Advocacy Update

Just came across Linda's desk late afternoon...

Advocacy Update - November 4, 2013 - A Move Toward Consensus on Gifted Operating Standards.  Last week, Chairman C. Todd Jones of the State Achievement Committee emailed a new draft of the gifted operating standards to state board members.  While the draft is not public yet, Mr. Jones graciously provided a copy.  His stated  goal several times has been to move toward committee consensus as much as possible before the committee votes. The new draft is largely based on the 9.5.13 draft with some significant changes.  While definitely a step in the right direction, the OAGC board has some significant issues with several of the provisions. The most significant are:

1. A sunset of minimum caseload and time requirement provisions in June of 2015, before the state knows whether the new output measures are appropriate or not.

2. No funding accountability, with OAGC highly opposes.

3. Removal of the requirement that districts provide gifted coordinator services even while restoring some of the coordinator credentials. 

4. The introduction of a waiver based on district performance. OAGC is not necessarily opposed to a waiver, but as written, it is overly broad and too forgiving of districts in years where they performed below "A" level work.  

OAGC believes that compromise language could be drafted to address many of these provisions so that perhaps all sides could move toward consensus.

The Achievement Committee is scheduled to discuss the new draft and other changes on Monday, November 11at the State Board of Education. While Chairman Jones hopes for a consensus vote at the time, it is still unclear whether a draft will also be put before the full board on Tuesday, November 12. The board meeting is being held at the Columbus Convention Center during the Ohio School Board Association convention. Traditionally, the board does not like to have a full agenda during the November meeting so they can meet with board members and others. When more information becomes available, it will be posted.

Also, please be aware that a new bill has been introduced in the Senate that will allow districts to charge fees to students for dual enrollment courses. Sponsor testimony will be this week. Stay tuned for more information as this bill moves forward.