A couple of weeks ago, I penned a column about how I though the state should change its child custody laws.
I spelled out what I thought was wrong with the system and offered some suggestions for fixing it up.
And by the message I received, you would have though I suggested canceling the football program a the University of Oklahoma.
Yes, the defecation struck the rotary oscillator.
I’m sure the computer guys here at the newspaper weren’t too happy with the quantity of e-mail I received because of that column.
I published one response — well written and thought out — but many of the others were (even for me) a little too crass for a family newspaper.
I was especially fond of the one which questioned the legality of my birth and my mother’s moral standards.
Anyway, the column caused a big ruckus.
Good.
Because I meant everything I wrote. (I can almost hear those keyboards clicking now).
So, because I’m so good at causing a fight, I thought I’d revisit the subject this week. Only this time, I’m not going to repeat my call to ditch Oklahoma’s useless child custody system.
This week, I’d rather discuss fatherhood.
Or, if you will, the art of being a Dad.
Here where I work, one of my co-workers, a tall chap named Christian, is the perfect example of decent, hardworking Dad.
Granted, Christian hasn’t had the best luck with the opposite sex, but despite his divorces, he’s a great father.
His kids are polite, they smile, they laugh and you know they live in a home where they are loved.
Christian talks about them all the time.
You can watch his face light up and he tells me about his son’s soccer game or stories about his daughter and her passage from being a pre-teen into a teenager.
I watch him smile as he talks about the smallest member of the family, who’s not yet five.
Yeah, Christian gives a damn.
He cares about his kids. And he takes care of his kids.
He makes sure they are well fed, they do their homework and they understand right from wrong.
He also makes sure each child knows how much they are loved.
Most of you probably won’t ever get the chance to meet Christian. Heck, unless you were introduced, you probably wouldn’t know him from Adam.
Too bad, too.
Because Christian is the type of Dad that you should meet.
He’s the perfect example to use when you hear all that crap about how a single Dad can’t be as good a parent as a single Mom.
We all can learn a lot from guys like Christian.
Patience, humor and the ability to remember that kids — even at their best — are going to drive you nuts sometimes; these things Christian has in abundance.
His kids are lucky.
By the time they reach their adult lives, they’ll be well prepared for the world and all its challenges.
Why? Because of their Dad.
Because of Christian.
Like I said before, I’m not going to apologize for believing the child custody system in Oklahoma is screwed up and needs to be overhauled.
And I’m not going to back down on what I think needs to be done.
But please believe me when I say, we wouldn’t have to worry about a thing if more Dads were like my buddy Christian.
Because he knows that nothing can replace a decent, caring father.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Nations: State can't afford merit pay
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma can’t afford the cost of merit pay for its public school teachers because local tax support for public schools is too low, a member of the House Education Committee said Tuesday.
Norman Rep. Bill Nations, a Democrat, said the state can’t fund a merit pay proposal because Oklahoma “can’t even afford to get teacher pay to the regional average.”
“That’s one of the reasons our teachers are so frightened,” he said.
Nations, along with members of the House Education Committee, spent Tuesday attending an interim legislative hearing on House Speaker Lance Cargill’s merit pay proposal.
The meeting was the second of several meetings planned this fall.
Tuesday, lawmakers heard from representatives of the Oklahoma Education Association, schoolteachers, union representatives from Minnesota and the Norman-based group Professional Oklahoma Educators.
Though most of the speakers urged legislators to bring the teachers’ base salary to the regional level, Nations said getting there would be difficult.
“First we’re going to have to adequately pay all the teachers,” he said. “As long as we’re are losing teachers to surrounding states, then base pay will be a problem.”
But funding future pay increases and providing school districts additional money for operating revenue “will be a struggle,” Nations said because the state’s tax base is too low.
“Here’s the secret that no one in this room is going to mention,” he said. “The fundamental problem is local support for schools in Oklahoma is too low. Property taxes are too low.”
Because the state continues to pick up more of the cost of common education, a greater portion of Oklahoma’s budget is used to fund education, he said. “It’s true. We’re not giving enough money for operational costs. Education funding is too much of a percentage of our budget. Other states have much bigger local support. We pick up what local funds don’t cover.”
