This post was inspired by the writings of Gerald Weinand and Bruce Bourgoine at Dirigo Blue.  I’d like to thank them both for continuing the debate.

Not only should Maine’s education system continue to evolve, it must continue to evolve.  Our education system is still functioning on a Industrial Era model.  We continue to question why are kids leave school unprepared and/or uninterested in learning.  The answer is right in front of us.  Our schools are preparing them to work in factories settings. *RING* math time *RING* science *RING* eat *RING* english.  If we want to equip our children for the way our new world works this has to stop.  Learning, as life, should happen outside of the microcosm.  There are opportunities to learn about all the Rs integrated in almost every subject.  The world is moving toward a workplace that requires inventive problem solving.  To compete in a global economy our children will need to leverage one of America’s greatest assets; creativity.  Why can’t our education system do the same? (more…)

It is clear at this point that Maine’s schools are not immune to the budget pinch.  Yesterday, Simon Thompson wrote about possible cuts to the Portland sex education program.  This week several school district budget have begun to tackle funding problems.  Scarborough, South Portland, Falmouth, and Cumberland are fighting a fierce battle over funding.  What is going on in these communities could provide lessons for other Maine districts facing the same problems. (more…)

A proposal by Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) to give school districts the ability to choose their own health insurance plans.  Rep. Sarty is seeking to give districts the opportunity to lower insurance costs, in order to save staff positions. The proposal is about giving districts, “freedom to look for savings during a time of extreme financial pressure.”  This is not a mandate.  No one is forced to do anything.  One would assume if a district found their current plan to be the cheapest they would not change.  Any opportunity to save money, and thereby retaining student programs, sounds like a win-win.  Not to the Maine Education Association.  The MEA is circling the wagons in defense against Rep. Sarty’s proposal. (more…)

Legislative solutions to Maine educational budget problems are starting to come in.  Rep. Ralph Sarty (R-Denmark) released a proposal for one such idea today.  Rep. Sarty’s legislation would give districts the option to self-insure and hopefully save money.  “I’ve spoken with nearly 20 school superintendents, and they are all intrigued by this idea,” said Rep. Sarty (R-Denmark). “They are keenly aware that the state’s General Purpose Aid for local schools will drop by $92 million next year and is expected to remain at that level for the following biennium. Health insurance for teachers is costly, and superintendents are very interested in the idea of saving money by self-insuring. They see it as a way of preserving positions for teachers.” (more…)

While every candidate running for governor has at least mentioned education, it remains, to some extent, a peripheral issue.  The economy has trumped education, and most other issues, so far.  You’ve probably heard the saying, “if you think education is expensive, try ignorance.”  There’s truth to that statement.  If the next governor does not focus on improving Maine’s schools, our economy, as well as our children, will pay the price. (more…)

Maine is not the only state going through lean budget times.  Across the country states are agonizing over what programs to cut and save in order to come to terms with revenue shortfalls.  The education budget took a big hit, leaving districts scrambling to make ends meet.  A lot of folks want to raise taxes in some capacity.  That certainly is one way the state to mitigate education funding loss.  Cutting programs, increasing class sizes (ie. firing teachers), and mandatory pay freezes are a few of the other ideas being tossed around.  Times like these often spur great innovative solutions.  I’m not sure if I would call this plan from Washington state one of those, but it’s still worth discussing.   (more…)

That’s it.  Governor Baldacci’s last “State of the State” has been given.  The Governor touched on a number of expected topics, including the economy, taxes, and energy.  Baldacci also discussed how his final year in office would be spent dealing with education policy.  The speech contained tough language on education.  Baldacci is attempting to end his term with fireworks, but will he light more than a sparkler in ed reform? (more…)

While a few people are questioning if we should be involved in the Race to the Top, some are wondering how Maine will stack up against other states.  Stephen Bowen of the Maine Heritage Policy Center has taken it upon himself to closely examine Maine’s chances at the RttT funding.  Can Maine expect any of those much needed funds?  According to Bowen’s assessment, we shouldn’t count on it. (more…)

Jim Burke at Learning In Maine asked a few questions concerning the Race to the Top.  In all the hullabaloo to meet federal requirements, Jim wonders if we are forgetting a few things.  “Are we selling our souls for money?”, he asks.  Read Jim’s full post after the cut. (more…)

Yesterday we examined the MEA’s opposition to education budget cuts. Unfortunately, if the ME has their way, Maine will be missing out in a possible short-term solution.

The federal Race to the Top program is another part of the recovery stimulus.  States will be awarded funding based on a set of reform guidelines.  Depending on how closely a state follows the U.S. Education department’s point system, state’s can receive some much needed cash.  Though the jury is out on whether or not RttT will lead to any true innovations, there is a lot of money at stake.  $4 billion is available to states who implement education reforms following the US Department of Education guidelines, with as much as  $75 million available for Maine. (more…)