Reform the system, not the teachers

By Nick Smith

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If Iowans truly want to reform education, reform the system, not the educators. Teachers know they are employed in a career that demands everything they have to effectively teach today's students. My reform proposal doesn't have to cost a single penny - we already have the experts available within our own school districts. We need an honest system flexible enough to meet the needs of today's students and those of tomorrow.

This plan will do that:

l A statewide salary schedule. Add teachers to the existing state merit system. We desperately need to remove salary negotiations from the local level. Nothing has been more detrimental to the health and operation of a school district than salary negotiations.

l Flexible instructional pacing for students. Students receive public education at their own pace; each has an individual education program. Follow the “long tail” model where education is available when the student wants it, not when the school wants it.

l Non-graded educational structure directed by ability level, not age. Eliminate a system that requires students be separated as learners and non-learners. Age is no criteria for determining curricular content.

I suggest a two-tier system targeting basic skills and knowledge needed by all students. The Iowa Core Curriculum provides the blueprint.

The second tier targets the creative portion. Students use their acquired skills to solve real-world problems and pursue individual interests. Adopt a non-graded system.

l Alternative career programs. Not everyone should go to a traditional college. Develop partnerships between the business community, AEAs, community colleges and universities, allowing students to pursue their own interests. Paths of instruction need to be developed so all students may reach their potential.

l Criterion-referenced test and problem-solving projects become the norm for evaluation of success. Educators and school districts are held accountable for the results.

If we want a performance-based component in public education, an accounting system based on instruction is a better plan than using testing instruments designed to make a certain portion of the test takers fail.

l Effective evaluation of teachers aimed at improving teaching skills. The current sporadic evaluation system is ineffective.

We expect one principal to evaluate teachers across all subject areas even when they might not have expertise. I suggest teachers evaluate each other, letting principals become the instructional leaders of the school.

Nick Smith of Riverside is a semiretired teacher with nearly three decades of teaching experience at Highland High School of Riverside and Ainsworth. Comments: nick.smith1@mchsi.com