1. 1 “…to raise new ideas and improve policy debates through quality information and analysis on issues shaping New Hampshire’s future.” Board of Directors Sheila T. Francoeur, Chair David Alukonis William H. Dunlap Eric Herr Dianne Mercier Richard Ober James Putnam Stephen J. Reno Stuart V. Smith, Jr. Donna Sytek Brian F. Walsh Michael Whitney Martin L. Gross, Chair Emeritus Todd I. Selig Kimon S. Zachos Directors Emeritus Student-Centered Learning in New Hampshire Presentation to the House Education Committee May 1, 2013

2. 2 What do we mean by “student-centered”? Students choice gets priority Team-learning & problem-solving are foundation of learning Mastery of skills/concepts is benchmark for promotion, not “seat-time” Performance-based assessments (portfolios, research, experiments) are common Non-traditional settings are encouraged

3. 3 Why? The case for change Global competition is eroding America’s (and NH’s) advantage in the competition for skilled workers Standardized-test model distracts from acquisition of key analytic, non-routine skills Student disengagement is serious problem How to build towards “college & career readiness”?

4. 4

5. 5 Some history 2005: NH Board of Education adopts “competency” as benchmark for student achievement 2007: NH high school dropout age raised to 18 2008: NH begins offering “Extended Learning Opportunities” through pilot program 2012: NH applies for federal waiver from No Child Left Behind

6. 6 Who’s doing it in NH? Many districts, actually –Pittsfield Middle-High School –I3 New England Network Schools Nashua N&S, Nute, Laconia, Manchester West, Raymond, Pittsfield, Kearsarge, Newfound –Extended Learning Opportunities at many high schools –Performance Assessment Network

7. 7 Challenges How to ensure rigor is equal across districts and disciplines? What are specific challenges for rural districts? How to track success of these efforts in improving long-term student outcomes? How to guarantee sustained resources to support these efforts?

8. 8 Adequacy Is the system we are funding the same as the one we are designing through policy? Current adequacy formula is based primarily on staffing ratios. Do job descriptions match the goals of policy initiatives? Should there be financial incentives to boost district participation in student- centered initiatives?

9. 9 Data systems Two goals: –Align “competency” participation with rest of data collections (short-term) –Align high-school outcomes with post- secondary outcomes (long-term) What are good measures? –Test scores, graduation rates, college enrollment, college persistence, workforce success?

10. 10 Funding & sustainability Outside sources have supported much of this work to date What is long-term sustainability model, and does it call for greater private/non- profit sector interaction? Should state funding be used as “incentive” to greater district-level innovation?

11. 11 “…to raise new ideas and improve policy debates through quality information and analysis on issues shaping New Hampshire’s future.” New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies Want to learn more? Online: nhpolicy.org Facebook: facebook.com/nhpolicy Twitter: @nhpublicpolicy Our blog: policyblognh.org (603) 226-2500 Board of Directors Sheila T. Francoeur, Chair David Alukonis William H. Dunlap Eric Herr Dianne Mercier Richard Ober James Putnam Stephen J. Reno Stuart V. Smith, Jr. Donna Sytek Brian F. Walsh Michael Whitney Martin L. Gross, Chair Emeritus Todd I. Selig Kimon S. Zachos Directors Emeritus