Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Vic’s Statehouse Notes #185 – September 30, 2014

Dear Friends,

Can you come this Saturday October 4th to the ICPE meeting at 2pm in Fort Wayne to support public education?

The documentary “Rise Above the Mark” will be featured at the meeting in the Rhinehart Recital Hall on the Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne campus, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd, Fort Wayne.

The originator and producer of the documentary, Dr. Rocky Killion, West Lafayette Superintendent, will introduce the video and will participate in the panel discussion to follow.

Networking during this election season with others who share the deep belief that better support for public schools must be restored is another feature of the meeting.

I hope all public school advocates in Northeast Indiana can come! All who support public education are invited. There is no charge.

The Indiana Coalition for Public Education Fall Meetings


This is the third of five ICPE meetings around the state this fall. Momentum for public education is building. The first two meetings have attracted more total attendees than the total for all three of our fall meetings last year. Bring your friends and join us!

All meetings will feature “Rise Above the Mark” followed by a panel discussion. Dr. Killion will join the panel at each site. The three remaining dates are as follows:

Oct. 4, 2014....Fort Wayne....IPFW Rhinehart Recital Hall, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd

Oct. 18, 2014....New Albany....NAFC Education Support Center, 2801 Grant Line Road

Oct. 25, 2014....Evansville....Evansville Central High School Auditorium, 5400 First Avenue

All meetings begin at 2pm, local time.

On Saturday after the video, a panel discussion will be led by ICPE Vice President Marilyn Shank. Confirmed members of the panel include:
  • Phyllis Bush, Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education
  • Karen Francisco, Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette
  • Dr. Wendy Robinson, Superintendent, Fort Wayne Community Schools
  • Dr. Rocky Killion, West Lafayette Superintendent and video producer
All parents, community members and educators should see this video!

“Rise Above the Mark” is worth seeing two or three times. For all those who saw “The Roosevelts” recently on PBS, the narrator of that series Peter Coyote is also the narrator of “Rise Above the Mark.” It is a quality documentary film about the results of corporate reform in Indiana and around nation. It was prompted by Dr. Killion’s inquiry into why some of his best teachers were retiring early in frustration.

Please circulate the attached brochure (click here) to let others know about this meeting.

An RSVP for October 4th is not necessary. Come and bring a friend! An RSVP, however, would be helpful at vic790@aol.com if you have not yet done so.

Thanks for participating! Please keep up your great support of public schools!

Best wishes,

Vic Smith

“Vic’s Statehouse Notes” and ICPE received one of three Excellence in Media Awards presented by Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, an organization of over 85,000 women educators in seventeen countries. The award was presented on July 30, 2014 during the Delta Kappa Gamma International Convention held in Indianapolis. Thank you Delta Kappa Gamma!

ICPE has worked since 2011 to promote public education in the Statehouse and oppose the privatization of schools. The fall ICPE membership meeting in Fort Wayne will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2pm at the IPFW Rhinehart Recital Hall, 2101 E. Coliseum, Fort Wayne. The video “Rise Above the Mark” will be featured at the meeting and Rocky Killion, the video’s producer, will be among the panelists to discuss the film afterward. Come join us on Oct. 4th!

We need your membership to help pay the bills for ICPE lobbying efforts. Many have renewed their memberships already, and we thank you! If you have not done so since July 1, the start of our new membership year, we urge you to renew at one of our fall meetings or by going to our website.

We must raise additional funds for the 2015 session. We need additional members and additional donations. We need your help and the help of your colleagues who support public education! Please pass the word!

Go to www.icpe2011.com for membership and renewal information and for full information on ICPE efforts on behalf of public education. Thanks!


Some readers have asked about my background in Indiana public schools. Thanks for asking! Here is a brief bio:

I am a lifelong Hoosier and began teaching in 1969. I served as a social studies teacher, curriculum developer, state research and evaluation consultant, state social studies consultant, district social studies supervisor, assistant principal, principal, educational association staff member, and adjunct university professor. I worked for Garrett-Keyser-Butler Schools, the Indiana University Social Studies Development Center, the Indiana Department of Education, the Indianapolis Public Schools, IUPUI, and the Indiana Urban Schools Association, from which I retired as Associate Director in 2009. I hold three degrees: B.A. in Ed., Ball State University, 1969; M.S. in Ed., Indiana University, 1972; and Ed.D., Indiana University, 1977, along with a Teacher’s Life License and a Superintendent’s License, 1998.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Candidate Questionnaire 7: Testing and Evaluations

In July, The Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education (NEIFPE) contacted all 21 of the candidates running for federal and state offices in NE Indiana to ask them for their views pertaining to education issues. Each was sent a survey of 10 questions. So far 7 have returned the surveys. If and when others respond, those will also be posted. The comments below are unedited and are the words and thoughts of the candidates. NEIFPE shares this information so voters will be able to make informed choices at the polls on November 4.

(NOTE: A copy of the original (blank) questionnaire may be found HERE.)

Question: Indiana spends over 45 million dollars every year on high-stakes testing. Do you think test scores should be the primary factor in evaluating schools, teachers, and students?


