The Hoeven administration announced some time ago that they intend propose a $300 million package for school in the next legislative session. $200 million to property tax relief and $100 million to schools. It struck me on Friday nite as the discussion went on that someone should engage them in some kind of different proposal.
I would submit for the purpose of discussion that the dollars should be flipped over. $100 million to property tax relief and $200 million to schools.
There is already a $100 million dollar tax relief package on the books for this biennium, albeit a confusing one. Let's sustain/fix that one and then add the additional $100 million on this year.
The $200 million for schools should mimic the higher education proposal. The floor for raises for education employees should be 7%( as was proposed by higher education) each year and the remaining dollars could go back to tax payers in further tax redux. We would be at 70% funding from the state, thus reaching a long standing goal for school funding. I realize that my math may not be perfect but...the concept works.
I have been told there may be as many as 30 science teaching openings this spring in ND. We need to do something very visible to make ND attractive to those who want to teach. Retaining teachers is still an issue to be resolved but we need something aggressive now in the recruitment arena.
I think the Governor's idea has merit but I believe that there may other ways to move the dialogue forward.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Friday Nite Fun
Last Friday nite there was the first forum for statewide candidates here in Grand Forks. It was sponsored by the ND Professional Communicators Assn. Most of the statewide candidates were in attendance. The questions were a bit on the light side but the two candidates for LT. Gov. stimulated a couple of thoughts.
I was particularly struck by Lt. Gov. Dalrymple's comment that the Hoeven administration has caused a gain of 30,000 jobs in ND. He went on to say that wages have increased to the point where they are above the national average.
I think both stats are great but there has to be more to the story. I have to guess that oil and ag. have something to do with the numbers.
The largest employer in the ND is the state. I would like to see all public employees, higher education employees, and k-12 employees earn wages above the national average. That would be a great goal!
I was particularly struck by Lt. Gov. Dalrymple's comment that the Hoeven administration has caused a gain of 30,000 jobs in ND. He went on to say that wages have increased to the point where they are above the national average.
I think both stats are great but there has to be more to the story. I have to guess that oil and ag. have something to do with the numbers.
The largest employer in the ND is the state. I would like to see all public employees, higher education employees, and k-12 employees earn wages above the national average. That would be a great goal!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
NCLB Tinkering
The Fed announced today a newly minted set of administrative rules to address what they describe a deficiencies in the management of this federal legislation....Since Congress can't seem to get it reauthorized.
The corner stone is the issue of graduation rates and the need for nationwide uniformity of reporting. On this issue I agree. Good news or bad news we should be able to track who is and who is not graduating from our schools.
Beyond this, the tinkering doesn't go very far. Testing exclusions will be scrutinized. Tutorial availability is also on the radar. Schools will have to do a better job of informing parents of programs of this type. Higher performing school slots must be better advertised in the future so that kids can access them more easily. Failing schools will have tighter controls placed on what changes they can make. "A coat of paint is not enough," said the Education Secretary.
This really is tinkering. As I was told by a reporter once, "Don't hold a news conference if you have nothing to say."
This law needs much greater scrutiny than anything reported here. It will have to wait until we have a new President and a new administration.
The corner stone is the issue of graduation rates and the need for nationwide uniformity of reporting. On this issue I agree. Good news or bad news we should be able to track who is and who is not graduating from our schools.
Beyond this, the tinkering doesn't go very far. Testing exclusions will be scrutinized. Tutorial availability is also on the radar. Schools will have to do a better job of informing parents of programs of this type. Higher performing school slots must be better advertised in the future so that kids can access them more easily. Failing schools will have tighter controls placed on what changes they can make. "A coat of paint is not enough," said the Education Secretary.
This really is tinkering. As I was told by a reporter once, "Don't hold a news conference if you have nothing to say."
This law needs much greater scrutiny than anything reported here. It will have to wait until we have a new President and a new administration.
A Nation at Risk....Comments
I remember when this document came out. It scared all of us. It was a conversation that permeated all the way into the classroom. We had no idea what was going to happen next but we did know that we....schools in general were not doing well and things needed to change.
Many things have happened since. George Will and Chester Finn would say nothing has changed. I would argue that many things have changed. Families, inner cities, teachers, administrators, higher education and all sizes of school communities have all changed substantially since 1984.
