Category Archives: Leadership

Mississippi’s Senate Education Committee Has A Bill Worth Considering About State Testing…

01 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by in Accountability, Education, Educational Leadership, Fair and Equitable Education, Leader, Leadership, Testing

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Well, I’m actually writing a blog in favor of a Senate Bill, SB2689, authored by Senator Dennis DeBar, that I support. Yep, you read that right; I support it.

SB2689, described as… “State subject area tests and accountability standards; replace with college prep test and revise provisions.” It’s status? It passed out of the State Education Committee yesterday and is on the Senate calendar. And, it will still have to go before the House.

The title of the proposed bill is: AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE DISCONTINUATION OF END-OF-COURSE SUBJECT AREA TESTING IN PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS FOR 11TH AND 12TH GRADES; TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT TO SECURE APPROVAL FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ALLOW THE ACT AND ACT WORKKEYS TO SERVE AS COMPLIANCE WITH ANY FEDERAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS; TO REQUIRE ALL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO TAKE A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED COLLEGE-READINESS AND CAREER-READINESS TEST, SUCH AS THE ACT AND ACT WORKKEYS ASSESSMENTS; TO AMEND SECTION 37-17-6, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE STATE’S PERMANENT PERFORMANCE-BASED ACCREDITATION SYSTEM FOR SCHOOLS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 37-16-3, 37-16-7, 37-16-17, 37-3-49, 37-15-38 AND 37-35-3, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PROVISION OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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Did you read the bold print? Yes, I’m on board for this. Here are a few reasons why…

  1. It will stop schools and teachers from teaching the test. This has been an ongoing problem since standardized testing began. When this happens, schools and teachers narrow the curriculum, neglecting important subjects and skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. Depth of knowledge is limited due to drilling students for the right answers and limits learning opportunities. If all we ever allow students to do is memorize, then how will they ever learn?
  2. The ACT and the ACT Workkeys brings a national test with a standardized measure for student achievement. All states are scored the same way. This allows for fairer comparisons among students from various regions and ensures all students are held to the same academic standards.
  3. College-bound students have to have the ACT anyway, which allows high schools to have common benchmarks for student performance that measure the effectiveness of all teachers at the high school level. If this happens, I would dare say you can quickly find out what teachers are or are not teaching.
  4. By nature, the ACT is designed to assess college readiness and measure the skills necessary for success in higher education. One of the main aspects of college scholarships is the ACT. Serious money is being given out for ACT scores. Students can attend Junior College for free with an ACT score of 20 at some Junior Colleges in Mississippi. Colleges do not give money to people for passing state mandated tests.
  5. Doing away with state subject area tests might just keep teachers in the classroom longer, and education might not have a teacher retention problem. Some of the best teachers are leaving and/or retiring because they are sick of testing.

It will be interesting to see how much traction SB2689 gets. It will also be interesting to see how contentious the debate in committee will be. Nonetheless, I am excited to see this bill proposed. A quick internet search stated that “About 22 states use a college entrance exam (ACT, PSAT, SAT) as the high school assessment for accountability.”

Doing away with state testing could be a game changer for our educational system in Mississippi. I believe the ACT is a better tool to educate the whole child throughout students’ high school careers. In contrast, state testing hinders overall academic development and intellectual growth. If we continue to study for passing instead of studying to learn, education is more of a noun than a verb.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

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When Will Mississippi’s Public Schools Actually Become A Priority Of Our Legislature?

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Accountability, Achievement Gap, Decisions, Education, Educational Leadership, Fair and Equitable Education, Integrity, Leader, Leadership, Legislators, School Choice, Vouchers

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Well, it’s that time of year again, and it’s time to discuss a topic of much contention in the education world. Currently, our Mississippi Legislature is in session, and the idea of using public school funds for vouchers and allowing those public school funds to be used for private schools is being thrown around again. The debate is intensifying, and while proponents argue for the idea of school choice, vouchers, parent’s choice, or whatever you would like to call it, there are significant concerns. Currently, the House Legislature has filed a bill with no limitations only to “start a conversation.” Read it here… House Republican leadership files school voucher bills and is supported by a state-elected official on X or Twitter (whatever we still call it). Read it here Well done,…

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Recent years have brought education an uptick with this issue, and the Mississippi Legislature is beginning to grapple with it now, more than ever. Many in the Legislature will argue that these programs will offer parents greater educational options and promote competition among schools. My first question is, why should there be competition among schools if we all want the best for our children and their future? Competition does not need to exist if education is funded fair and equitable. And yet, now we are hearing about the Legislature wanting to scrap MAEP and rewrite it again.

