THE ISSUE: A new way of evaluating schools.
OUR VIEW: Such an approach will be good for schools and students.
Gov. Mitch Daniels last week embraced the possibility of education reform that focuses on student achievement rather than forcing every student to meet a single standard.
That’s great news.
Local school administrators have been saying for some time that the current system fails to measure up to the federal goal of leaving no child behind. Instead, by focusing strictly on how many students pass the standardized test and how many fail, the current ratings encourage school corporations to focus primarily on those students just on the edge of passing the last round of tests.
The new approach would require schools to focus on every student. Schools would be rewarded for students who did better on the test, even if they fell short of passing. They would not be rewarded when students performed worse, even if they passed.
This approach makes sense, allowing schools to focus on encouraging every student to perform to the best of his or her ability.
This would eliminate the problem local schools encounter in teaching students with special needs. Those students now have their test performance judged using the same standards used for every other student.
The new approach will open up whole new horizons for Indiana schools. It will allow them to be judged based on what they’re supposed to be doing. Teaching.
They won’t be focused on just a few students at risk of failure. They’ll be focused on helping each and every child to achieve his or her potential.
Every child will have a chance at success. And what could be better than that?
Opinion
A needed change in school ratings
- Opinion
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Forever thankful
Monday is Memorial Day, a national holiday to remember those who have died while serving our country.
Memorial Day officially
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Cheers and Jeers - Saturday, May 26, 2012
Thanks for your kindness
Terry Siegrist, a paralegal in Salina, Kan., sends this Cheer:
“The family of the late Esther Sprinkle wishes to send our heartfelt thanks to all who gave so generously of their kindness and sympathy in the death of our beloved mother and grandmother. We especially want to thank those who visited us at the funeral home and sent flowers, cards, memorials or food.
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USPS scales back plans
The issue: Postal Service plans to keep smaller post offices open.
Our view: Agency deserves credit for listening to the concerns of customers.
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Sign change is overdue
A colleague of ours years ago said Indiana lawmakers should change the state motto to “We’ll Get Around to It.” His observation is both funny and sad.
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Tips on flag etiquette
Monday is Memorial Day – set aside to honor those Americans who gave their lives in this nation’s wars. Lots of folks fly the flag every day as a show of patriotism, but what many might not know is that there are specific rules outlined in the U.S. Flag Code concerning its display.
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Cheers & Jeers - Saturday, May 19, 2012
Carriers collect 19 tons of food
Brian S. Kidwell of Branch 533 of the letter carriers union sends this Cheer:
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Walk a lap, fight cancer
Before you read any farther, stop for a second and think about what this one word means to you: cancer.
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Program eyes troubled kids
If you know a teenager who has gotten off track, Elissa Andersen might be just the person to call.
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Editorial - May 15, 2012: Hard work still pays
The issue: The Class of 2012.
Our view: Congratulations on your achievement, graduating high school seniors, and remember to thank those who helped you along the way to success.
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de la Bastide: Indiana, the nation lose true statesman
During his 36 years in the U.S. Senate, Richard Lugar was noted for his ability to compro-mise when it came to legislation impacting the nation, and as a statesman when it came to foreign policy issues.
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Forever thankful




