Researchers charged with evaluating DC’s Public Education Reform Amendment Act — that is, mayoral control of DC schools — spoke with Thomas Byrd on this week’s edition of the Education Town Hall. In addition, Soumya Bhat of the DC Fiscal Policy Institute joined the program to discuss the District’s current school-related legislation and finances. Full recording.
Evaluating DC’s Mayoral School Control
The National Research Council of the National Academy of Sciences was chosen in April 2009 to serve as evaluators of mayoral control of DC public schools. A committee of researchers was established for that purpose. Carl A. Cohn is co-chair of the committee. Alexandra Beatty, Senior Program Officer of the National Academy of Sciences, directs the project.
Cohn says this evaluation, if done well, “could serve as a model for evaluating urban districts.”
The evaluation, Cohn explains, must consider “a series of questions that get at evidence, rather than media impressions”:
Were all the things promised implemented?
Did education officials do what they say they were going to do? How well?
Did conditions improve overall and for specific populations?
Were there valuable outcomes obtained?
There is lots of choice within DC public schools, but does it lead to satisfaction for students and parents?
“Stakeholder satisfaction is an important component,” Cohn emphasized. Comments are encouraged.
Parents, students, teachers, administrators, all other community members with
perspectives to share……email dceval (at) nas (dot) edu to have your remarks considered in the evaluation.
Do Something!
DC Schools Legislation and Financing
Soumya Bhat, Education Finance and Policy Analyst for the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, prepared the “DC School Finance Primer” to help citizens understand and influence DC’s school budget process.
Bhat also analyzes seven education bills before the DC Council.. DCFPI joins with others in a community response to current legislation.
Learn about the bills and share your own perspectives with the Council and/or sign on to the community response. Do Something!
The Education Town Hall is broadcast Thursdays at 11 a.m. (Eastern) on We Act Radio.
Listen on-line at We Act Radio)
In the DC Metro Area: WPWC 1480 AM
Full recordings are archived for later discussion and sharing.
Join the (live) conversation by calling 202-889-9797.
Post comments here anytime.
Listen and DO SOMETHING!
Education Town Hall Forum 