|
|
JULY 15, 1997
I attended the House Education Committee meeting
this afternoon. The initial discussion concerned "raising
the bar" and creating a higher standard for Ohio students;
decoded, that means changing the 9th grade test to
a 10th grade test although Dr. Harris, assistant superintendent with the Ohio Department of Education testified
and gave her 'opinion' that the 9th and 12th
grade tests should be abolished and replaced with an 11th
grade test. It is conceivable that committee members may have
mistakenly understood her comments as being reflective of state
board policy.
As reported earlier, SB 55 will contain portions
of the Standards for Schools document, including the performance
accountability chapter that are needed to enable the State Board
to implement the proposed standards. Reportedly, this is being
done to make the proposed tax increase more palatable for the
general public.
Senator Gene Watts (R-Galloway), sponsor of the Senate
version of the bill, testified before the House Education committee.
His bill calls for increasing the number of credits that students
need for graduation from 18 to 20. His bill, at this time, is
very straight forward and only about 2 pages long. It will need
to be amended and presumably that will take place next week. Some
members asked why the bill is being rushed through. Proponents
see a window of opportunity that they don't want to miss - meaning
the school funding discussion that is taking place. Proponents
want to roll both pieces together. The mantra of the public expects
accountability measures to be put in place to make sure that new
investments in education are worthwhile.
July 16, 1997: Please note that on the 16th three separate committees will be meeting. Parking: Park underneath the Statehouse, preferably on the Green Level. Look for a sign that says "Ohio Statehouse" You will only see this sign if you are on the green level. Enter the building and immediately proceed up the stairs. At the top of the stairs you will come to a wide room. Ask for assistance. IF you are going to room 017, from the wide room, turn right, go through the green door, cross the hall, and enter 017. HOUSE FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Room 313 HJR16 Proposed constitutional amendments on school funding. HJR17 Establish that lawmakers, not judges, have exclusive responsibility to
determine what constitutes a thorough and efficient
system of common schools. SENATE FINANCE AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. 12:00 , Finance HR then again at 1:00 p.m. until a time not yet known SJR3 Proposed constitutional amendments on school funding. Sixth and seventh hearings/testimony will be heard. HB412 (CATES G) Auditor of State to conduct performance audits of schools. Second hearing/proponent testimony. It is expected that this bill will be altered to include school performance or school accountability measures compatible with those in the Standards for Schools document (Chapter 11). A school district report card is likely to be included. HOUSE EDUCATION Wednesday - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m., Room 017 SubSB55 (WATTS E) Increase total credits necessary for high school
graduation from 18 to 20. Second hearing. Opponent
and proponent testimony. July 17, 1997 HOUSE FINANCE AND APPROPRIATIONS Thursday - 9:30 a.m., Room 313 HJR16 Proposed constitutional amendments on school funding. HJR17 Establish that lawmakers, not judges, have exclusive responsibility to
determine what constitutes a thorough and efficient
system of common schools. |
|