(Note: Candidates are listed by district, and by alphabetical order within districts)

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "No, some kids just don't do well on tests, I think how well the student does in everyday classes and how they feel about themselves is more important."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "Test scores should be part of the mix, but not the primary factor."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "No."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "Absolutely not."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Absolutely not! Tests are only one of many variables for school success. Test scores are overused and their interpretation is frequently abused. Other critical elements of school success include parent involvement, funding, facilities, curriculum expectations, and the local economy."

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "No."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "Absolutely not. Testing is required for accountability purposes but should not be the primary factor in evaluating schools or the effectiveness of teachers."

###

The following candidates did not provide a response the the questions. (Answers from candidate questionnaires will be added to this page as they are returned.)

Candidates for State Representative
Dan Leonard, R-50
Dennis Zent, R-51
Benjamin Smaltz, R-52
Matt Lehman, R-79
Martin Carbaugh, R-81
David Ober, R-82
Christopher Judy, R-83
Bob Morris, R-84
Casey Cox, R-85

Candidates for State Senate
Dennis Kruse, R-14
Liz Brown, R-15
Jim Banks, R-17
Travis Holdman, R-19

Candidates for U.S. Representative
Marlin Stutzman, R-3

Complete Responses

Click the candidate's name below to see their entire questionnaire, including a statement of their vision for the future of education in Indiana. NOTE: Only those candidates who returned a questionnaire are listed.

INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INDIANA SENATE

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  • Justin Kuhnle, candidate for U.S. Representative Indiana District 3
###

Friday, September 26, 2014

Rise Above The Mark

...comes back to Fort Wayne. This time at IPFW.

2:00 PM, Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Rhinehart Music Center at IPFW, 2101 East Coliseum Blvd.

Sponsored by ICPE.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Candidate Questionnaire 6: Funding for Public Pre-school

In July, The Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education (NEIFPE) contacted all 21 of the candidates running for federal and state offices in NE Indiana to ask them for their views pertaining to education issues. Each was sent a survey of 10 questions. So far 7 have returned the surveys. If and when others respond, those will also be posted. The comments below are unedited and are the words and thoughts of the candidates. NEIFPE shares this information so voters will be able to make informed choices at the polls on November 4.

(NOTE: A copy of the original (blank) questionnaire may be found HERE.)

Question: Do you support state-funded public pre-school with or without the use of vouchers?


(Note: Candidates are listed by district, and by alphabetical order within districts)

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "Yes, but I don't like vouchers."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "I support state-funded pre-school because it works! I'm against vouchers."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "Yes, Indiana is one of the only states in the country that fails to publicly fund pre-school. This puts our children behind from the start."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "Absolutely. Early education is key to a good education. I do not believe in vouchers of any kind. Vouchers will lead to families missing out on opportunities for an equal education."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Yes!"

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "I support state-funded public pre-school without vouchers as we currently know them. I am okay if we establish a system of vouchers to be used at any pre-school which is approved and endorsed by the local public school board. I anticipate this may be particularly necessary if we want to jump-start implementation."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "I believe in state-funded public pre-schools but believe the balance should be less on education standards and more encouraging of development of socialization and proper play with other children."

###

The following candidates did not provide a response the the questions. (Answers from candidate questionnaires will be added to this page as they are returned.)

Candidates for State Representative
Dan Leonard, R-50
Dennis Zent, R-51
Benjamin Smaltz, R-52
Matt Lehman, R-79
Martin Carbaugh, R-81
David Ober, R-82
Christopher Judy, R-83
Bob Morris, R-84
Casey Cox, R-85

Candidates for State Senate
Dennis Kruse, R-14
Liz Brown, R-15
Jim Banks, R-17
Travis Holdman, R-19

Candidates for U.S. Representative
Marlin Stutzman, R-3

Complete Responses

Click the candidate's name below to see their entire questionnaire, including a statement of their vision for the future of education in Indiana. NOTE: Only those candidates who returned a questionnaire are listed.

INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INDIANA SENATE

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  • Justin Kuhnle, candidate for U.S. Representative Indiana District 3
###

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Candidate Questionnaire 5: Funding for All Day Kindergarten

In July, The Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education (NEIFPE) contacted all 21 of the candidates running for federal and state offices in NE Indiana to ask them for their views pertaining to education issues. Each was sent a survey of 10 questions. So far 7 have returned the surveys. If and when others respond, those will also be posted. The comments below are unedited and are the words and thoughts of the candidates. NEIFPE shares this information so voters will be able to make informed choices at the polls on November 4.

(NOTE: A copy of the original (blank) questionnaire may be found HERE.)

Question: Do you support fully funding the state mandate for all day kindergarten in all public school districts?


(Note: Candidates are listed by district, and by alphabetical order within districts)

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "Yes, I think every child should get the chance to learn when they are at the fastest learning period in their lives."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "Yes."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "Yes."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "Absolutely. Mandates should always be followed with full funding."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Yes! Research has shown that providing all day kindergarten is a significant variable in predicting academic success for students in subsequent school years."

