State schools superintendent Tony Bennett offered Indiana nothing new in his first state of education speech.
The essence: Do more with less.
But the message was a fitting reminder for the start of the 2010-11 school year. By the time the Indiana Legislature meets in January, he can look at Hoosier taxpayers and say, “I told you so.”
The bottom line of education, he noted, “We have to do what’s right for kids.”
Transferring to more successful schools is clearly right for kids in Bennett’s opinion. He praised school districts that work together to consolidate programs and purchasing procedures as well as those saving costs by outsourcing custodial services. And he acknowledged teachers who give up pay raises and benefits to keep their jobs.
Bennett also wants to start grading schools. He claims Hoosiers don’t understand what such current ratings as “exemplary” or “commendable” school mean to them.
His speech overall, aimed to hold districts accountable for improving test scores, decreasing achievement gaps and evaluating teachers, among other topics.
There will be controversy over a yet-to-be-seen teacher evaluation formula. Currently, school leaders go into classrooms to evaluate a teacher based on that school’s or that district’s criteria in meeting state standards. If Bennett can find an equitable review system, more power to him, but that system must properly reward successful teachers, even if that means pay raises.
In his speech, Bennett seemed less irritated with the Indiana State Teachers Association, pushing its disagreements aside. His speech, in turn, struck a positive note.
Overall, Bennett deserves a solid B. His tenor for education reform was strong; his approach was energetic. But the specifics of his plans await presentation to the Legislature where funding will collide with reform. This is no time to accept the status quo and the Indiana General Assembly must get on board early to help our students succeed.
In Summary:
- State schools superintendent Tony Bennett presented a positive spin on education reform but his plans have yet to face legislative review.
