Time for Reform?

I was struck by last Sunday's article in the LA Times regarding "value-added" attempts in San Diego. While I am not here to defend Terry Grier or San Diego, I do think the concept of "value-added" is of worth. Further, I don't believe that it is an anathema to "unions" and teachers. I first got engaged with the concept value-added with William Sanders 7 or 8 years ago. When he introduced the model in Tennessee, it was essentially a growth model that allowed schools to be recognized for the great work that had been done while it pointed out those that had been "coasting" (often affluent schools that were "good" but didn't add value). Sanders focus was on schools NOT teachers Per Se.

The LA Times article had an interesting juxtaposition with a recent Friedman article (also this week) that makes a case that economic recovery MUST include educational recovery. While anyone might reasonable take issue with parts or the whole of either article, it does seem clear that as an educational system we need to take stock of where we are and more importantly where we are going. There would be many of us that would defend the efforts in schools and districts that have brought us to this point, while at the same time advocate that it is now time to undertake fundamental reform of the system.