HARRIS: Lawmakers must invest in IPS success
For years, state and community leaders have been calling for these types of reforms in IPS, and now that they’re in motion, such changes have put the district on a path toward dramatic improvement.
David Harris / Special to IBJ
Articles
HARRIS, RAUSCH & BROWN: Focusing on charter quality not new concept
Because of their commitment to quality, both Mayor Peterson and Mayor Ballard were recognized nationally for their stewardship of Indianapolis’ charter schools.
HARRIS: Allow the governor to lead completely on education
For decades, the nation’s governors have been the driving force for changing—and improving—education policy.
HARRIS: Trigger laws critical to amplifying parents’ voices
For too long, power over urban schools has rested too much with district central offices and not enough with parents.
HARRIS: Far too many students still aren’t ready for college
In Indiana and other states, we face a sobering reality: Far too few students are prepared for college-level coursework.
HARRIS: Daniels has historic chance to transform teacher training
Gov. Daniels will have a momentous opportunity to make Purdue’s College of Education a national model for teacher preparation.
HARRIS: Evaluating all teachers is critical, regardless of subject
When compensating teachers based on test scores and other performance measures, how should teachers in fine arts be reviewed?
HARRIS: Solid board members elevate local charter schools
Community leaders can fundamentally shape institutions that have the potential to change kids’ lives.
HARRIS: Tests should be a priority, but not at expense of other skills
Standardized tests are a vital instrument for determining whether schools are carrying out their central mission.
HARRIS: Charter performance is strong, but accountability is critical
The autonomy charter schools receive comes with the condition that they meet high standards or face closure.
HARRIS: Reforms elevate teaching profession to the status it deserves
Teaching should be our nation’s highest calling. Indiana’s recent education reforms take us a big step in that direction.
HARRIS: A good idea, as long as quality is closely monitored
In certain instances technology is actually changing the very nature of teaching and learning and helping students achieve at drastically higher rates.
HARRIS: Takeover threats have a way of moving the needle
With the state continuing to apply pressure on districts to improve student achievement, it’s time for bold new ideas.
HARRIS: Trigger weakens suffocating power of special interests
A “parent trigger” would be one of the biggest game changers in public education history.
HARRIS: Training programs should prove their mettle with results
Simply put, the type of program, number of credit hours, or path to certification aren’t as important as teachers’ impact on their students.
HARRIS: A better structure would let standout schools emerge
Urban school systems across the country are in crisis, but some individual urban schools are thriving.
HARRIS: Getting parents involved works better than punishment
The notion that kids from challenging backgrounds are destined to fail could not be more wrong.
HARRIS: We need a system to make high school diplomas count
Unfortunately, too many students who make it through high school aren’t well prepared for what comes next.
HARRIS: ‘Parent trigger’ would force improvement on schools
To continue our educational transformation, legislators should consider four important issues in future sessions.
HARRIS: Revised schools would free money to pay best teachers more
Of all the school factors that affect how much students learn, nothing is more important than the quality of the teachers in their classrooms.