I might argue that as a result sort of a "sky is falling " mentality after the issuance of A Nation at Risk we decided to try all kinds of things to make schools better. It was kind of like ringing a bell over a church. The clapper kept banging from side to side with one idea after another. The sounds got so loud that there was a period in the 90's when idea exhaustion caused all of us to just pause. We began to take stock of what had been many good and some not so good ideas and began to work through them. President Bush came along with No Child Left Behind and in the stroke of a pen we moved from looking at good ideas and having good conversations to having to focus on passing the test.
Chet Finn and George Will are not wrong that NCLB caused the most aggressive changes we have seen in education since a Nation at Risk. They are also correct in saying that NCLB got it wrong in so many ways that it will take years to straighten things out again. Good ideas are once again on the shelf. I wonder what their shelf life is?
Many things have happened since. George Will and Chester Finn would say nothing has changed. I would argue that many things have changed. Families, inner cities, teachers, administrators, higher education and all sizes of school communities have all changed substantially since 1984.
I might argue that as a result sort of a "sky is falling " mentality after the issuance of A Nation at Risk we decided to try all kinds of things to make schools better. It was kind of like ringing a bell over a church. The clapper kept banging from side to side with one idea after another. The sounds got so loud that there was a period in the 90's when idea exhaustion caused all of us to just pause. We began to take stock of what had been many good and some not so good ideas and began to work through them. President Bush came along with No Child Left Behind and in the stroke of a pen we moved from looking at good ideas and having good conversations to having to focus on passing the test.
Chet Finn and George Will are not wrong that NCLB caused the most aggressive changes we have seen in education since a Nation at Risk. They are also correct in saying that NCLB got it wrong in so many ways that it will take years to straighten things out again. Good ideas are once again on the shelf. I wonder what their shelf life is?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Sunday in April
After a week of an Honors banquet, a number of conversations with folks who have just found out I am engaging in a campaign for office, and a long discussion about text book adoption on Friday, I have concluded we have to do more.
Our discussion at the end of the week about science textbooks was the most interesting. The group kept coming back to testing and standards. Which test do we have to fear the most: the NAEP test, which is given every other year, the state version of the No Child test (results arrive up to 6 months later), or the MAP test (a computer based immediate feedback assessment). Everyone agreed that the best information about kids comes from the MAP tests. It shows student growth. The state refused to consider this type of testing when NCLB first came upon us. Now with 11 states and more considering it all the time, why aren't we getting on board?
The test we fear the most...the state test.
This test has questions on the state standards but...one standard can have as many as 17 questions and another 1. That in and of itself is confusing.
Then the standards themselves are confusing. Some, who have taught for years are feeling that some traditional content areas are not even in the standards and others are everywhere.
It appears that we could communicate better between and among educators who make these decisions. The DPI controls this information stream.
We must do a better job. The voting public doesn't understand these kind of issues but they have a direct impact on kids.
By the way, we concluded that this may be the last time that we will recommend the district actually buy hard cover text books. Seven years from now (when it is our turn to buy books again) we believe that all necessary resources will be available on line.
Our discussion at the end of the week about science textbooks was the most interesting. The group kept coming back to testing and standards. Which test do we have to fear the most: the NAEP test, which is given every other year, the state version of the No Child test (results arrive up to 6 months later), or the MAP test (a computer based immediate feedback assessment). Everyone agreed that the best information about kids comes from the MAP tests. It shows student growth. The state refused to consider this type of testing when NCLB first came upon us. Now with 11 states and more considering it all the time, why aren't we getting on board?
The test we fear the most...the state test.
This test has questions on the state standards but...one standard can have as many as 17 questions and another 1. That in and of itself is confusing.
Then the standards themselves are confusing. Some, who have taught for years are feeling that some traditional content areas are not even in the standards and others are everywhere.
It appears that we could communicate better between and among educators who make these decisions. The DPI controls this information stream.
We must do a better job. The voting public doesn't understand these kind of issues but they have a direct impact on kids.
By the way, we concluded that this may be the last time that we will recommend the district actually buy hard cover text books. Seven years from now (when it is our turn to buy books again) we believe that all necessary resources will be available on line.
