The proposals start with a new definition of “basic education,” a definition that encompasses the state’s legal and constitutional obligation to fund kindergarten through 12th grade. The new definition takes a “start with the end goal in mind” approach that links graduation requirements with the program of education necessary for children to have a viable opportunity to meet those requirements, and gain an education that helps them be college or work ready.
The report goes on to recommend that the Legislature move from a finance system based on funding levels to one based on service levels. In other words, instead of deciding to send a district $1 million for class size reduction (a number that doesn’t say much about how many students-per-class that translates to), legislators would decide to fund 25 students per teacher.
The task force further recommends that the Legislature:
- Eliminate increases in teacher pay for obtaining degrees and instead reward teachers for earning certification and demonstrate competence through a new peer evaluation system;
- Create a comprehensive mentoring program for new teachers;
- Provide bonuses to schools that demonstrate growth in academic achievement;
- Address district inequities by eliminating grandfathered salary differences and various levy lids;
- Address the persistent achievement gap by providing resources so disadvantaged children will receive significantly more instructional time to help them catch up;
- Increase accountability by requiring districts to use common accounting and student information systems to be provided by the state; and
- Include early learning for at-risk students in the definition of basic education.
The full report can be found online here. Legislators have also prepared a summary that can be found online here. The Legislature will ultimately have to approve any of the recommended changes.
