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Standardized testing is a flawed yardstick for assessing educational success
Listening recently to a local political candidate denigrate public education in Nevada was very disheartening. Not because of character flaws or perceived inability of the candidate. He, like most voters, believes that national and state school rankings based on standardized test scores accurately measure school quality and effectiveness. Improving public education seems to be on […]
Public education needs educational leaders not politicians
We are now entering “superintendent season.” Where political savvy often takes precedence over effective educational leadership in getting and keeping a district superintendent position. The two largest public school districts in Nevada are seeking superintendents because of recent resignations. Superintendent search firms are advisable as most board members lack the ability to discern quality educational […]
The winter sale for student enrollments is on now
The tradition of discounted bed linens in January goes back to the 19th century. Deals on many items are offered to shoppers after the holiday season. Similarly, shopping for new schools has also become a winter tradition around the country. Parents are avidly exploring educational choice options for their children. Charter and private schools are […]
Empty promises: The illusion of test score improvement in public education
Feigned concern over national and state test scores or school ratings seems to be a ritual each fall. Unfounded criticism falls like leaves on public schools because of disparity in student test scores that are beyond their control. It is usually political blather presenting no viable solutions. This summer the superintendent in the Clark County […]
Changing high school start times will not solve teenage sleep issues
The Nevada State Board of Education recently passed a regulation requiring later start times for Nevada public high schools. This unfunded mandate is unneeded and unwanted. The issue supposedly being addressed is the rampant sleep deprivation among adolescents. The Board believes moving to later start times at high schools will effectively address sleep deficits and […]