Bismarck Editorial
DPI head will be Democrat, and a teacher
There was a battle on a small scale during the 2007 Legislature, during which Republicans voted a solid party line to remove the legal requirement that the Superintendent of Public Instruction hold a current professional teaching license from the state.Republicans won, and Gov. John Hoeven signed the change to the Century Code.But as of the filing deadline Friday, not a single Republican - teacher or otherwise - indicated interest in running for the position held for decades by Democrat Wayne Sanstead. The Republicans adjourned their convention in Fargo without promising support for anyone for the Department of Public Instruction top job.So the GOP legislators won an empty victory during the session.It was widely rumored at the time that the change in law was tailored to make an opening for Rep. RaeAnn Kelsch, a Mandan Republican, chair of the House Education Committee. She isn't a teacher. But Kelsch has decided she wants re-election to her seat.It must make a few Republicans grind their teeth that while there will be a contest in the election, it will be won by a Democrat. Sanstead and science teacher Max Laird contended with each other in 2004, along with a high school principal from New Salem, Keith Jacobson, a Republican.There was a twist of events in 2004, because the Democrats approved a letter of support for Laird, turning their backs on Sanstead, a longtime political critter and superintendent since 1985.Sanstead got the final laughing rights by winning over Laird in the primary and easily besting Jacobson in the election.The contest officially is nonpartisan, but Democrats this year stated their support for the warhorse superintendent, who, at age 72, is raring for another race. Laird will run as an independent.While it won't affect this contest, there are petitions being circulated that, if the electorate approves, would imbed in the state Constitution language that the superintendent must be a certified teacher.Secretary of State Al Jaeger approved the language of the proposal in August, which gives supporters a year's time in which to gather no fewer than 25,688 signatures. Jaeger's office said Tuesday that the petitions are still in circulation.When Democrats and Republicans during the legislative session were debating changing state law, the Tribune suggested it mattered less that the superintendent be a teacher than a skilled manager. That argument was countered by the contention that to have credibility with teachers and their association, the superintendent should be one of their own.It's quite possible voters will have a say on those contentions in November. And if they decide the teaching requirement belongs in the Constitution, there it's likely to stay.
There was a battle on a small scale during the 2007 Legislature, during which Republicans voted a solid party line to remove the legal requirement that the Superintendent of Public Instruction hold a current professional teaching license from the state.Republicans won, and Gov. John Hoeven signed the change to the Century Code.But as of the filing deadline Friday, not a single Republican - teacher or otherwise - indicated interest in running for the position held for decades by Democrat Wayne Sanstead. The Republicans adjourned their convention in Fargo without promising support for anyone for the Department of Public Instruction top job.So the GOP legislators won an empty victory during the session.It was widely rumored at the time that the change in law was tailored to make an opening for Rep. RaeAnn Kelsch, a Mandan Republican, chair of the House Education Committee. She isn't a teacher. But Kelsch has decided she wants re-election to her seat.It must make a few Republicans grind their teeth that while there will be a contest in the election, it will be won by a Democrat. Sanstead and science teacher Max Laird contended with each other in 2004, along with a high school principal from New Salem, Keith Jacobson, a Republican.There was a twist of events in 2004, because the Democrats approved a letter of support for Laird, turning their backs on Sanstead, a longtime political critter and superintendent since 1985.Sanstead got the final laughing rights by winning over Laird in the primary and easily besting Jacobson in the election.The contest officially is nonpartisan, but Democrats this year stated their support for the warhorse superintendent, who, at age 72, is raring for another race. Laird will run as an independent.While it won't affect this contest, there are petitions being circulated that, if the electorate approves, would imbed in the state Constitution language that the superintendent must be a certified teacher.Secretary of State Al Jaeger approved the language of the proposal in August, which gives supporters a year's time in which to gather no fewer than 25,688 signatures. Jaeger's office said Tuesday that the petitions are still in circulation.When Democrats and Republicans during the legislative session were debating changing state law, the Tribune suggested it mattered less that the superintendent be a teacher than a skilled manager. That argument was countered by the contention that to have credibility with teachers and their association, the superintendent should be one of their own.It's quite possible voters will have a say on those contentions in November. And if they decide the teaching requirement belongs in the Constitution, there it's likely to stay.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
A Couple of Things
I have had this blog for a long time and I can only think of twice that I took down a comment that was made to me...about me. Once when I said something in error and once when the comment didn't make sense.
It is important to repeat periodically that I have no idea who posts on my blog. The comments come to me as anonymous. That is the nature of this medium. I have no problem engaging in a debate over anything I post but personal attacks are in no way productive, especially when they are anonymous.
