Hope for change is evergreen. No matter the past – each year ushers in its own newfound commitment to bettering the world. Our desire to begin again may seem predictable, even a bit banal, but it serves a worthy purpose nonetheless: nascent, unwearied resolutions often galvanize us into meaningful action. Said G.K. Chesterton, “Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.”
As 2008 unfolds, will unprecedented efficacy characterize our education reform efforts? With 64 percent of American voters expressing dissatisfaction with public schools, according to a recent Economist poll, conditions are ripe for reform. Whatever happens, the year ahead is shaping up to be an interesting one. Here’s a round-up of K-12 issues you’ll want to watch in 2008.
Year-round Schools/Student Reassignment
A local issue that’s sure to roar back in 2008 is the feud over year-round schools and student reassignment in Wake County. Last May, Judge Howard Manning Jr. blocked Wake County school officials from forcing students to attend year-round schools without parental consent. The district appealed Manning’s decision; the state Court of Appeals is set to hear oral arguments January 9.
Meanwhile, frustrated parents marched last month to protest Wake’s draft reassignment proposal diverting students from neighborhood schools. WakeCARES, the group that sued over year-round schools, also expressed opposition, saying reassignment is based on a misguided quest for economic diversity. Following more than 1,300 public comments, the proposal is under revision and will go to the Board of Education on January 8; public hearings will follow. Let’s hope school officials get it right and put the needs of students and families first.
Decentralization
A recent Denver Post column by David Harsanyi profiles the growing willingness of lawmakers to challenge teachers’ unions and decentralize education. Peter Groff, a Democrat and the new president of Colorado’s state Senate, is introducing legislation this month to give schools authority over budgets, curriculum, and hiring – a promising step toward local control.
Public schools in New York City are also experimenting with decentralization, says Education Week. School Chancellor Klein wants the principal to be the budgetary and instructional decision-maker – the school “leader,” he says, rather than an “agent of the bureaucracy.” Initiated several months ago, this reform will be closely watched by policymakers in 2008.
School choice
In North Carolina, 2008 may finally be the year of the charter school. Last month, the Blue Ribbon Charter School Commission recommended the state raise the charter school cap. The State Board of Education will decide whether to approve recommendations; the General Assembly (convening May 13) would then need to pass legislation to expand charters. Unlike past attempts, the momentum just might be there this time around.
In Florida, voters may weigh in on two ballot measures affecting the constitutionality of school choice. Former Governor Jeb Bush’s top education aide, Patricia Levesque, a member of the state’s Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, is working to repeal the state’s Blaine Amendment that prohibits state funds from being used by religious institutions; a separate voucher amendment may follow. Levesque needs approval from two-thirds of her fellow commissioners to get amendments on the November ballot; 60 percent of voters would then need to say “yes.”
Nationally, education hasn’t emerged as a predominant theme on the presidential campaign trail – yet. Still, a number of candidates have indicated they favor school choice as a reform measure, according to an Alliance for School Choice survey released last week. Not surprisingly, educational choice and competition are generally supported by Republican presidential candidates; Democrats are focused on early childhood education.
These issues are but a sampling of those sure to define education debates in the coming months; testing reform, merit pay, No Child Left Behind, and state and national elections will undoubtedly leave their mark on 2008 as well.
As the year debuts, though, hopes are high for educational innovation and change. Will a fresh start render us increasingly effective? Stay tuned – the clock has only just begun to tick.