Let’s Expect Better

Following up on an earlier blog post, it should be noted that the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) creates a list of legislative priorities each year just before the start of the legislative session. These priorities, presumably, signal what DESE is hoping lawmakers will focus on and what they want to avoid. Many of them start with “The State Board of Education supports continuing funding for . . .”

One that I found to be particularly interesting is this:

“The State Board of Education supports efforts that provide the best free and appropriate public education for all students.”

Huh. I have long supported giving parents and students access to multiple education options so that they can find the one that best suits their needs. Is the state board agreeing? This would require swapping their support for the best education for all students to the best education for each student. Or is the board saying that it supports efforts for others (the state board) to determine what is best for all students? That doesn’t make sense. Children are unique. They’re not widgets. Why is this statement even one of the 17 priorities?

The Show-Me Institute publishes a legislative Blueprint each year that lays out our priorities for improving the state of Missouri and the lives of those who live here. In many cases, these priorities have model legislation, policy briefs, and even infographics explaining the specifics.

To the extent that DESE and the state board of education have legislative priorities, they should be precise and supported by facts. They should complement the department’s strategic plan and budget. Our test scores are dismal. We’re handing high school diplomas to students who can’t read or do math. Let’s dispense with the throwaway lines.