Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/561083
ISEA Communiqué • isea.org September 2015 11 ending with piloting new programs for possible adoption statewide. He inherits a public education system in the midst of redefining traditional teacher roles and one where acrimony over state funding and new state mandates – such as school start times - has made many public school employees and advocates suspicious of the governor's motives. Indeed, only 29 percent of Iowans agreed with the governor's pre-holiday weekend veto of some $56 million in one-time money for public schools while 57 percent opposed the move, according to a Public Policy Polling poll released this month. Nonetheless, Wise is upbeat moving forward. He's clearly invested in the success of TLC, a program he, perhaps more than anyone in the state, can take credit for designing. He plans to continue his work monitoring the roll out of the new system, now in its second year with applications rolling in for districts interested in being part of the third. "Where we've seen districts that have done this well, they've had very good communication and broad engagement in developing and implementing a plan," Wise said. "They've worked really hard to be inclusive." Ryan Wise on: Below are highlights of an hour-long interview with Department of Education Director Ryan Wise. School funding: "Undoubtedly (school funding) is the big concern in the field right now. In every conversation the larger funding issue comes up. I understand that and know that's part of conversation. At the same time, I'm trying to focus the effort and energy of the department on where we can have the most impact." TLC: "TLC can get mischaracterized as a benefit for only those 25 percent of teachers who are in leadership roles. While there are additional opportunities for a subset of teachers, I think, all teachers should benefit from working with teachers in these leadership roles." Statewide student assessment (Smarter Balanced): "This needs to be a conversation as we move forward. When you talk about a shifting (student) assessment, it's going to be a big change. Wherever Iowa goes with assessments, it's going to cost more than it does today, that needs to be taken into consideration – regardless of what the test is." Teacher evaluations: "My sense is (the Council on Educator Development) is close to making a set of recommendations to be ready in the fall. Basically, they'll have a year to get those recommendations out to the public and to get feedback on." Early literacy: "I don't think I'm in a position to make a prediction on (how many students may be retained). I think the department has to be in a place where schools and teachers have what they need to prevent reading problems. So we're really focused on that front-end prevention piece. We're really concentrating on creating an environment where all kids are reading proficiently by the third grade." COVER RYAN WISE AT A GLANCE: Ryan Wise Occupation: Director of the Iowa Department of Education Previous Experience: Iowa Department of Education, various positions; Teach for All, managing director; Teach for America – South Dakota, executive director; Omaha Central High School (Nebraska) social studies teacher; Rosa Fort High School (Mississippi), sociology and psychology teacher. Personal: Married with two children, lives in Des Moines. ELECTIONS What's at stake for members in the school board election? ISEA members often have the opportunity to control the outcome of a school board election because turnout for these elections is historically very low. If you live in a school district that is different from the district that you work in, please reach out to the local education association where you live for a list of recommended pro-public education candidates. School board elections are the day after Labor Day this year so voting early or absentee can be particularly convenient and ensure your ballot is counted. You can vote and update your voter registration at your county auditor's office, or find both forms at www.sos.iowa.gov/elections/ voterinformation/ Make sure to mark your calendar with the following important dates: Tuesday, September 8 - School Board Election Monday, February 1, 2016 – Iowa Caucuses June 7, 2016 - Primary Election November 8th, 2016 - General Election What are the goals of this partnership between ISEA and NEA? The ultimate goal of this project is to build member capacity and empower members to take a larger role in politics at all levels. Additionally, we are using this work as an opportunity to reach out to non-member supporters in our communities to identify public education supporters. A great example of venturing out into unchartered territory was when the West Des Moines EA partnered with the Historic Valley Junction Foundation to co- host a school board candidate forum in July. Tell me more … This project will eventually have nine organizers working to build our capacity across the state, currently through the caucuses. Their role is to identify, recruit, train, and activate members, potential members, parents, and public education supporters to raise their voices and bring critical education issues to the forefront of the political conversation. They also recruit for, and attend events that highlight public education in the bipartisan political conversation and media. Our next phase is to begin organizing on college campuses, engaging future educators/members and public education supporters. Additional organizing opportunities can be found at isea.org/careers. To get in touch with an organizer in your area, contact Mazie Stilwell at mstilwell@nea.org or 202-793-0288. How can ISEA members get more involved? Make sure that you are registered to vote, request an absentee ballot, or pledge to vote in person on the day of the school board, primary, and general elections. Commit to proposing education policy platform issues at your caucus, regardless of party. Consider contributing to ISEA PAC or the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education. You can find out more online by looking under the "Political Action" tab at www.isea.org or, if you're reading this on an electronic device click the direct link here: www.isea.org/home/275.htm.