- Here’s an interesting in-the-classroom look at teaching today, addressing issues of new Common Core-influenced standards and less-new 21st Century Learning techniques. Sounds like a lot of great work from teachers here. NOTE: This is the first in a series of stories looking at the reality of new accountability measures for Ohio students and their school districts so I’m sure we’ll feature more of these as the series continues. (Northern Ohio Morning Journal)
- Speaking of the “new era of accountability”, here’s a story from a couple of days ago where one official from a district in Licking County expresses shock and disappointment at his district’s report card and another admits to having “no idea” where “they” got those numbers. Anybody want to buy a house in Pataskala? (Newark Advocate)
- Luckily, officials in Cleveland Metropolitan School District are taking a different approach, taking time to read and understand where “they” (that’s the Ohio Department of Education for our friends in Licking County) came up with the information presented on state report cards (from the data provided by the districts, of course). The district’s official presentation on the data will occur at its annual State of the District event on September 30. The PD itself is also taking its time to digest and understand the data as well. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
- Editors at the Dispatch seem to have made up their mind already on what the report cards mean here in Columbus. They opine today in favor of raised bars, more and better data, and of giving the district time to effect change based on the information available. Nice. (Columbus Dispatch)
- After yesterday’s weepy endorsement of one candidate, I didn’t really want to run another piece on the races for State Board of Ed. But this one got my attention when one of the challengers said, “Hardly anyone knows that there is even an elected state board.” As I’ve noted before, this sentiment is an irksome byproduct of the intense glare of the Common Core spotlight in Ohio. But beyond that, I beg you to read the whole story. All the way. To the end. Seriously. You will be rewarded. (Gongwer Ohio)
- We told you back in February about the bittersweet decision to merge two private schools in rural central Ohio. That merger became a reality at the start of this school year. After a few weeks, how’s it going? Check out this article to find out. (Mansfield News Journal)
