Most-Clicked: Six States Earn More Freedom in Schools

Last week's most-clicked SmartBrief article reported on six states designing new plans to fix struggling schools. The states—Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, and Ohio—submitted plans under a pilot program with the U.S. Department of Education. Each state has a different approach to improve schools, but each “plans to more closely tailor solutions to individual schools' problems.” Reform ideas include increased principal training and charter school development, as well as earlier tutoring and testing.

There are always worries. Critics believe these reforms may shift the focus away from the schools struggling in one area, yet performing well overall. Georgia State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox responds, "I don't think it's taking the pressure off. I think it's allowing focus."

Up to 10 states will be able to participate in the pilot program; the Department of Education will review additional state proposals in the fall.

Do you think this new freedom will help schools reach their goals faster? Will this flexibility help students learn better?