- Chad is quoted in this piece looking at improvements in passage rates on reading tests for third graders in central Ohio school districts. Without exception, fewer third graders are being held back in reading in these districts due to poor scores on tests. Chad warns, however, of the possible downward creep of not only test quality but also scores regarded as passing. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/13/15)
- School funding in Ohio is complex and not well-understood by most folks. The last couple of weeks have seen analyses – along with resultant news coverage – of charter school funding by both opponents and supporters of charter schools. Neither side can agree on which way to look at it. Case in point, this guest commentary from a charter school supporter published this weekend in the Enquirer, from the weekend, responding to an article on the subject published last week. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 9/13/15)
- There’s a state board of education meeting today and tomorrow here in Columbus. Journalists across the state are hoping for some fireworks relating to the rescinded charter school sponsor ratings from earlier this year. They have been prepping this weekend. First up, the PD appears to have been stalking the staff of the Ohio Department of Education. Can’t imagine why the rank and file wouldn’t answer their questions. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 9/12/15)
- Guest commentator Marilou Johanek is also hopeful of a variety of fireworks at the state board meeting, and opined as such over the weekend. Not only on the topic of charter sponsor ratings, but also on PARCC cut scores and the process by which the so-called Youngstown Plan was created. (Toledo Blade, 9/12/15)
- Speaking of Youngstown, a prayer rally was held in that city yesterday. It was linked directly to the impending changes to be wrought by the so-called Youngstown Plan but was intended to focus solely on the success of the children attending school in the district. (Youngstown Vindicator, 9/14/15)
- While reading this story about a new good-behavior reward system ramping up at General Johnnie Wilson Middle School in Lorain this school year, all I could think about was the district’s status in Academic Distress (next stop, “the Lorain Plan”), Wilson Middle School’s long-time voucher eligibility (for poor performance), and what might happen later this year when a kid is called down to the principal’s office expecting a reward and gets the opposite? Call me a curmudgeon if you must. (Northern Ohio Morning Journal, 9/13/15)
