School Choice ~ Public Schools Need to Take the Lead
I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to be part of the Ohio Digital Learning Task Force. I am humbled by the appointment to a statewide group with the potential to set a course for transforming education in our great state. The other members of the task force bring diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to our discussion. Our backgrounds aside, I have the utmost respect for all of my fellow task force colleagues. These are incredibly smart, passionate, and successful leaders – I am honored to be part of this team.
At our meeting last Thursday we had a great discussion about the role choice should play in the future of education in Ohio. Sure, our charge is limited to digital education, but the implications that digital instruction brings to the field of education are far reaching. Digital education eliminates the limitations of traditional brick and mortar walls; there are no walls. Digital education can bring choice to any student with an outside connection – and almost everyone is now connected. The explosion of digital charter and community schools in Ohio is evidence in the new choices available to families.
Public schools must make choices available to students and families. Public schools must shift from the traditional school day, with traditional instructional strategies, as the only option for students. It is imperative that every student, especially at the secondary level, has the option to take on-line, blended, and traditional classes. These choices don’t have to be independent from the public schools – they should be provided by the public schools. Choice doesn’t mean students and families should have to search for options. Our schools, regardless of location or funding model, should offer learning opportunities to meet student needs.
Public school leaders must step-up, speak-out, and advocate for what takes place in our classrooms. There are a plethora of blended and digital examples across this great state – we need to celebrate them. Districts are innovating and evolving every day – we need to share as we learn. Innovation involves both success and failure – both are learning opportunities. Those districts with the resources and expertise to be leaders have an obligation to share with other schools – collaboration must be the norm to keep the playing field level. Innovation can’t take place in district “silos.” Innovations must be shared and accessible to all students, regardless of zip code. Our attitude as public school leaders must shift from “don’t change our world” to “bring it on.” We must become the leading voice in educational reform.
Loveland High School provides a myriad of different learning opportunities from students, and we will continue to provide more flexibility, options, and courses for our students. Students shouldn’t be forced to seek alternatives to the traditional offerings – public schools should promote them. When quality choices are available for students, provided by their own schools, the districts are filling that void. Schools may partner with third-party vendors, provide locally created options, and blend a myriad of instructional methods. Each school and district must be held accountable for quality – and that must be done for any course regardless of delivery option. Each and every system should be held to the same high standards we demand for student learning. It must be a level playing field, with the accountability at the local level, for standards that are clear and demanding. Our public schools have the most talented teachers, principals, and educators – we must promote an environment that encourages innovation and creativity. We can’t have outside forces dictate innovation. Public educators, working together, must prepare the path and lead the way.
Leave a comment