Lots to cover since our last publication date, so let’s get to it.
- In case you missed it last week, the Ohio Department of Education released its first report on charter school sponsors rankings in the state last week, focusing on the two entities that earned “exemplary” ratings. Those were The Ohio Council of Community Schools and the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. Kudos to OCCS and to our Dayton staff for this achievement. We know it is hard but important work they do every day. Coverage of the announcement was perhaps a bit more subdued than you might think – it was covered in a Columbus Dispatch blog on 3/19 and in Gongwer Ohio on 3/20. I wonder if the announcements of lower rankings will get more coverage? NOTE: The Gongwer piece also mentions CREDO’s latest report on charter school performance and includes a quote from our own Aaron Churchill.
- Gongwer also covered education-related testimony on the state budget bill (HB 64) last week. Lots of topics covered, including charter law reform. Chad’s testimony is highlighted, but mostly on topics other than charter law reform. Like I said, lots going on around here these days! (Gongwer Ohio, 3/18/15)
- An in-depth story on charter law reform efforts afoot in the legislature – including quotes from Chad and a recognition of DECA and DECA Prep in Dayton as the awesome schools that they are. (Dayton Daily News, 3/22/15)
- On to other topics. Former Ohio Governor Bob Taft opined on the vital importance of career tech education in the state. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/22/15)
- A technique called Kagan Learning – encouraging students to learn by mingling with each other and playing interactive games – has been such a success in the elementary grades in Fairfield City Schools that it is being expanded to middle school. Nearby Middletown is starting to use it as well. How do they know it’s been a success? Better test scores of course. (Middletown Journal News, 3/23/15)
- Fascinating story that looks at the differences in recommendations between Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman’s Education Commission report from 2013 and those of the Columbus City School Board’s “listening tour” just recently completed. The differences are pretty stark and should spark some conversation about what the district’s plans really are going forward. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/23/15)
