See: The Most Interesting School District in America?
In a DPO column today, Mike Rosen cited a number of beneficial reforms the conservative Douglas County School board implemented:
- [T]rue merit pay based on individual performance, not seniority and post-graduate college credits of dubious value
- Poorly performing teachers can be dismissed; talented teachers can be rewarded
- Teachers with specialties in high demand and short supply can be paid premiums
- Rigorous instruction in basic academics is emphasized instead of touchy-feely social engineering
- A pilot program for true parental choice was crafted
Apparently these reforms have led to a waiting list of teachers wanting to work in Douglas County.
What are Elbert County school boards doing along these lines to imitate Douglas County’s success?
9-29-13 Two candidates respond to Aaron Brachfeld on the issues:
Doctor Amilda Heckman: If a School Board could actually institute such changes, it would be wonderful. I certainly agree with all of the recommendations. I am not sure what “parental choice” is so cannot speak to that. We have to start with our teachers if we hope to improve our educational system.Chris Richardson: As always, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your readers’ questions. Mike Rosen’s opinion piece does raise some interesting points and is worthy of further study. A review of performance scores published by the Colorado Department of Education indicates that Douglas County schools are performing well above state average. Obviously, their School Board has determined that the reforms highlighted in your reader’s question are the best solutions to address the issues that their district faces. Whether these specific reforms should be applied in the Elizabeth C-1 school district requires analysis. What is applicable in our district is the process by which these reforms were accomplished. Several articles, including one published last week in National Review Online – The Most Interesting School District in America?, provide more detail. The community elected a reform minded board that set very high goals. They then set about a coordinated process that identified obstacles to reaching those goals and worked transparently to develop ways to overcome them. Though not everyone affected is happy with these specific reforms, the results in terms of student proficiency are positive. Douglas County stands as an example of what can be accomplished when a district exercises local control of education. Though there are federal and state standards and regulatory requirements that must be met, educational goals, methods, and processes remain a local responsibility. Each district’s educational goals should be met by enacting policies that address the unique needs of its community and students.