I appreciate the observations that people have made who read this.
I will continue to post my observations as a teacher and a candidate for office.
It is important to repeat periodically that I have no idea who posts on my blog. The comments come to me as anonymous. That is the nature of this medium. I have no problem engaging in a debate over anything I post but personal attacks are in no way productive, especially when they are anonymous.
I appreciate the observations that people have made who read this.
I will continue to post my observations as a teacher and a candidate for office.
Honors Banquet
I attended the GF senior honors banquet last nite. As the kids crossed the stage to receive their certificates we visited about them. One was the best trumpet player in the region. One was going to Princeton. One was on the waiting list for the U. of Minnesota, One was an outstanding all around good musician. One was an outstanding hockey player. Another an outstanding volleyball player. One scored very high on the ACT tests.
I couldn't help but wonder. Does every senior in North Dakota have access to the kinds of programs that these kids do? Historically, I know that they don't. I know that in many places they do have access to some of the kinds of things we are talking about. The term "ubiquitous' is not in my vocabulary when it come to access for every child in ND.
This is where I believe that I differ from others. I believe that we must deliver these kinds of programs for every student in ND regardless where they live. If we aren't able to do that today then we must work harder than we are.
Excuses about political obstacles are not acceptable!
I couldn't help but wonder. Does every senior in North Dakota have access to the kinds of programs that these kids do? Historically, I know that they don't. I know that in many places they do have access to some of the kinds of things we are talking about. The term "ubiquitous' is not in my vocabulary when it come to access for every child in ND.
This is where I believe that I differ from others. I believe that we must deliver these kinds of programs for every student in ND regardless where they live. If we aren't able to do that today then we must work harder than we are.
Excuses about political obstacles are not acceptable!
Monday, April 14, 2008
The Monday After
As of the end of the day on Friday there were no other candidates filing for the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
So, it will the incumbent and I competing for the office.
I have already received all kinds of comments about the race and my running. Some great and some not so great. That is the nature of democracy.
Two things I know for sure:
#1 I will be in this race till November. I intend to raise the level of discussion about kids and schools in North Dakota. Competing for this office must be more than a sleepy down ticket kind of debate.
#2 This office and this race for me will be more about children and maximizing their educational potential than it will be about partisan politics.
Let the race begin!
So, it will the incumbent and I competing for the office.
I have already received all kinds of comments about the race and my running. Some great and some not so great. That is the nature of democracy.
Two things I know for sure:
#1 I will be in this race till November. I intend to raise the level of discussion about kids and schools in North Dakota. Competing for this office must be more than a sleepy down ticket kind of debate.
#2 This office and this race for me will be more about children and maximizing their educational potential than it will be about partisan politics.
Let the race begin!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Friday the 11th
I decided to a make an announcement this week and so far the reaction has been great. 5 O'clock today will determine if there is to be a primary race or not.
I appreciate all of the positive things folks have said about my running. I expected the other, not so positive, comments as well. Politics is an interesting animal. One needs support from 50% of the voters plus one to win an election.
I want to engage the North Dakota voters in a conversation about what is happening and should be happening in this office relative to public education. There are no underlying agenda items for me. I am an educator. It is that simple.
It has been a long time since anyone really talked about how this office should function. I will be pointing out where I think we should be today as compared to the past and where we should be looking into the future.
I appreciate all of the positive things folks have said about my running. I expected the other, not so positive, comments as well. Politics is an interesting animal. One needs support from 50% of the voters plus one to win an election.
I want to engage the North Dakota voters in a conversation about what is happening and should be happening in this office relative to public education. There are no underlying agenda items for me. I am an educator. It is that simple.
It has been a long time since anyone really talked about how this office should function. I will be pointing out where I think we should be today as compared to the past and where we should be looking into the future.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Teddy Roosevelt
Teddy said something that has come to mind in my decision to run for this office.
He said that honor comes to those who are willing to get dirty and even bloody for a cause. Honor does not go to those who sit on the side and throw stones. That is not quite a quote but pretty close.
I am doing this because kids deserve to have someone who has recent classroom experience, leadership skills, a passion for the job and an understanding of how public policy works in North Dakota. I believe that I have all of those! I believe the present resident of this office, while enjoying the office, has lost some what kids need.
It will not be easy but Iam ready to try again to offer ND voters a fresh face. I know I can bring something new to the table that has not been there for a long time.
