Many parents and teachers, however, are
concerned about the implementation of such large-scale change being proposed in the Branstad / Glass proposal.
Some educators say they support the plan’s
focus on teacher collaboration, but worry whether such a system could be
executed with fidelity at the state’s 348 school districts.
It’s one thing to tell teachers to get
together and learn from each other; there needs to be some way of making sure
that it’s purposeful, targeted learning, There is going to have to be some instruction in the
implementation process.”
Other potential hurdles include the cost and
laser-focus on teacher quality. It could take several years for the full
fiscal impact of the proposals to be realized. Changes to teacher pay and
duties, for example, would need to be phased in over three to four years, Glass
said.
After that, the program will require annual
infusions of new money, an idea that’s unsettling to some.
Branstad has proposed that the state’s surplus
— which is estimated at $1 billion including cash and so-called “rainy-day”
accounts — also be used as a funding source for property tax reform. Likewise,
special-interest groups are already lobbying to restore cuts made to public
services during the recession.
The governor contends that raising the quality
of the state’s teaching force will result in better outcomes for all students,
a goal supported by State Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, a Democrat from Arlington.
Yet Schoenjahn, chairman of the Iowa Senate’s
education appropriations subcommittee, said lawmakers will also be keeping an
eye on the bottom line when reviewing the governor’s plan.
“We’re certainly interested in reaching across
the aisle and coming to some agreement on what’s sustainable, what’s doable,”
he said. “We want to move forward, but at the same time, we want to make sure
it’s something we’re able to support over the long-term.”
Glass said he understands the skepticism, but
is heartened that most teachers who attended reform meetings this fall “showed
a real interest in what had been proposed and how it could work in their
school.”
“When it comes to this Legislature and this
governor, establishing a lasting legacy will come through the re-establishment
of a great education system.” Glass said. “It’s our responsibility and our
turn.”
