Sen. Appropriations Passes Accountability Education Plan
Air Date:02/02/2012
The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved a state accountability system for public schools. The Senate Education Committee sent the bill to Appropriations because of funding for potential school resources. Department of Education Secretary Melody Schopp says the bill is anti-No Child Left Behind. Schools were tested once a year and they only had to meet one standard under N-C-L-B. However, Senate Bill 25 tests student growth three times a year, and it sets individual goals for districts. South Dakota School Boards Association Executive Director Wade Pogany supports the bill. But, he says it will take time and more resources to adjust.
"We're in a financial crisis right now. So, they're trying to say how can we be fore minded as we are, and also keep the car running and keep enough resources that we have to keep our doors open," Pogany says.
Opponents say the bill takes away local control. They say districts should evaluate performance. The measure is debated next on the Senate Floor.
By Travis Berg
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