You can read these thoughts here…
House leaders want lawmakers, not an objective formula, to determine ‘full funding’ for public schools
Speaker Jason White says House will work to scrap, rewrite public education funding formula

However, as of yesterday morning, The Parent’s Campaign released a statement stating, “Public school supporters are applauding… Senate Education Committee for taking a public stand today in support of a fair and objective school funding formula that represents the true cost of educating a Mississippi student to proficiency in core academic subjects.” You can read that here…Dueling School Funding Plans Draw Praise, Rebuke. I’ll say this with regards to MAEP, either fund what we have fully or find a formula that works for all public schools to benefit fairly with the opportunity to educate fairly. But I digress…

Back to the idea of vouchers…
One of the primary concerns with vouchers in Mississippi is the diversion of every penny needed from public schools. Public schools and educators already face numerous challenges. When those funds are shaved, whittled off, and given to private school institutions, the financial strain only worsens. The ripple effects exacerbate, creating more inequalities and hindering any effort to improve education in geographical areas of the State that need it most.

What about accountability and transparency? What about state standards? Currently, private schools are not subject to the same level of scrutiny that public schools are. What happens if they start receiving funds? Will they be held to the same standards? If they are not, then should this raise concerns about the quality of education provided and if taxpayer dollars are being used effectively? If this happens, the voucher system risks widening the achievement gap even more.

Will having a voucher program really lead to improved academic success? Last year, Arkansas passed its own version of what Mississippi is looking at doing. After reading the Arkansas Education Association regarding the Arkansas Voucher Program, I’ll let you decide… Read it here… Arkansas Voucher Program.

I will say that every child needs to be afforded an equal opportunity to receive an education. This is what education should be about. However, the negative consequences cannot be ignored. What is the answer? I don’t know, but diverting public funds creates a challenge that will undermine the fundamental principles of equity, accessibility, and accountability for all public schools, especially those that need it the most.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

If Teachers Are Not An Advocate For Teaching, Then Who Will?

16 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Advocate, Educational Leadership, Idealist, Leader, Leadership, Passion, Servant, Teacher Appreciation, Teachers

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The other night, I was having a conversation with a future educator, and she was so excited about becoming a teacher. Now, she is a product of a family of educators, but deciding to be a teacher doesn’t always happen with educator’s children.

With that being said, she went on and on about how cool being a teacher was. As I sat there listening, I began to wonder why education does not have more people who are advocates for our profession. The advocacy should come from us, who are veterans, but to listen to a future teacher excited about it is refreshing.

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It goes without saying teachers are the cornerstone of the educational system. Yet, how many people do you actually hear advocating for it? It’s a question worth pondering, considering as teachers, we have a hand in shaping society’s future and every profession.

Yet, we only hear stifled voices. Why? Maybe it’s the nature of the profession. Teaching is hard. It’s time-consuming and demanding of your time and your talents. Many teachers take school home with them. If not home, then any other place they frequent. Often, they spend more time with children other than their own. What little time we have for ourselves must be devoted to family and immediate responsibilities.

Now that we have that out of the way let’s talk about how education has historically been undervalued and under appreciated. It really rubs me the wrong way when I hear people say, “Those who can’t, teach.” Educators provide an impact on and in student’s lives that might not happen in any other place. Yet we offer and do it at a level of value of compensation that is laughable compared to other professions. Throw in insufficient resources and the lack of professional autonomy, and you have the best “want ad” ever for a future teacher. Who wants to advocate for a profession that seems like an uphill battle against a system that has had the same issues over the years?

And then there is the decision making process… It’s hard to advocate when non-educators and school leadership often make decisions regarding educational policies that negatively affect their schools. Often, teachers’ voices are marginalized, creating a challenge for influential change for the right educational decisions.

But, let not our hearts be dismayed… despite these challenges and many more, it’s essential for educators to recognize the importance of and the power of advocacy. One voice here, one voice there, voices can become united. United for a profession that instills character, accountability, and responsibility. United for a profession that teaches the unknown to minds that are curious and want to be successful. The voices we hear are from those who are passionate about our vocation. Passionate for being a voice for students who cannot speak for themselves. Passionate for understanding the diverse needs of learners and the success of well-being. Passionate for wanting to be a teacher because they want to be one.

The other night, as our conversation ended, I felt that, just maybe, education does have a chance. If future teachers are idealists, ready to have a servant-leadership mindset, and prepared to debunk the notions and the nay-sayers that teaching is not a lesser profession, education is in good hands and worth promoting as such.

