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A case in point occurred last week when schools across the state were informed that the U.S. Department of Education was not going to accept Michigan’s new determination regarding the number of students it takes to constitute a sub group for student assessment standards under No Child Left Behind (NCLB).  In addition, Washington also informed Michigan that the Mi-Access test used as an alternative assessment for special education students was not acceptable.  After some very determined lobbying by our State Superintendent Mike Flannigan, the Feds. agreed to allow the testing results as submitted in determining adequate yearly progress (AYP) under NCLB for the 2005-2006 school year.  However, the Feds. also informed Mr. Flannigan that economic sanctions against Michigan will still result.  The bottom line for your local school district is that they did exactly what they were asked to do, exactly when they were asked to do it, and the result is that your school will receive less federal money to work with students who need the most help.  In addition, next year the Mi-Access test and the larger sub group size will not be allowed, resulting in many Michigan schools which met AYP for 2005-2006 not meeting the standards in 2006-2007.  The eventual result for many schools will be additional loss in funding and a label as a “failing school.”  At least that is the direction the political football has been kicked this week.

Undoubtedly, we as educators need to be held accountable for the quality of the programs we are providing to our students.  However, as a parent and an educator, I would submit that using comparison data from the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program), examining how our local schools are performing on the AYP standards set under No Child Left Behind, is not the most accurate way to determine if your child is receiving a quality education, or if your local school is providing the appropriate educational programs.  These assessments of our students and schools change almost daily, depending on the proverbial political boot of the educational football.  Does anyone actually believe that a school changes from a success to a failure overnight because our politicians draw the AYP goal line on the field at a new location? 

Despite efforts to the contrary, parents and other community members continue to list teachers from their local school as the most reliable source for information regarding not only their local school, but also education in general.  Down the list a ways you will find superintendents, and yet further down the list you will discover local, state, and national political leaders.  I believe that is the way it should be.

If we truly want to know what kind of education our children are receiving, and what is going on in our local schools, what we really need to do is get involved!  If you are a parent, spend time with your child on their homework.  Have an honest conversation with them about what they have been doing at school.  Check regularly on your child’s progress.  Take time to talk to your son or daughter about their educational future.  Attend parent teacher conferences and extracurricular activities.  Join your PTO or other educational support groups.  Volunteer to be a mentor for a student who needs a little extra help.  If you have a question or concern, contact your child’s teacher, principal, or superintendent.    If you are involved you won’t need to check the national No Child Left Behind scoreboard to know that the winners are your kids, your family, your school, and your community.

Kevin Harness is the Superintedent of Allegan Public Schools.

Allegan County Public Schools - “Excelling In Education”

The Education Viewpoint is a monthly column written in rotation by the Allegan County Public Schools Superintendents. This article is not the opinion of all the superintendents or of this website.