FrederickEducationReform.com What Is Education Reform, Anyway? Board of Education Candidate Forum 2008

Who is FrederickEducationReform.com? A group of parents concerned about the direction of the Frederick County Public Schools. We seek to have a rational debate about the what we teach, how it is taught, how we assess progress, and what educational options should be available to parents. A non-partisan, grassroots organization. What do we do? Advocate for a set of ideas – not candidates. Educate the public and policymakers on education issues. Make policy recommendations to improve education. Evaluate candidates relative to education reform issues.

Where are we in our evaluation process? We interviewed all BOE candidates in January 2008 o When asked if they considered themselves to be education reformers, all candidates claimed to be. o Our initial evaluations of the candidates found a range of support for education reform, from strong support to strong opposition. o The primary election eliminated all but six candidates, and one candidate voluntarily withdrew. Today, we will interview the remaining candidates Our final evaluations will be available online prior to the general election on November 4, 2008

What are the ground rules for the forum? All candidates get the same amount of time to answer, and may not go over this time. Moderators reserve the right to ask follow up and clarifying questions. After the moderators ask all of our questions, the time remaining will be for the audience to ask questions of the candidates and the candidates to ask questions of each other—at the direction of the moderators.

What is “education reform”, anyway? Education reform can be summarized by six BIG IDEAS: oBIG IDEA #1: Education schools often promote well- intended but misleading myths about teaching and learning. oBIG IDEA #2: Teacher certification, which is based on education schools’ well-intended but misleading ideas, contributes little to teachers’ effectiveness, and perpetuates the teacher shortage. oBIG IDEA #3: Administrators are influenced by the prevailing ideas in education schools; as a result, they often promote academic programs that lack important knowledge and skills.

What is “education reform”, anyway? oBIG IDEA #4: Parents and other “outsiders” often have different views of what constitutes a sound education, but have little influence on the content and implementation in the public schools. oBIG IDEA #5: School choice empowers parents to select schools that reflect what they want for their children, and provides teachers with more options for their work environment. oBIG IDEA #6: School choice is necessary but not sufficient to improve public education. Education must also transform itself from a belief-based profession into an evidence-based profession.

So let’s start with the first BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #1: Education schools often promote well- intended but misleading myths about teaching and learning. We’ll explain some of the myths, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Myths Education Schools Promote Learning Styles – Forty years of research have not found evidence that there are visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners or that teachers can achieve better results by trying appeal to “learning styles”. Multiple Intelligences – Mainstream psychologists have little regard for the idea that there are seven different kinds of intelligence (or what most people would call talents), and even the theory’s originator said educators have taken it too far. Rote Memorization – This misleading phrase is employed to argue against any sort of factual knowledge, and used to defend curricula that lack important content. Some rote memorization is required to learn rudimentary knowledge, such as the letters of the alphabet.

Myths Education Schools Promote Entertainment vs. Learning – The idea that subject matter should be presented as “fun and games”. The reality is that most initial learning is not fun, and a well- intended emphasis on “fun” can waste time and reduce students’ long term interest and motivation because the instruction fails to provide knowledge and skills needed to enjoy lifelong learning. The Eclectic Teacher – The idea that teachers should string together lessons drawn from multiple sources in an effort to customize learning to students. Large scale research suggests that well-designed, scientifically validated curricula that use the same teaching approach for all students with relatively minor modifications can achieve consistently positive results.

Myths Education Schools Promote The “Good Teacher” – The idea that teachers personal qualities trump curriculum and methods, and that good teachers are born, not made. However, when curricula and methods are ineffective, it doesn’t matter how smart, dynamic, or committed to students a teacher is. Brain Compatible Learning – The idea that teaching should reflect our understanding of how the brain works physically. Mainstream neuroscientists regard this as something akin to quackery. Disabilities – The idea that students’ learning disabilities, poverty, or families explain their lack of achievement. However, 95% of learning disabilities are mild. 1 Personal circumstances can be mitigated through high expectations, solid teaching, and student effort. 1 ”Myths About Teaching and Learning”, page 130

Books About the Myths The information on myths was derived from these books. There are more myths than the ones we summarized.

