- Chad and Fordham are namechecked in an editorial from Cleveland, opining on the status of CMSD’s academic and organizational improvement efforts and what is still to be done. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
- There is mention in that PD editorial of the district’s third grade reading results this year. Editors there, and in Columbus as well, raise concerns over the use of alternative tests to potentially boost passing rates. Honestly, it’s the editor’s final thought that resonates most with me: “Those strenuous efforts should be the new normal.” It’s more about the work ahead of those tests than the tests themselves. (Columbus Dispatch)
- We told you a couple of months ago about a plan to outsource the placement of substitute teachers as needed this year in Dayton City Schools. Perhaps it was just a negotiating tactic – who knows anymore? – but that plan has been shelved in favor of retaining the services of local union substitutes. There are some caveats, some strict new service goals that must be met, and dental insurance is out the window, but I’m sure everyone is happy with the situation. Hmmm…. Where’s the emoticon for “dripping sarcasm”? (Dayton Daily News)
- Back in November during our first round of Common Core repeal hearings in Ohio, it was stated in testimony by CCSS opponents that “no one knows who their state school board member is”, despite the fact that every region of the state has to vote on one every four years. I think the level of recognition is going to be higher for a while, thanks to the issue of Common Core, and thanks to out-of-staters like Kentucky’s Rand Paul, who has made an endorsement for the Southwest Ohio region candidate who opposes Common Core. I’m sure the senator gave it lots of thought and thorough vetting before deciding. Where IS that emoticon? (Cincinnati Enquirer)
- Speaking of cross-border issues in Southwest Ohio, teachers in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky sat down for a TV interview on their preparedness for Common Core and, especially, for the testing that goes along with it. Inspiring, really. (WCPO-TV, Cincinnati)
- Why yes, there IS a governor’s race going on in Ohio. Why do you ask? Democratic challenger Ed FitzGerald tried to make the current Common Core repeal bill part of his campaign during a stop yesterday – in front of 25 people, in a ghost house – but admitted that he hasn’t finished reviewing the bill himself. (Columbus Dispatch)
- Staying with the theme of politics for a moment. Editors in Akron opined on this week’s Common Core repeal hearings and pronounced them: “loose, hurried and political” in nature. (Akron Beacon Journal)
- I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Ohio should forget about Common Core for a minute and instead insist on high standards for photocopiers in schools immediately. Last month, a “difficult to use” copier led to a journalistic and community freak out over their superintendent’s performance review. Now, it’s a copier that just can’t handle the load of freebie curriculum materials being hurriedly printed in Carrollton Schools. That has led to finger pointing at the board, a condemnation of the standards, and a request for tens of thousands of dollars of equipment and connectivity improvements. All for want of a decent high-capacity copier. What is the world coming to? (Carrollton Free Press Standard)
