Consolidation: Few Facts but Lots of Name-Calling
(For release noon Jan. 27 and thereafter (545 words)The public discussion is reduced to name-calling. The mayor of Huntington last week described citizens who want him to cut his budget as “Taliban.” (1) A few days later the Indianapolis Star implied that those skeptical of the governor’s consolidation plan were “partisans” (or ideologues, one assumes, Read the full article…
Trustees and Consolidation: Doubtful Savings, Real Costs
For release noon Jan. 6 and thereafter (837 words)by RON REINKING, CPA The coming Indiana legislative session will be historic in that it takes up the founding structure of government itself. Legislation will be introduced that would meld the township functions into a uniform structure governed solely by county officials — an idea that promoters Read the full article…
Indiana Charter Students Showing Achievement Gains
For release Jan. 21 and thereafter (675 words)Note to editors: The author’s next column, for Feb. 4 release, will focus on Gary’s KIPP LEAD College Prep Charter (mentioned in graf 8).At first glance, two new studies of Indiana charter schools appear to have reached contradictory conclusions. Not really. A thorough reading of the data makes Read the full article…
The Year of the Narcissist (or Why We Can’t Dance)
For release Jan. 9 and thereafter (689 words). “Several psychologists interviewed one day after (Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s) arrest agreed that he might be suffering from an affliction known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” (Dec. 11, Chicago Sun-Times)A few of us will sit out the inauguration festivities. We’ve seen and heard enough. There’s no fun in pretending Read the full article…
Finding Ways to Drive Dollars into Indiana Classrooms
For release Dec. 31 and thereafter (700 words) When Tony Bennett lobbies state legislators on behalf of Indiana public school students, it won’t be with hands outstretched. “I am not a person who thinks we need more money infused in the system,” said Bennett, who takes office Jan. 12 as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Indiana Read the full article…
ISTEP Scores: It Depends on How you Look at Them
For release Dec. 24 and thereafter (600 words) “(School District) Sees ISTEP Slide,” “No Improvement on ISTEP+ Science Test,” ISTEP+ Scores Drop at (School District),” “Little Good News in District’s ISTEP+ Scores,” “Scores Drop Across State,” “Fewer Pass Tests This Year at (School District,” “State and Local ISTEP Scores Down.” — Headlines in Indiana newspapers Read the full article…