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "Yes."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "Yes. All day kindergarten is the essential building block for quality education. I am a supporter of all-day kindergarten programs with the increased socialization and promoting a guide to learning and development."

###

The following candidates did not provide a response the the questions. (Answers from candidate questionnaires will be added to this page as they are returned.)

Candidates for State Representative
Dan Leonard, R-50
Dennis Zent, R-51
Benjamin Smaltz, R-52
Matt Lehman, R-79
Martin Carbaugh, R-81
David Ober, R-82
Christopher Judy, R-83
Bob Morris, R-84
Casey Cox, R-85

Candidates for State Senate
Dennis Kruse, R-14
Liz Brown, R-15
Jim Banks, R-17
Travis Holdman, R-19

Candidates for U.S. Representative
Marlin Stutzman, R-3

Complete Responses

Click the candidate's name below to see their entire questionnaire, including a statement of their vision for the future of education in Indiana. NOTE: Only those candidates who returned a questionnaire are listed.

INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INDIANA SENATE

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  • Justin Kuhnle, candidate for U.S. Representative Indiana District 3
###

Friday, September 12, 2014

Join Us in Supporting Public Education

Some of you who have attended our events or who have read our blog or our Facebook page might wish to be further connected with our group. Since NEIFPE does not have a formal membership, the best way to connect is to join our mailing list and participate in activities we sponsor. In the near term, we are planning to host events that will be open to those who are interested, and we welcome your involvement. We plan to host open forums, letter writing groups, and discussion groups based on current issues regarding education.

However, in the meantime, for those of you who wish to be more involved, here are some suggestions.

1. Sign up for our mailing list and our blog.

2. Join ICPE. Vic Smith's vigilance in Indianapolis is invaluable. However, Joel Hand's lobbying for public education comes at a cost. So please join ICPE. The ICPE $25 membership fee is money well spent. http://www.icpe2011.com

3. Rise Above the Mark will be shown here in Fort Wayne at 2:00 on Saturday, October 4th at the Rinehart Music Center at IPFW. Invite your friends (especially those who are interested in what has been happening to public education).

4. Get informed, get involved, spread the word, write letters to the editor, campaign for candidates who support public education, help get people registered to vote, and then VOTE!

Most of all, remember that together we are a a mighty force.

In the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."


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Friday, September 5, 2014

Candidate Questionnaire 4: Equitable Funding

In July, The Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education (NEIFPE) contacted all 21 of the candidates running for federal and state offices in NE Indiana to ask them for their views pertaining to education issues. Each was sent a survey of 10 questions. So far 7 have returned the surveys. If and when others respond, those will also be posted. The comments below are unedited and are the words and thoughts of the candidates. NEIFPE shares this information so voters will be able to make informed choices at the polls on November 4.

(NOTE: A copy of the original (blank) questionnaire may be found HERE.)

Question: Do you believe that the funding formula for schools should be revised so that public schools across the state are equitably funded?


(Note: Candidates are listed by district, and by alphabetical order within districts)

Candidates for State Representative

Charles Odier, D-52: "Yes I think all schools should have whatever it takes to succeed, our kids are our future and we need to make sure they have everything they need."

Phil GiaQuinta, D-80: "Yes."

Thad Gerardot, D-81: "Yes."

Mike Wilber, D-82: "Public schools are being told to make do with much less that what is realistic. I am a strong supporter of restoring public school funding to adequate levels with a fair system that provides the schools that need the most help the funding that is necessary for student success."

Fred Haigh, D-84: "Yes. The current formula is unfair to larger school corporations and entirely dependent on state sales tax revenues (property taxes were eliminated from the formula in 2009). Sales tax revenues are historically unreliable and subject to political influence and economic health."

Candidates for State Senate

Jack Morris, D-15: "Yes."

Candidates for U. S. Representative

Justin Kuhnle, D-3: "Absolutely. We should provide the resources needed to match mandates so that the teachers and schools can be successful for the children. The cuts that have come to education in recent years has already begun to have adverse effects on individual schools, districts, and community development."

###

The following candidates did not provide a response the the questions. (Answers from candidate questionnaires will be added to this page as they are returned.)

Candidates for State Representative
Dan Leonard, R-50
Dennis Zent, R-51
Benjamin Smaltz, R-52
Matt Lehman, R-79
Martin Carbaugh, R-81
David Ober, R-82
Christopher Judy, R-83
Bob Morris, R-84
Casey Cox, R-85

Candidates for State Senate
Dennis Kruse, R-14
Liz Brown, R-15
Jim Banks, R-17
Travis Holdman, R-19

Candidates for U.S. Representative
Marlin Stutzman, R-3

Complete Responses

Click the candidate's name below to see their entire questionnaire, including a statement of their vision for the future of education in Indiana. NOTE: Only those candidates who returned a questionnaire are listed.

INDIANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

INDIANA SENATE

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
  • Justin Kuhnle, candidate for U.S. Representative Indiana District 3
###