The Transformation Policy Commission Report on the future of Vermont public education released its Final Report of Policy Recommendations to the Vermont State Board of Education today. Among its recommendations is new standards and a new evaluation system for students based on outcomes; aligning secondary school curriculums with post-secondary curriculums; teacher evaluations which would include salary levels based on performance reviews; formation of Regional Education Districts, which would expand educational opportunities beyond the town a student lives in while reducing the number of school districts from the current 290 to as few as 13, to provide more choices for students and their families and more resources for the district.
The report says that each regional education district must offer multiple high schools, at least one technical center, a broad array of elementary schools, and a strong postsecondary education partner. The 13 districts result in a district average of 6,962 students, above the current national median of 3,398.
Recommended Policy Actions:
1. By March 2010, the State Board of Education shall appoint an Education Redistricting Commission, with at least one member of the Policy Commission, to solicit stakeholder input on the Commission’s recommendations and affirm or adjust the recommendation.
2. By July 2012, Vermont’s PK-12 public education system is constituted into 12 to 24 education districts. Each education district shall be governed by a single district board.
3. By December 2012, the State Board of Education shall release guidelines for a multi-year transition process leading to full implementation of the education districts by 2015.
4. By July 2013, each PK-12 public school shall have formed a Community School Council.
The commission was not charged with recommending changes in the education funding mechanisms. In the report it emphasizes that public education should not be driven by the funding mechanisms. The full report is attached.
Source: Vermont Department of Education, 12.15.2009.
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Policy_Commission_Report_12_09.pdf1.23 MB