And now…the first questions for candidates IDEA #1: Education schools often promote well-intended but misleading myths about teaching and learning. oDo you agree that education schools promote the myths we outlined and that they are in fact myths? oWould you insist that FCPS re-write its document entitled “Proven Practices for Education that is Multicultural”, since it promotes these myths? oWould you provide teachers with professional development training that presents mainstream research that counters these myths? Time Allowed: 2:00 Minutes (answer all questions) Candidate Order:1, 2, 3, 4

And now for the next BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #2: Teacher certification, which is based on education schools’ well-intended but misleading ideas, contributes little to teachers’ effectiveness, and perpetuates the teacher shortage. We’ll explain this issue, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Certified Doesn’t Mean Qualified Teacher Effectiveness o“Even if all of the research on certification is considered uncritically, at best the conclusion is that the traditional certification process may only add some marginal value.” 1 o87% of education schools fail to prepare teachers to teach elementary math. 2 o85% of education schools fail to prepare teachers in scientifically-based reading instruction. 3 oHigh-achieving graduates without formal education training who worked in low-income schools produced “higher test scores than the other teachers in their schools—not just other novice teachers or uncertified teachers, but also veterans and certified teachers” _nctq_math_pr.pdf; 4

Certified Doesn’t Mean Qualified Teacher Shortage oThe time and expense of traditional certification discourages many applicants from considering joining the profession. oMaryland’s alternative certification intended to attract career changers has only produced 1% of our teachers 1 ; in contrast, New Jersey’s alternative certification produces 20-25% of its teachers. 2 oNon-traditional candidates are often more diverse and bring stronger academic backgrounds than traditional candidates

One Solution: The American Board American Board Certification oStreamlined route into teaching, requiring a college degree, mentoring, and pedagogy and subject exams. oRecognized under No Child Left Behind. o95% of principals rated American Board teachers to be as effective or more effective than their peers. 1 oTeacher retention is 85% over the first three years compared to 67% nationwide. 1 1http://

And now…the second set of questions BIG IDEA #2: Teacher certification, which is based on education schools’ well-intended but misleading ideas, contributes little to teachers’ effectiveness, and perpetuates the teacher shortage. oWould you work to have FCPS adopt the American Board as an alternative route into the profession? oWould you require FCPS elementary teacher candidates to take a math test and test of scientifically-based reading instruction prior to being hired? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minutes (answer all questions) Candidate Order:2, 3, 4, 1

And now for the next BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #3: Administrators are influenced by the prevailing ideas in education schools; as a result, they often promote academic programs that lack important knowledge and skills. We’ll explain the trends in each subject area, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Math Trends The trends in elementary math instruction are to… oHave a large number of curriculum standards repeated from grade to grade instead of a smaller number that are learned in depth and mastered each year. oDe-emphasize the basics of math in favor of so-called “conceptual understanding” that sounds sophisticated but actually sets lower expectations. oAvoid or underemphasize the standard algorithms and focus on “strategies” that won’t work for problems that involve larger numbers or decimals.

Math Trends To illustrate FCPS’ large number of standards, consider this comparison to exemplary standards.

And now…the third set of questions Math Questions oWould you insist that FCPS re-write its K-7 math standards to focus on a smaller number of standards? oDo you support the use of TERC Investigations math (which embodies these trends) as the primary resource in our schools for grades K-5? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minutes (answer all questions) Candidate Order:3, 4, 1, 2

History Trends The trend in elementary history is to… oUse an “expanding horizons” approach, which focuses on students’ neighborhood and local community, and leaves out important and interesting historical content. oNot teach history in chronological order (often teaching the history relevant to the next upcoming holiday), making it difficult for students to understand cause and effect and historical timelines. oInclude very little geography. oInclude very little multicultural content.

History Trends A partial list of topics, to illustrate the difference… K12.com (Commercial Vendor)FCPS K Continents, Major Oceans, Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Antarctica, North American Geography, Native Americans, Christopher Columbus, Revolutionary War, Civil War, Pioneer Life, Civil Rights Movement No specific content mentioned. 1 Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Origins of Judaism, Ancient Greece (including geography), Alexander the Great, Ancient India (including geography), Origins of Hinduism and Buddhism, Early Chinese Leaders, Great Wall of China, Discovery of Silk and Paper North and South Poles, Equator, and Oceans Bordering America 2 Ancient Rome, Caesar, Augustus, Byzantium, Justinian and Theodora, The Fall of Rome, Early Middle Ages in Western Europe, The Rise of Islam, Charlemagne, Feudalism, The Crusades Presidents’ Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day and Maryland Day, Compare Two (Unspecified) Cultures

Humanities Trends The trend in elementary art and music is to… oLeave out important and interesting content such as the lives and works of famous artists.

