| Watch Party for Governor Strickland’s Conversation on Education |
| The community gathered to watch and discuss educational reform in the state of Ohio. |
 “Revamp Testing!” One group’s simple answer to Governor Strickland’s call for a Conversation on Education said what most participants seemed to have on their mind. Recommendations for testing became more elaborate as one group explained that student assessment should be individualized to monitor student learning as specified by the Individualized Education Program (IEP). |
|
But testing was not the only issue discussed at the Watch Party held on August 18th in Baker University Center by The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education, Athens County school districts, the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, and Hocking College. |
Attendees made many suggestions about the teaching process. Groups recommended a focus on problem solving rather than correct answers, and that teachers tailor their lessons to each child’s interests. They also thought more creativity in the classroom could be helpful in creating an inviting environment.
 |
Teresa Franklin watches as Governor Strickland shares his thoughts on educational reform. |
Another popular subject was a request for schools to teach year-round. Participants recommended all day kindergarten and a research-based restructuring of the school calendar to shorten breaks and allow more information retention for students.
Many groups also touched on ideas to influence community and parental involvement within schools. One group suggested bi-weekly meetings, complete with take-home textbooks for family use.
 |
Superintendent of Alexander Local School District Bob Bray speaks to an |
“The Watch Party was a wonderful opportunity for our University and Athens County communities to come together and collaborate on ways to improve our state’s education system,” said Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis. “It is important that we participate in this much-needed conversation about education in Ohio because today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders.”
“With the help of Athens County school districts and Hocking College, our region is approaching education reform from a unified standpoint,” Middleton said. “This is our chance as residents of Ohio to work together and help in the development of a plan to make Ohio a leader in the global job market.”
|
|
|
|
Other Suggestions from our Watch Party |
| • Assessments broadened to include more than just standardized tests. • School should be the center of the community - bring parents to the teachers and open resources to parents and students • More flexibility in delivering educational, social, behavioral and mental health services. • A research-based restructuring of the school calendar i.e. six or seven weeks on, two weeks off • Earlier health and development screening • Teach to children's interests, including diversity and home life • Allow more creativity in the classroom by reducing restrictions on creating an inviting and creative environment, which would include hanging posters, art and student's work on the walls • Equal opportunities for schools (students, teachers) in all parts of the state • Give teachers time to plan and work together • Interdisciplinary approach, integrated disciplines with the focus on critical thinking and problem solving • Reduce teaching of just one discipline and encourage collaboration with other disciplines - have all teachers recieve some training in all content areas • Teach new ways of thinking, not just memorization •Why not take the money invested in standardized testing and put it back into the schools? Standardized testing is a business - why not let teachers develop assessments and save school districts money? |
 |