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Q:
Where do you stand on the ever-growing list of
unfunded mandates that school districts face?
A:
Since 2009, there have been more than $3.7
billion in cuts to public education in Illinois. Those
are real dollars that were lost. In that same period,
there have been more than 130 additional statutes
put on you, including some 200 more reporting
requirements.
ISBE is now down to just more than 400 employees,
as compared to 725 less than 15 years ago. We did
a work flow study and the amount of time spent on
regulation was disproportionate to the time spent on
service and support for school districts. I want us to
focus deeply on support.
The State Board recently adopted a revised set of
goals for its strategic plan. They include:
All kindergarteners are assessed for readiness.
90 percent or more third-grade students are
reading at or above grade level.
90 percent or more fifth-grade students meet or
exceed expectations in mathematics.
90 percent or more students are on track to
graduate with their cohort at the end of ninth
grade.
90 percent or more students graduate from high
school ready for college or career.
All students are supported by highly prepared and
effective teachers and school leaders.
Every school offers a safe and healthy learning
environment for all students.
These more concrete and personalized goals will
allow us to pinpoint what specific, targeted supports
and resources are needed to close gaps and help
every student reach these levels of success.
We are trying to find out where the edge of mandate
relief is, in order to maximize individual school
districts’ autonomy and give innovative leaders the
freedom they need to transform struggling schools
and share their experiences. We will lead a
legislative effort to create “Districts of Innovation” in
Illinois. This initiative is designed to increase districts’
autonomy by allowing them to use their tools and
resources in ways they know work best for children
and families.
Q:
What is your stance regarding the KIDS
(Kindergarten Individual Development Survey)?
A:
It is a beautiful research document, but it’s not
really doable. I have told my staff that it must be
limited to 10-15 items and 20 minutes per child or I
cannot support it. I know that many districts are
already doing similar assessments, but I do think we
need a high quality, common data system. These
results will allow us to thoughtfully and clearly
advocate for early childhood education development.
So, I am looking at 10 items that are doable and
ISBE focusing on local support,
leading way for “Districts of Innovation’
Ask the
State Superintendent
Dr. Tony Smith
If you have any questions for State Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith,
please email them to
mchamness@iasaedu.org.