StickWithANose

In 1992, Ohio became the first state to adopt publicly funded private education and currently holds the dubious distinction of having the largest number of charter schools in operation. Therefore, it is notable that Ohio’s Gov. Ted Strickland is now leading the charge to reign in the madness of turning over public education to private entities with little to no oversight. Strickland is currently locked in a battle with the Republican controlled state Senate over a series of proposals offered by the governor that are notable for demonstrating an unprecendented level of sophistication and common sense. Lancaster Eagle Gazaette:

Strickland’s “evidence-based” funding model, which would replace the current system for determining how much state aid local school systems receive. Strickland’s plan would use educational research to determine what a school needs to be successful, determine the cost and fund it.

Lengthening the school year. Democrats want to add 16 days to the academic calendar, phasing them in over time.

High school testing. The Democrats want to eliminate the mandatory Ohio Graduation Test, instead requiring students to take a college-entrance exam such as the ACT, take end-of-course exams, do a community service project, and do a senior exit project.

Democrats want the state to adopt new academic content standards, including so-called “21st century skills” that include critical thinking, problem solving, media literacy and entrepreneurship, for instance. Republicans removed most of those measures and instead want the state school board and others to study the issues further.

Charter schools. Strickland and the House Democrats want to fund charter schools separately from traditional districts, and impose new accountability measures on them. Republicans have largely resisted. Some Republicans want to delay talks on these far-reaching measures until after the immediate financial crisis is settled.

I must admit that I was stunned as I read through these proposals for not only their sophistication but for the degree to which they are “reality-based”. Let us hope that the state that helped to lead us into this mess can lead us out of it.