Humanities Trends A partial list of topics, to illustrate the difference… K12.com (Commercial Vendor)FCPS K Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Rembrandt van Rijn, Ando Hiroshige, Paul Cézanne, Pablo Picasso, and Faith Ringgold, Self-Portrait by Rembrandt van Rijn, Hunters in the Snow by Pieter Brueghel the Elder, Grieg, Haydn No specific content mentioned. 1 Lion from the Processional Way from Babylon, bust of Queen Nefertiti from Egypt, Water Lilies Nymphas by Claude Monet, James McNeill Whistler, Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh, Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf, Mozart’s Magic Flute No specific content mentioned.

And now…the fourth set of questions History & Humanities Questions oWould you insist that FCPS revise its elementary history standards to be specific about which historical content should be taught and to present it in chronological order? oWould you insist that FCPS revise its elementary art and music standards to be specific about the artists and artistic works from a variety of cultures throughout history that students should study? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minute (answer all questions) Candidate Order:4, 1, 2, 3

Reading Trends The trend in elementary reading instruction is to… oRetain elements of the failed “whole language” approach to reading within a “balanced literacy” program instead of using scientifically-based approaches, which research shows will reach 90-95% of students. oUse Reading Recovery as an intervention after students have failed to read in first grade, which is expensive and which evidence shows only helps a small number of children temporarily. oUse multiple reading programs and interventions, but don’t track the effectiveness of each to determine which ones are more effective, the cost of implementing each one, and whether a better base program would reduce the need for some of them.

And now…the fifth set of questions Reading Questions oWould you hire top reading researchers to review FCPS’ current approach to reading to determine if it meets the standards of scientifically-based reading instruction? oWould you require that the effectiveness and cost of all base reading programs and interventions be reported to the Board of Education and determine if some should be replaced or eliminated in favor of a stronger base reading program? oWould you eliminate Reading Recovery in favor of a more effective intervention? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minute (answer all questions) Candidate Order:1, 2, 3, 4

And now for the next BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #4: Parents and other “outsiders” often have different views of what constitutes a sound education, but have little influence on the content and implementation in the public schools. We’ll list some of our concerns, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Making Public Education More Public Accountability and Transparency oUnlike the County Commissioners, FCPS does not record and broadcast its committee meetings and planning sessions. oFrom , the FCPS budget increased 54% while enrollment only increased 5.8%, and the budget is not published for each school. 1 oFCPS is constructing an unnecessary $10.7 million new administration building, while many of our teachers and children are in portables and hallways. oParents didn’t ask for TERC math, and when they requested it be reconsidered and parents be given other options, this request was denied. 1

Making Public Education More Public Responsiveness to Parents oParents cannot simply opt their young children out of FCPS’ unit on abuse, and are required to meet with their principal and convince him or her that they are not abusing their children. oOur group has been trying to get FCPS to adopt the American Board certification for nearly two years, but hasn’t yet received a response. oEven prior to TERC becoming an issue, our group requested a meeting with the Board of Education about the math curriculum, but the BOE under President Katie Groth violated its own policy and refused to meet with us even though the required three members agreed to place this item on the agenda.

Making Public Education More Public What Constitutes a Good Education oAll parents want the best for their children, but have different ideas for what constitutes a good education. oThe schools cannot possibly please all parents. Instead of providing parents with more choices, which would be the parent-friendly response, the schools typically try to persuade parents that the schools’ decisions are best. (FCPS even produced a TERC “infomercial” to try to sell parents on this program.)

And now…the sixth set of questions BIG IDEA #4: Parents and other “outsiders” often have different views of what constitutes a sound education, but have little influence on the content and implementation in the public schools. oWould you vote to record and broadcast the BOE’s planning sessions? oWhat fiscal constraints would you place on the growth of the budget? oWould you allow parents to opt out of the “Body Safety” curriculum without meeting with their principal? Time Allowed: 2 Minutes (answer all questions) Candidate Order:2, 3, 4, 1

And now for the next BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #5: School choice empowers parents to pick schools that reflect what they want for their children, and provides teachers with more options for their work environment. We’ll explain the forms of school choice, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Four Forms of School Choice Charter Schools – A public school that is given the freedom to implement a different curriculum and instructional approach than the district uses. The funding that would have been spent on each child in the regular public schools shifts to the charter school. Vouchers – A coupon that parents receive from the government that is accepted as full (and in some cases partial) payment for tuition and materials at any district public school and participating private schools. Tax Credits – Parents can claim a deduction on their taxes for expenses associated with private school expenses. Home School – Parents teach their children at home, with oversight by the local school system.

