- The inimitable Marguerite Roza has been taking a look at dual enrollment programs across the country, including College Credit Plus here in Ohio. She found that CCP ends up costing the state “over twice as much for a high schooler to take a class at a community college…than for a student to simply complete high school and take the same class after graduation via direct enrollment in that same community college.” Essentially, the state is double paying for that student’s education at one time. And since books and materials are also covered, Ohio’s expenditures are the highest of those reviewed. So, while CCP is a bargain for families – which is, arguably, the point – and while it might encourage college completion with lower student debt loads, it cannot be touted as a budget saver for the state. Which I think some folks already knew, but it’s nice to have a chart to fall back on. (Brookings Brown Center Chalkboard, 11/30/17)
- As alluded to on Wednesday, attorneys for Dayton supe Rhonda Corr held a press conference to spell out their response to the board’s complaints against her. They are less than impressed by the list. (Dayton Daily News, 11/29/17)
- Speaking of press conferences, Cleveland Cavalier LeBron James was interviewed by sports reporters while in Atlanta for a game against the Hawks earlier this week, and the talk was all about his new I Promise School in Akron. Among his many comments about how awesome the school will be, James said, “We're gonna give them everything that they need and give them a criteria that they all can meet, depending on the individual.” I am hopeful that he’s talking about individual needs, not individual criteria. ‘Cause that would be bad. Note to my boss: I am spending way too much time on the sports pages these days. Someone make it stop. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 11/30/17)
- It seems that Superintendent Jeff Graham is following his communications chief out the door in Lorain. (Northern Ohio Morning Journal, 11/30/17) Graham’s departure was actually announced by district CEO David Hardy and there seemed to have been some initial confusion about the whole departure thing going by both the MJ and Chronicle stories. But now it sounds like it’s going to stick. An interim supe will be chosen eventually. (Elyria Chronicle, 11/30/17) Meanwhile Lorain’s Academic Distress Commission voted unanimously this week to approve Hardy’s Lorain Promise plan. Interesting to note: over 310 people have apparently already applied for the seven “chief” positions called for in the plan, even though the plan was only approved on the 29th. Now that’s confidence. (Northern Ohio Morning Journal, 11/30/17)
- In other ADC news, Youngstown Schools CEO Krish Mohip said earlier this week that he was rethinking his new teacher evaluation plan after it was learned that 56 percent of district teachers didn’t love the “shared attribution” aspect of said plan. I have to say I’m surprised…that it was only 56 percent. (Youngstown Vindicator, 11/29/17) My longest-standing Gadfly Bites subscribers will no doubt recall that the dreaded phrase “intestinal fortitude” has special meaning in Youngstown. It encapsulates the very special rigors of working in rough and tumble Y’town, the place once called “Crimetown, USA” by The New Republic. And that is especially true for folks perceived as carpetbaggers from, say, one of the large cities in Illinois. (Youngstown Vindicator, 12/1/17)
- We will end today with some good news out of Youngstown. The Rich Center for Autism is on the grow and hopes to double its enrollment once their renovation and expansion are completed. Why yes, they do accept students on the Ohio Autism Scholarship Program. Why do you ask? (WKBN-TV, Youngstown, 11/30/17)
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