tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580376204838202307.post2379346902019534305..comments2024-01-10T12:18:54.596-05:00Comments on Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education: Reflections on REPA 2NEIFPEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04785540458733702680noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3580376204838202307.post-21531305327227913422012-12-09T23:24:47.757-05:002012-12-09T23:24:47.757-05:00The REPA action was taken per legislative directiv...The REPA action was taken per legislative directive four years ago. The Indiana Professional Licensing board was shut down and ordered to go under the IDOE. There has been four years of open public discussion on this. Attached are some documents that may help you. We never (once) said that we did not value teachers. In fact, the teacher evaluation process came out of many teacher complaints of NCLB. IDOE sought a waiver and was told by USDOE- waiver granted but teacher evaluations are/were required. All local corporations had the right to develop their own evaluations. IDOE only provided a sample evaluation (not mandated) for those corporations who didn't want to do this work. As a result of the evaluations the USDOE has provided $60 million to reward highly qualified teachers.<br /><br />There was no "slap in the face" - this has been a long process with a timeline that has been outlined for years and everyone had a chance to speak all along. The slap in the face is that they waited until the 11th hour (contrary to who was sitting in the Superintendent's seat) to complain. Rick, you of all people, should know how inappropriate it is to turn these issues into political hogwash. It is (and will remain) about improving education for kids. <br /><br />As a side not - Local corporations still make the hiring decisions.<br /><br />Please find attached the total comments of speech that I made or watch it on the IDOE web site video stream at http://media.doe.in.gov/sbe/2012-12.html. <br /><br />I have total respect for teachers - I just believe we should embrace others who are coming out of professions bringing their expertise and passion to children without having to return to college for training. My decision was not made based on who was sitting at the head of the table but the statutory responsibility to act on this which we were directed by legislators along with many years of discussion, hearings and public input (which is reflected in the final form of REPA 2).<br /><br />I have provided you the documentation provided to the public on REPA 2 along with a review of the original REPA 1 presentation from February 2011. I hope you find this information helpful.<br /><br />I appreciate your interest and welcome a phone call should you like to discuss this further,<br /><br />Jo Blacketor<br />IDOE Board Member, Congressional District 21<br />South Bend, IN <br />574-532-4841<br /><br />Those interested in my complete statement and/or other background materials email me directly at joblacketor@aol.comJo Blacketorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13312249721947089525noreply@blogger.com