Gadfly Bites 3/4/20 – Voucher Grouchers 13: Expedition

1. As previously threatened, state supe Paolo DeMaria created Ohio’s “working definition for competency” (that’s definitely code for something) by setting the new graduation cut scores of state tests at less than proficient. Several folks who helped come up with Ohio’s new graduation requirements—which necessitated this new cut score—provide comment here, including Ohio Excels’ Lisa Gray and our own Chad Aldis. Both are reasonably measured in their response. (Gongwer Ohio, 3/2/20) Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy has decided to greatly expand its education program. The announcement is worded in typical military fashion, but the message is clear: recruits coming to them out of high school are not as smart as they need to be for the Navy to maintain superiority as compared to other nations. Sir! Just sayin’, Sir! (AP, via Columbus Dispatch, 3/3/20)
    
2. I don’t typically clip letters to the editor, but this one seems pretty interesting given all of the current discussion in Ohio about school quality, report cards, and choice. It is a personal story about one central Ohio family and the efforts they undertook to make sure that their twin daughters got the education they needed. Take a look and see if you agree. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/4/20)
   
   

3. Why is that letter so resonant (in my opinion) with the current zeitgeist in the Buckeye State? First, because it makes clear that even the “best” school districts—with wealthy families and tons of resources—cannot properly serve every single student. I personally believe that the state’s newly-attuned report cards are at last homing in on these previously-invisible disparities and putting them out there for all to see. And they exist even in the bougie ‘burbs. Far from being “flawed” or “broken”, Ohio’s report cards are, I feel, finally shedding light on what parents like the letter writer, wherever they live, already knew from experience. I’m not sure why that’s a bad thing, but some folks really really don’t like the sunshine. (NBC24, Toledo, 3/3/20)
    
4. The second zeitgeist-y resonance for that letter regards school choice. There is a brief description in the letter of the lengths this family went to to find what they needed for their children’s education. Even setting aside the money likely involved, I was struck by the mention of an “educational advocate” who assisted the family in their search. I doubt that any of the voucher grouchers we’ve been listening to on the pages of these clips for the last seven months would begrudge this family any part of their efforts, especially since they appear to have been successful. It is thus disheartening to see that the state is asking the Ohio Supreme Court to dismiss a suit brought by parents and their advocates in response to the delay in EdChoice’s application window. What is it that these families are asking for that the letter writer’s family doesn’t have automatic access to? (Gongwer Ohio, 3/2/20) Meanwhile, those same families have a new ask of the Ohio Supreme Court themselves: an expedited hearing on their suit. Why? Because, despite the message given off by our absent and silent legislature, time is actually a-wastin’ for these families. (Elyria Chronicle, 3/3/20) Meanwhile meanwhile, at least one member of the media is keeping the story alive in his own way, and doing a mitzvah for the grouchers at the same time. For some reason. I eagerly await the follow up story which profiles 10 or so folks (that should be enough to “balance” this piece’s mock surprise tone) who have used a voucher to graduate from various private high schools of their choice and have gone on to awesomeness. But I ain’t holding my breath for it. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/3/20)
   
   

5. In other news, three state legislators have introduced a bill that would require performance audits of the three districts currently operating under the aegis of Academic Distress Commissions. Almost as if they might suspect that those ADCs aren’t going away any time soon. (Elyria Chronicle, 3/3/20) Meanwhile, the ADC in Lorain seems to be dithering about starting the search process for a new, permanent CEO. Almost as if they don’t know whether they’ll need one. Or, indeed, if they want one given how well things seem to be going (for the adults) with the interim CEO these days. (The Morning Journal, 3/3/20)
    
6. Need some more I Promise awesomeness? Check out their latest high profile partnership and wait no longer. Personally, I’m ready for more test score data awesomeness myself. Hope that’s coming soon! (Cleveland.com, 3/2/20)
   
   

7. Finally today, bad news for technophobes. The robots are rolling at Bowling Green State University! And they’re bringing Chickendipity along with them. You will be assimilated (with a Twisted Mac and Cheese Bowl)! Resistance (to the Fried Chicken and Buttermilk Wrap) is futile! (Toledo Blade, 3/3/20)

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