- ECOT’s proposal to convert to a dropout recovery school has drawn predictable reaction (using words like “maneuver” and “switch”) especially in terms of the differences in accountability frameworks between general ed charters and dropout recoveries. Chad is quoted in this piece arguing that the real issue is sponsor evaluation writ large and the incentives embedded in it. Interesting. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/3/17) Speaking of ECOT, here’s a look inside their expenditures over the last 18 months or so, with legal fees high on the list of spendy items. Chad, for one, is not surprised at this. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/3/17)
- While Fordham, its sponsor, is not mentioned in this piece, feel free nevertheless to enjoy this in-depth look at the expanding awesomeness that is KIPP: Columbus. Their new high school opened this year, promising even more awesomeness to come. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/4/17)
- For the first time this year, schools can opt to add a “State Seal of Biliteracy” to students’ transcripts. That is, students who “demonstrate a high level of proficiency of a foreign language through one of a handful of approved exams, such as advanced placement or International Baccalaureate tests.” Awesomely, this includes native foreign language speakers who earn literacy in English as well as native English speakers who earn literacy in, say, French or Mandarin. Wonder if Latin counts? Aliquam sit amet. (Gongwer Ohio, 9/1/17) Who is going to benefit most from the (hopefully) one-year lowering of state graduation requirements? You know the ones – where kids can get a diploma for showing up at school and holding down a part time job but are not required to actually learn anything. Seems that the answer is – adults looking for work in schools and contractors looking for gigs (META Solutions is still around? Who knew?). At least, that’s what Jeremy Kelley indicates in this piece, noting the recent hiring and contracting sprees in local districts working to help seniors who aren’t on track to graduate to do so by any (of the copious new) means necessary. Maybe even by passing tests—‘cause they can actually still do that—but probably not. (Dayton Daily News, 9/3/17)
- Two school-based health centers in Allen County school buildings shut down due to lack of patient volume. There will be “no disruption in health care” said center operator Mercy Health, which may be true. But I’m assuming it will be catastrophic to academic achievement in these schools. Won’t it? Surely that was the pitch made when bringing them in in the first place. I’d blame Medicaid but my wife won’t let me. (Lima News, 9/5/17)
- On the first day of the school year, editors in Youngstown opined in support of district CEO Krish Mohip and took pains to say that THIS year is really the start of the “Mohip Era” and that NEXT YEAR’s test scores will be the real indicator of how well his efforts at turning around the district have worked. (Youngstown Vindicator, 9/5/17) In other Youngstown news, from the ABJ of all places, volunteers provided free first-day-of-school haircuts for kids, teachers, and even parents. Nice. (Akron Beacon Journal, 9/5/17)
- In other start-of-the-school year news: Lorain City Schools is stressing the importance of attending school (all day, every day) for all its students. Kudos to whoever came up with the pun-tastic name for the effort. (Northern Ohio Morning Journal, 9/5/17) Things were a bit more serious in Columbus. The school year began with a final offer from the school board to the teachers union, whose members are currently without a contract and have been “working to rule” since the start of school. The words “last” and “best” are not used here, but neither are “double”, “dog”, or “dare” and we all still know what it means. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/5/17)
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