- There is a new voucher bill on the horizon here in Ohio, looking to make some radical changes – some might say improvements – to the existing programs. First up with coverage was Patrick O’Donnell. In his initial summary of the impending proposal, he seems to focus on who might stand to benefit from the changes. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/17/17) In his second look, Patrick focuses more on proposed structural changes. Specifically, a provision that would allow families to save any of their unused K-12 voucher funds for college expenses. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/20/17) The view from Columbus was published yesterday. Although not written by a Dispatch staffer, it has more than a whiff of the typical skepticism. (Columbus Dispatch, 2/21/17) The view from the Statehouse was also published yesterday. In true Gongwer fashion, the reportage is calm and to-the-point. In fact, it is the only piece published thus far that uses the term “needs-based scholarship” (i.e. – what the new proposal mainly is). (Gongwer Ohio, 2/21/17)
- Meanwhile, as Ohio’s new graduation requirements inch ever closer to reality – study group recommendations notwithstanding – the state is gearing up to require (and to offer for free) ACT or SAT testing of all high school juniors currently expected to graduate in 2018. That will happen this spring – study group recommendations and parental concerns about migraines notwithstanding. (Dayton Daily News, 2/21/17).
- Late on Friday, a court in Columbus denied an appeal from the Youngstown School Board (and others) to put the so-called “Youngstown Plan” on hold. That’s one down, one to go as the court case on the constitutionality of HB 70 – the bill which created the CEO-style Academic Distress Commissions – is still pending on a court docket somewhere. (Youngstown Vindicator, 2/18/17) Meanwhile, Youngstown’s new-ish CIO is among the nominees for what I understand is a prestigious national award called “Illuminator of the Year”. In his previous position as executive director of the Area Cooperative Computerized Educational Service System, the CIO was apparently a wiz with a software product called Illuminate which collects and analyzes data in order to improve student learning, parent engagement and educator success. I would say that he’s taken a step down in the acronym department, however, seeing as how Y’town’s data initiative is called B.A.G. – a far cry from ACCESS. (Youngstown Vindicator, 2/19/17) Probably not coincidentally, editors in Youngstown opined the same day upon the cost and quality of the district CEO’s recent executive hires – the CIO included. Editorial on said big-dollar hires. (Youngstown Vindicator, 2/19/17) Just to keep things as real as possible here, take a look at this profile of one student’s journey to academic improvement in Rayen Early College Middle School in Youngstown (acronym: RECMS). I myself am left with a couple of questions, but overall it’s a good story of the importance that educators’ expectations of young people play in academic outcomes. (Youngstown Vindicator, 2/17/17).
- When is a school closure not a school closure? When a turnaround isn’t a turnaround and said schools are “phased out” instead. It’s happening in the CLE as 8 of 13 low-performing schools are being phased out because new and better options have been phased in instead. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 2/21/17)