It starts with a “want to teach” mentality. Maybe, “Those who CAN, teach!” What say you? How are you promoting the teaching profession? 

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…

Is Education Failing Our Students Upward? and When Is Enough, Enough?

09 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by in Accountability, Christian Worldview, Education, Educational Leadership, Feedback, Grading, Leader, Leadership, Motivation

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I have often said that one of the main problems in education is that there are non-educators making educational decisions. We see that constantly with the legislative bureaucracy that plagues our schools at every level daily. But… what happens when you have educators making non-educational decisions? Yep, I think that is a thing that is happening more often than we realize. 

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Take this, for example… “Citing a wrongheaded “GPA fixation,” Western Oregon University leaders have announced plans to abolish D- and F grades for students. They will replace them with “no credit” in an effort to support student success and encourage struggling undergrads to continue their education despite obstacles, they said.” You can read the entire article here: Oregon university will no longer give D- and F grades

Another article also states, “This is how our educational establishment is choosing to fail our kids upward. And there will be consequences for all of us.” Read the article here: No more ‘D’ or ‘F’ grades? Grade inflation is masking a looming crisis of ignorance

Now, I can hear people saying this is a good thing… Those reasons might be that it reduces the stigma of failing, reduces the stress of having to actually study and do work, eliminates test anxiety, or gives a student an opportunity for improvement if they have a setback. 

Here’s the flip side… I believe this is also happening at the basic school levels of K-12. Maybe not at the extremeness of the college level, but… At what point does lowering standards ever help? Here are a few questions and reasons I do not think this direction is good for education at any level…

Where’s the accountability? Without the “threat” of receiving failing grades, some students may become complacent (see last week’s blog post) and less motivated to put forth their best effort. Almost a “no harm, no foul” mentality. I believe this leads to a decline in academic performance over the long haul.

How will longitudinal performance be assessed? School is a journey. How will future employers, graduate schools, and other institutions that require criteria evaluating students’ academic performance rate the students? This could impact students’ future opportunities, and then who is to blame? It’s going to happen when they get into the “real world,” anyway, where competition exists.

What about feedback? Grades, in general, serve as valuable feedback for students. They gauge understanding of the material and identify areas for improvement. But here is what I find funny… a student is going to get a “no credit” if they don’t get a C or better, which translates to failing. Now, there is “feedback” for you. It’s not like they don’t know.

Grade inflation? Will a GPA even be a thing anymore? This eventually will have serious implications. If failing grades are replaced with a neutral “no credit” designation, how will we ever know who really can do the work?

Limited External Comparisons? What happens when only a few schools do this, and others do not? What will be the standard? How will academic achievements be compared? Here is where the idea of “real world” competition comes back.

Reduced Motivation and Potential for Misinterpretation? At any level of education, it takes little time to find out who is and is not motivated. Where is the motivation to excel? What does “no credit” imply? Will it accurately reflect the reasons for a student’s lack of achievement in a particular course? We will never know. How will it ever distinguish between a lack of effort, comprehension, or extenuating circumstances?

As educational leaders, we have a role to play in modeling a Christian worldview mindset for all. Here are a few Scripture thoughts that come to mind…

Stewardship of Talents: We are encouraged as individuals to be stewards of our talents and abilities. This would include diligent study and application in academic settings (Matthew 25:14-30).

Diligence and Hard Work: There is an emphasizes on the value of diligence and hard work in all aspects of our lives, including education (Proverbs 12:24).

Seeking Wisdom and Knowledge: Pursuing wisdom and knowledge is a recurring theme for the Christian life. We are encouraged to seek understanding and apply ourselves to learning (Proverbs 18:15).

Perseverance and Endurance: Perseverance and endurance are qualities that are encouraged, especially in the face of challenges or setbacks (James 1:12).

Educating our future is too valuable to mess up. The things that matter, you do not leave to chance. That is what we are doing, and once that ball starts rolling, stopping it will seem almost impossible. As educational leaders, we are the ones who should be looking out for students to help set them up for success with accountability and the responsibility. Anything less, tarnishes our role as educators. In the end, we are the ones accountable.

Let’s go fight the good fight of leadership. Someone has to…

Go be a great educator and leader today… Our future needs it…

Remember… Think Leadership and Be For Others…

©2024 J Clay Norton

Want more Leadership Thoughts? Follow me on… Twitter @thebookchamber or follow the blog directly.

Want to share this leadership thought with others? Click on one of the social media sharing buttons below and help spread the good…