- Two separate stories; a similar theme. That theme is the correlation between test scores and race/income as reflected in state report card data. First up, Aaron is quoted on that topic in the Dispatch. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/24/17) Next up, Chad is quoted on that topic at length on statewide public television. (State of Ohio, via Ideastream Public Media, 9/22/17) Well, now that we’re all agreed (thanks to the data that we have at hand), on with the solutions, right?
- We interrupt your regularly-scheduled report card data update to bring you this “news”: the Ohio Department of Education isn’t currently planning to change its process for verifying students’ “at-risk” status despite the fact that ECOT will soon be entering into said process. Chad is on hand to suggest that if this is a problem for folks (well duh), the legislature may want to consider inducing a change. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/23/17)
- Returning to report card-related pieces, editors in Youngstown this weekend opined upon the district’s still-dismal report card and how that may affect their support for the CEO. Ouch. (Youngstown Vindicator, 9/24/17) You will note that despite their angst (perhaps understandable given that the CEO’s “latitude” will grow with each year of continued poor performance in the district), the Vindy editors do not reject the report card data. What would such a rejection look like? I’m glad you asked. Despite a pretty darn good overall report card for his district, Olmsted Falls’ supe today completely rejected the state’s entire report card structure over a handful of less-than-sterling indicators for his district. He promises to create his own “report card” forthwith to “accurately” describe the place. Because those aforementioned indicators aren’t true? Or are just problematic? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/25/17)
- Menlo Park Academy, Ohio’s only charter school for gifted students, began the school year in its new location – a renovation of an old factory on Cleveland’s West Side. Here’s a quick overview of the project along with some very colorful photographs. Looks like a great new space for a great school. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/22/17)
- Following up from last week’s Dads Walk their Kids to School Day, guest columnist Allen Smith (director of operations for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland) opines on the importance of men fully embracing fatherhood and all that it requires of them. Couldn’t agree more myself. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/24/17)
- A sad situation in Akron as a private school serving mostly students with disabilities suddenly curtailed services last week with little notice. At issue appears to be a cash flow problem stemming from a change in the payment process for students on the state’s Autism Scholarship Program. Hopefully this can be resolved quickly in the best interests of students and families. (Akron Beacon Journal, 9/24/17)
- The divisive teachers strike in Louisville, Ohio, may have ended 10 months ago, but as my dedicated Gadfly Bites subscribers will know, the repercussions have continued due to accusations of data tampering against 10 striking teachers and the ongoing tussles between the teachers and the district over those accusations. Two settlements approved last week may, however, be the beginning of the end. In one, the last of the accused teachers still technically on staff in Louisville agreed to leave and to pursue no litigation on the matter in exchange for a sick time payout and a reciprocal agreement of no litigation on the district’s side. In the second, the state teachers union agreed to pay Louisville $75,000 for no explained reason and both sides agreed to that “no litigation” thing. I’ll let you read the piece to learn why the state teachers union is involved in this. I’ll just say kudos to the Rep for getting the details and ask if someone could please call up Mike Antonucci. I think he’d be interested in this. (Canton Repository, 9/22/17)
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