And now…the seventh set of questions BIG IDEA #5 – Part 1: School choice empowers parents to pick schools that reflect what they want for their children, and provides teachers with more options for their work environment. oWhat forms of school choice to you support or oppose and why? oDo you believe that government’s primary responsibility for education is to facilitate parents’ choices for their children? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minute (answer all questions) Candidate Order:3, 4, 1, 2

And now…the eighth set of questions BIG IDEA #5 – Part 2: School choice empowers parents to pick schools that reflect what they want for their children, and provides teachers with more options for their work environment. oKnowing what you know now, would you vote to keep Frederick’s Montessori Public Charter School open? oKnowing what you know now, would you vote to approve the EACH! all-girls charter school application? oWould you approve a charter school that used Singapore Math, a program that was held up as exemplary by the National Math Panel, but was rejected by FCPS in favor of TERC? Time Allowed: 2:00 Minute (answer all questions) Candidate Order:4, 1, 2, 3

And now for the last BIG IDEA… BIG IDEA #6: School choice is necessary but not sufficient to improve public education. Education must also transform itself from a belief-based profession into an evidence-based profession. We’ll explain what it means to be evidence-based, and then ask the candidates what they think.

Making Education Evidence-Based Chasing Fads – The nation’s most eminent historian of education explained that American schools have chased fads for 100 years, often re-packaging the same failed ideas under new names. (For example, the “whole word” method of the 1920s became the “whole language” method of the 1980s.)

Making Education Evidence-Based The Achievement Gap – The largest education study in human history compared 22 different teaching approaches to see which ones could close the achievement gap. One model outshined all the others…

Making Education Evidence-Based Schools’ Response to this Research – But despite this overwhelming evidence that continues to amass in favor of Direct Instruction, it is not popular among educators, who tend to base their decisions on feelings and strongly held beliefs, not objective evidence. Direct Instruction runs contrary to the prevailing philosophy in education. What Beliefs? – Educators tend to lean toward the “constructivist”, “progressive”, or “student-centered” philosophy to teaching, which focuses more on affect and motivation and less on the content of what is learned. In the opposite school of thought, which is called “traditional”, “curriculum focused”, or “teacher centered” approaches, the emphasis is on the intellect—on academic learning. Motivation and affect are not ignored, but the major focus is on academic learning.

Making Education Evidence-Based What Does the Evidence Support? – The top reading researcher in America wrote, “Quite consistently, when results were analyzed by socioeconomic status, it was the more traditional education that produced the better academic achievement from low-income families,” and that “the traditional, teacher–centered approach generally produced higher academic achievement than the progressive, student-centered approach.”

Making Education Evidence-Based Research-Based vs. Research-Validated – There is a big difference between what research suggests might work (research-based) and the reality of what actually works once it is tried with a large number of children in real classrooms over an extended period of time (research-validated). When schools say something is “research based” that doesn’t usually mean it has been validated in large scale, reliable studies. Piloting – School systems rarely try out several programs for several years and use data to determine which one to select. This was the case with TERC Investigations, which collected no student performance data, and based the selection on teachers’ feelings and impressions of the program over a four month period.

And now…the ninth set of questions BIG IDEA #6: School choice is necessary but not sufficient to improve public education. Education must also transform itself from a belief-based profession into an evidence-based profession. oWould you insist that all new curricular materials and approaches be piloted for at least two years and selected on the basis of student performance data? oDo you believe that research-validated approaches can be used to close the achievement gap? Time Allowed: 1:30 Minute (answer all questions) Candidate Order:1, 2, 3, 4

And now…the tenth set of questions Free Question Period oAudience Questions oCandidates Question to Each Other oModerators’ Questions Time Allowed: 1:30 Minutes (per candidate/per question) Candidate Order:Moderator Directed

And now…the conclusion! Education reform focuses on BIG IDEAS. “Ideas have consequences.” “Only ideas have long and lasting consequences”. 1 Over the long term, changing who is elected won’t lead to sustainable improvements, only better ideas will. 1 Ideas Have Consequences is a book by Richard M. Weaver, published in 1948

But the system reinforces misleading ideas… …and keeps parents out of the loop. Education Schools Teachers Administrators Unions BOE Candidates & Members State Law The Classroom Trains Become Regulates Influence Oversee Influence Lobby For

But parents can change things… Parents must first get informed (that’s what we focus on) Informed parents will insist upon improvements, and will help educate other parents. Please consider getting involved in a campaign: oYour children’s experience in the public schools and your family’s ability to choose the school your child attends will likely be affected by the outcome of this election.

FrederickEducationReform.com Many thanks to the audience for attending our forum, and to the candidates for answering our questions. Please vote on November 4 th for the candidates who reflect your views.