He said that honor comes to those who are willing to get dirty and even bloody for a cause. Honor does not go to those who sit on the side and throw stones. That is not quite a quote but pretty close.
I am doing this because kids deserve to have someone who has recent classroom experience, leadership skills, a passion for the job and an understanding of how public policy works in North Dakota. I believe that I have all of those! I believe the present resident of this office, while enjoying the office, has lost some what kids need.
It will not be easy but Iam ready to try again to offer ND voters a fresh face. I know I can bring something new to the table that has not been there for a long time.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Announcement
Well here goes! It is time to put my money where my mouth is...
Media Release
From: Max Laird
RE: Superintendent of Public Instruction
I intend to petition to be on the primary ballot as a no-party candidate for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
I am at a point in my career where I am confident that I can combine my understanding of current classroom issues with my understanding public policy issues.
I have been an advocate for kids my entire career and will continue to be into the future. I believe that I can bring skill and new energy, as well as a fresh face, to this office.
My mission in running for this office is to be a major contributor in solving the issues confronting a 21st century education system. In addition, I believe that I can effectively manage a Department of Public Instruction that is the “Go To” agency of state Government.
In the recent past we have struggled with funding, declining enrollment, teacher recruitment and retention, geography issues, and now No Child Left Behind. The only initiatives that have had an impact recently have been those coming from the Governor’s office. I believe the DPI can and should be instrumental in bringing all of local and state Government together in solving whatever issues confront education. I want to lead that agenda.
I am a science teacher at Community High School in Grand Forks, ND. I work with an incredible team of child advocates who come to work every day ready to do what they can to help our students be successful.
I am married to Gayle, a retiring first grade teacher of 32 years. We live outside of Thompson, ND. I served on the TPPC(now the Educational Standards and Practices Board), the Workforce Development Council, and the ND youth Development Council. I have been engaged education policy activism in nearly every legislative session in one way or another since 1981
This is something I feel compelled to do now because children can’t wait. This office is not about the officeholder. It is about what the officeholder does.
Max Laird
642 6th Av NE
Thompson, ND 58278
H 701-599-2834
W 701-795-2782
C 701-741-9438
Media Release
From: Max Laird
RE: Superintendent of Public Instruction
I intend to petition to be on the primary ballot as a no-party candidate for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
I am at a point in my career where I am confident that I can combine my understanding of current classroom issues with my understanding public policy issues.
I have been an advocate for kids my entire career and will continue to be into the future. I believe that I can bring skill and new energy, as well as a fresh face, to this office.
My mission in running for this office is to be a major contributor in solving the issues confronting a 21st century education system. In addition, I believe that I can effectively manage a Department of Public Instruction that is the “Go To” agency of state Government.
In the recent past we have struggled with funding, declining enrollment, teacher recruitment and retention, geography issues, and now No Child Left Behind. The only initiatives that have had an impact recently have been those coming from the Governor’s office. I believe the DPI can and should be instrumental in bringing all of local and state Government together in solving whatever issues confront education. I want to lead that agenda.
I am a science teacher at Community High School in Grand Forks, ND. I work with an incredible team of child advocates who come to work every day ready to do what they can to help our students be successful.
I am married to Gayle, a retiring first grade teacher of 32 years. We live outside of Thompson, ND. I served on the TPPC(now the Educational Standards and Practices Board), the Workforce Development Council, and the ND youth Development Council. I have been engaged education policy activism in nearly every legislative session in one way or another since 1981
This is something I feel compelled to do now because children can’t wait. This office is not about the officeholder. It is about what the officeholder does.
Max Laird
642 6th Av NE
Thompson, ND 58278
H 701-599-2834
W 701-795-2782
C 701-741-9438
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Oboam VS Clinton in Grand Forks
Wow talk about a big deal......They are both coming here on the same day...Unprecedented and yes we are reeling trying to get ready for it.
It should be an interesting and fun day of ND politics. Whether you are an R or a D it is truly a pretty cool deal!
I may not be able to blog much for a few days as I am on a local committee planning this event....I did not know what I was getting into when I volunteered.
It should be an interesting and fun day of ND politics. Whether you are an R or a D it is truly a pretty cool deal!
I may not be able to blog much for a few days as I am on a local committee planning this event....I did not know what I was getting into when I volunteered.
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