Considerations

As you listen with a mindful ear on what you feel are the "essential issues" in public education, listen for these buzz topics to further understand the position of your local board candidates.....

......are they speaking about some of these topic with clarity and vision?  How will what they think effect your community and the young learners in the community:

What has been the impact of "No Child Left Behind" and how can local practices be developed when states have to decide - What's Next?

Common Core vs. some new version of standards...what do students need to learn and how will be know what they do and don't yet know?

What does student feedback look like in our immediate future - i.e. - grading and reporting.  What is our local practice and how will that practice interface with post-secondary opportunities for students?

Homework continues to be a hot topic in many schools - what is expected and how is feedback provided....variations abound!

What is the investment in technology in our district and is it too much, tool little, or need review?  What is the funding stream to match the Board's goal, and what might be cut to support a new initiative?  Is a levy or referendum needed in the near future?

Schools across the country are adopting the Growth Mindset (vs. the Fixed Mindset,) a foundation articulated by author Carol Dweck almost a decade ago.  What will this look like in practice and not just theory?  What staff development and administrative leadership will clarify practices in the classroom?  What is the timeline if this foundation is adopted?

Minority populations will continue bringing their issues to the forefront.  How will leaders be supported and guided in the discussions that include race, transgender staff and students, under-representation, LGBYQ students, weapons, etc.

High stakes testing continues to be a hot topic in many systems.....and what about the number of "opt-out" students on the rise......what is the measure for instructional success and student learning and what is the balance between instruction and measurement - ?????

What are the candidates saying about these and other potential issues that are key topics in your community?  As you listen to taped forums, candidate rallies, or community discussion, these are important considerations for you, the voter.

While not all of these topics are critical in every school board election, it will be helpful to know the top 3 to 5 concerns in your community!  Who sits in the School Board seats at those sometimes lengthy board meeting DOES matter.

It's not about keeping the peace in public education, it's about keeping the education in public schools!!!!