Ohio's Education Reform and Funding Plan: Some Questions

After asserting a desire to transform Ohio's education system, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has issued his long-awaited education reform and funding plan. I am pleased that the plan recognizes the need to foster innovation and proposes more project-based and individualized learning. I like that he wants to replace the Ohio Graduation Test with a four-part assessment that includes the ACT college entrance exam, end of course exams, completion of a service learning project, and submission of a senior project. (I am eager to see how this will be implemented though.)

I question his proposal that the Ohio Department of Education organize an Academic Olympics to "recognize academic talents in science, math, writing, debate, arts and technology." While I don't believe that a competition of this sort will be harmful, I wonder whether it is the best model for 21st century learning environments and the best use of limited state resources.

Does it reinforce the industrial age workplace model—employees competing with one another instead of collaborating to achieve breakthroughs?

Will it encourage a focus on the best of the best—kids who are already destined to go far—at the expense of those who want to excel but need help getting on the right path? His use of the word "talents" is unfortunate, I think. Stanford professor Carol S. Dweck says that sustained effort over time, not proving one's intelligence or talent, is the key to motivation and achievement.

Also, would the competition reinforce the compartmentalization of the disciplines in a time when we need students to think in a more integrative fashion?

No details are yet available. I hope this will be designed by innovative people.