At Least They’re Not Messing with the Days on Task

Education funding is always a contentious issue at the Statehouse, but the battle is rising to a new level this time around (as we have heard over and over and over). Past disagreements largely centered on the level of spending increases. With fewer dollars available, it’s a case of where are they going to go — to students or districts.

The budget is filled with education measures beyond the funding fight. One issue thankfully not on the table, at least for now, is minimizing the 180-day school year. Chamber education expert Derek Redelman reported it this way following the end of the regular session.

In recent months, we have heard from a new president, from a new secretary of education, from a film comparing Carmel students to those in India and China (see here) and from multiple other sources that American students spent far too little time in school. So it was a bit shocking to see at least six different bills filed this year that would have allowed Indiana’s school year to be shortened.

The Chamber fought these bills vigourously and most never even got a hearing. The one bill that did get a hearing was talked about by House Education Chairman Greg Porter (D-Indianapolis), who acknowledged that a reduced school year would be most harmful to the low-income students he represents.

Things all changed when Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett announced mid-session that the Indiana Department of Education would enforce current law and would no longer allow schools to count parent-teacher conferences and professional development days as student instructional time. He also announced much less flexibility in the waiver of inclement weather days. It was a decision backed by 20 years of Indiana law and one the Indiana Chamber applauded loudly, but it was also widely criticized by House Democrats, who vowed to block it through legislation. Though Rep. Porter offered the legislation intended to accomplish that goal, it ultimately failed.

Words to Cherish: ‘Aren’t Radical Enough’

In now nearly 11 years at the Indiana Chamber, one of several consistent battles that has taken place on the policy stage is the fight for education reform. A number of other local and state players have come and gone, but the Chamber has been there with research, advocacy, pilot programs and much more.

Many of our board members are passionate about the issue. They rightfully realize that today’s education is critical to assembling tomorrow’s workforce — one that will not only be competitive but hopefully world class.

There have been victories along the way for sure, but also more than a few setbacks. The "let’s not rock the status quo" mentality that we see far too often is frustrating. But for those interested in true reform, it doesn’t stop them from fighting the fight.

This is all a prelude to a noteworthy Fordham Institute analysis about charter schools, vouchers and comments by new Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. The quick take: Duncan isn’t sure vouchers are the answer in D.C. because they "aren’t radical enough."

Wow! Hope is renewed. Read the full story.