charleston County School District has some of the state’s very best schools and some of the state’s lowest performing schools literally a few miles apart.  When disconnected researchers – and lawmakers – attempt to squash opportunities for kids based on their own perceptions of what works, they just add to the inequities that exist.

TODAY’S FRAMEWORK NO LONGER SERVES THE NEEDS OF OUR STUDENTS.  This teacher knows schools no longer work for all kids. His recommendations are solid, and there are many additional ways to address the individualized needs of today’s students. But gratefully he (and millions of others) know the current approach is not working for most.

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL.  Come for lunch – or dinner – or both, but the Road to Innovation for ONE America will guide our collective thinking for our students. Join us on October 25-26 to celebrate 25 years and commit to a new transformation of learning for all students.

Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.