- In case you missed it, our own Chad Aldis had an op ed published in the Enquirer late on Wednesday. In it, he talked about the findings of our recent report on education deregulation in Ohio and urged the Buckeye State to “go big” on deregulation to spur innovation, excellence. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 6/17/15)
- Some folks were caught a bit flat-footed by the PD piece earlier in the week which asked some tough questions about the state’s new-ish charter sponsor rating system. Here is round 2. Chad is quoted extensively here, but his bottom line is clear and concise: "Making sure we have it right is pretty important." Very true. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/17/15)
- But the PD is not done yet. In Cleveland, charter schools can partner with the district and get some perks – including access to local funding – but only if those schools are “high quality”. The PD asserts that the district’s criteria for high quality are more rigorous than the state’s. Probably a different way of looking at it (school vs. sponsor), but interesting nonetheless. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/18/15)
- Pretty big bombshell late yesterday – state Board of Ed member Robert Hagan announced his resignation, effective July 1, after just six months on the job. The Big D was first to report, and all they say is that he’s leaving his latest elective post for an “out-of-state” job, but that’s the only information available. Wonder if his new boss’ name could rhyme with Red Rickland? (Columbus Dispatch, 6/18/15).
- The interim superintendent for Youngstown City Schools has been named. Nope. Not Bob Hagan. It is Stephen Stohla – former supe in a couple of districts, masters degree from UD, and (interestingly) formerly NE Ohio regional VP at Mosaica Education Inc. and a “coach” of Y’town principals with Mosaica Turnaround Partners. Here is a brief interview with him where he talks about what he’d like to accomplish in his projected six-month stint. (Youngstown Vindicator, 6/19/15)
- Finally, here is a fascinating first look at Ohio’s latest teacher evaluation results. About 90 of teachers rated in the top two categories, but the percentage of teachers (and principals) in the lowest two categories was notably higher in urban districts, districts with higher poverty levels, and in charter schools. More analysis to come on this, I hope. (Columbus Dispatch, 6/18/15)
