Educators Look Forward to Obama Administration
K-12 Educators Hope for Sweeping Reforms of NCLB
By Jennifer Roland
Like many Americans, educators are interested to see what changes Barack Obama's administration will bring. And they have ideas that can guide education policy.
No Child Left Behind, the 2001 incarnation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, has shown some successes in improving reading scores in low-achieving schools.
However, its narrow focus on standardized reading and math tests makes teachers feel they cannot educate children – they must follow district-mandated curriculum that focuses solely on those tests. According to the 2007 Center for Education Policy report Choices, Changes, and Challenges: Curriculum and Instruction in the NCLB Era, 36% of schools have cut time spent on social studies and 28% have cut time spent on science. And NCLB’s poorly funded mandates have made many states and localities angry as they fill in the funding shortfalls or see school after school in their area fail adequate yearly progress.
What do educators think the Obama administration can do to fix our education system? They have a few tips, mainly related to NCLB reforms.
Federal Funding
Federal mandates should include funding. The federal government provides only nine cents of every dollar spent under NCLB, and the law has been underfunded by $71 billion since its inception. "If a mandate is handed down for K-12 education, it is important to make sure it is funded adequately so public schools can meet the expectations," said Brenda Rantz, director of finance, Nixa Public Schools in Nixa, MO.
Authentic Assessment
Progress should be measured in a more holistic manner. Reading and math are important, but they are not the only important subjects. And high-stakes tests are not the only way to judge a student's progress. In a November 2008 email interview, long-time educator Peter McBride points out that not only are once-a-year objective tests a one-dimensional method of assessment, but also these tests are not proven to be a relevant measure of future success.
Instead, he said, "Teacher observations and work-in-class/homework scores should also be considered. Beginning of the term and end of the term exams to measure progress are essential." In addition, author, speaker, and former teacher Patricia Kokinos calls for "'accountability' models that require kids and teachers to think, write, analyze, research, inquire – called 'authentic assessment' in the trade."
Well-Rounded Course Offerings
Schools should ensure that students spend time learning all academic subjects, as well as physical education and the arts. "The brain develops through play and movement," said fourth-grade language arts teacher Kathy Beleny. "Rushing children into academia hinders brain development," she continued.
Instead of forcing children to take high-stakes tests and learn academic skills at a young age, Beleny wants schools to include physical education and arts classes as well as recess. Studies show that arts instruction and physical activity both increase academic achievement.
Building Consensus
Use electronic tools to elicit advice and ideas from working educators. Setting up a team of renowned experts is but one step to fixing our education system, author and consultant Mark Goulston said.
Goulston wants to see the Obama administration use the Internet to find out "what parents and teachers and students believe children at age should possess to set them up for the best chance for success and happiness." When information is gathered from all stakeholders, the experts in the administration can synthesize it and disseminate it through the same electronic channels. Then, all stakeholders can hold a clear idea of the vision of our education system and how that vision will be implemented.
This clear vision is what has made American businesses successful, said Goulston, and education can benefit from this model for success.
Educators and the new administration are seeking the same goal: a world-class education system that enables all students to achieve to their highest potential both in school and after they graduate. Working educators can provide real-world expertise and insight that will help in the achievement of that goal.