“We are putting students first because ‘students first’ is the right thing to do. And by having the courage to do what is right – instead of what might be safe or polite or popular – we are opening doors to educational opportunity for each and every one of our children.”

So said Dr. Tony Bennett, Superintendent of Indiana Public Schools, during his first State of Education address.  It’s a sentiment that is long overdue.  Let’s hope that all the adults who are part of the education debate agree and live up to the idea that all decisions about education should be made by looking through the prism of how does a policy decision or action impact kids.

To that point, Dr. Bennett said he will fight to “make student learning the primary consideration for teacher promotion and recognition.” Currently, how long a teacher has taught and the degrees they hold are the main criteria for how a teacher is rewarded.

This would be a change in worldview for many, but a much needed one.  And it would flow nicely with Dr. Bennett’s growth plan, which would evaluate whether students are learning by measuring their academic growth in one year.

Tony Bennett is an aggressvie leader and he ended his address with this; ”It’s going to take bold proposals to transform educator accountability. Make no mistake, ladies and gentlemen, small changes won’t cut it, and we’re not here to make small changes.”

If Indiana is going to continue to differentiate itself from other states, we must continue to balance budgets and let private sector jobs be created.  But that will only allow us to go so far as a state.  If you care about the future, you must join the fight to make Indiana a place where education is truly valued, where every child has a chance to succeed, and where stong educators are rewarded.

In Tony Bennett, we have someone to lead that fight.  In our House candidates, we also have people who want to engage in that fight.  Go to our candidates page and find one to support.