Hi!
Ron Nuebel has asked that I come and talk about school board policy issues, and I have agreed to be there on May 12. I suggested that I use this blog as a way to outline those policy issues I believe we are dealing with right now, particularly ones that impact your lives. In each case I have designed one discussion question that I hope can keep us engaged on that day.
1. THE ISSUE OF CURRICULUM RIGOR
I can just hear you say, “Oh, give me a break. I’m a senior. I’m not interested in anything more rigorous than getting out of here.” But are you aware that Governor Pawlenty and a sizable number of other legislative leaders are saying you haven’t had enough hard challenges? Are you aware that many people believe that we are losing out to other countries in a big enough way so that your children will have menial jobs while the high paying jobs go to where the brains are in India and China? are you aware that one-third of all Minnesota college kids are in need of remedial classes — classes they must pay for but for which they recieve no credit? Are you aware that these same leaders are asking for the following curriculum increases:
* All kids taking Algebra I by the end of 8th Grade
* All kids taking Algebra II before graduation
* More emphasis on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) discliplines
* All kids taking chemistry before graduation
* Rewards for kids, schools and teachers who undertake more Advanced Placement classes or International Baccalaureate Programs (there will even be a grant program announced soon that will reward whole schools for doing nothing but Advance Placement.
SO HERE IS MY QUESTION FOR YOU:
HAS YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE BEEN RIGOROUS ENOUGH FOR YOU TO AVOID REMEDIAL COLLEGE CLASSES OR TO AVOID A DEAD END JOB?
2. THE ISSUE OF OPTIONS FOR FAMILIES AND STUDENTS:
Have you benefitted from some of the many ways that policy options have been created for you? Have you open enrolled in this school? Have you participated in Post Secondary Education Options (PSE0)? What about College in the Schools? Have you considered attending or attended a charter school? In all of these options, Minnesota policy makers have been leading the way. They believe that families should be making more choices so that students can have a better experience that is suited to the student. Many people say that these options simply drain valuable resources away from the regular schools while opening up confusion for parents.
SO HERE IS MY QUESTION FOR YOU:
SHOULD WE TRY TO INFLUENCE POLICY MAKERS TO REDUCE OR REMOVE SOME OF THESE “OPTIONS” POLICIES? ARE THE INCREASED OPTIONS HELPING YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS OR ARE THEY MAKING THINGS WORSE?
3. THE ISSUE OF FUNDING RESPONSIBILITY:
Are you aware that the State of Minnesota has promised to provide funding equity by providing 85% of school funding? That leaves local levies and other sources, including money from Washington, to make up the difference. One of the problems is that the portion the State promised has not continued to be funded at the rate promised. And, the Federal laws (Special Education and No Child Left Behind among others) are mandates but are very much underfunded.
Look at this link and study the information. It will help you understand why we have had to cut budgets here in Northfield the last two years. (In fairness, I want to point out that prudent spending was not exercied by the district between 2000 and 2003. Generous budget reserves were depleted until there was nothing left, which is something like you spending every last penny you have in savings when you know you are going to college soon! )http://parentsunited.org/SchoolFunding
SO HERE IS MY QUESTION FOR YOU:
DO YOU BELIEVE THE STATE OR fEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT THEY MANDATE? AND, DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARD LESS LOCAL CONTROL?
I’m looking forward to talking about these things