And public schools, he said, can’t survive on just local support.
“If we are the bottom two or three in property taxes, we’re going to continue to have problems. But no one is going to alter that — it’s not gonna’ happen.”
Instead, Nations predicted the struggle to fund public schools will continue.
“This has been going on since 1907. We take everything under God’s green earth to support education. And we have to, it’s got to come from somewhere.”
And while Nations acknowledges “record appropriations” have been made to the state’s education system, he said the problem will continue because of Oklahoma’s low-tax structure.
“The real Republican answer is the stronger the economy gets, the more revenue we will have to fund education. But there is no political will up here to deal with real problems. It won’t happen.”
Nations said there have been only two times in state history when the state teacher pay reached the regional and national averages.
“Only twice since 1907, both during oil booms, did teachers’ pay go to national average. Once during the ’20s and once in the early ’80s.”
And Oklahoma won’t get to that level again, he said, unless the economy stays strong.
“It’s not anything that we’ve done,” he said. “Nothing is going to happen to change the ad valorem picture. We just better hope the Oklahoma economy keeps on pumping.”
Norman Rep. Bill Nations, a Democrat, said the state can’t fund a merit pay proposal because Oklahoma “can’t even afford to get teacher pay to the regional average.”
“That’s one of the reasons our teachers are so frightened,” he said.
Nations, along with members of the House Education Committee, spent Tuesday attending an interim legislative hearing on House Speaker Lance Cargill’s merit pay proposal.
The meeting was the second of several meetings planned this fall.
Tuesday, lawmakers heard from representatives of the Oklahoma Education Association, schoolteachers, union representatives from Minnesota and the Norman-based group Professional Oklahoma Educators.
Though most of the speakers urged legislators to bring the teachers’ base salary to the regional level, Nations said getting there would be difficult.
“First we’re going to have to adequately pay all the teachers,” he said. “As long as we’re are losing teachers to surrounding states, then base pay will be a problem.”
But funding future pay increases and providing school districts additional money for operating revenue “will be a struggle,” Nations said because the state’s tax base is too low.
“Here’s the secret that no one in this room is going to mention,” he said. “The fundamental problem is local support for schools in Oklahoma is too low. Property taxes are too low.”
Because the state continues to pick up more of the cost of common education, a greater portion of Oklahoma’s budget is used to fund education, he said. “It’s true. We’re not giving enough money for operational costs. Education funding is too much of a percentage of our budget. Other states have much bigger local support. We pick up what local funds don’t cover.”
And public schools, he said, can’t survive on just local support.
“If we are the bottom two or three in property taxes, we’re going to continue to have problems. But no one is going to alter that — it’s not gonna’ happen.”
Instead, Nations predicted the struggle to fund public schools will continue.
“This has been going on since 1907. We take everything under God’s green earth to support education. And we have to, it’s got to come from somewhere.”
And while Nations acknowledges “record appropriations” have been made to the state’s education system, he said the problem will continue because of Oklahoma’s low-tax structure.
“The real Republican answer is the stronger the economy gets, the more revenue we will have to fund education. But there is no political will up here to deal with real problems. It won’t happen.”
Nations said there have been only two times in state history when the state teacher pay reached the regional and national averages.
“Only twice since 1907, both during oil booms, did teachers’ pay go to national average. Once during the ’20s and once in the early ’80s.”
And Oklahoma won’t get to that level again, he said, unless the economy stays strong.
“It’s not anything that we’ve done,” he said. “Nothing is going to happen to change the ad valorem picture. We just better hope the Oklahoma economy keeps on pumping.”
Lawmakers hear from union leaders, school officials on merit pay proposal
OKLAHOMA CITY — Before state lawmakers consider any merit pay plan for teachers they should keep their promise to bring teacher salaries to the regional average, the president of the state’s largest teachers union said Tuesday.
Speaking Tuesday at a House of Representatives hearing, Roy Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, said the state ranks last regionally and 47th nationally in average teacher pay.
“We should have a compensation system that has at its core, a fair, unbiased salary schedule that pays teachers strong competitive and professional salaries,” Bishop said. “Funding for any pay plan must be reliable and sustainable. Let’s start with the regional average and then implement a plan for quality professional development and improve working conditions.”
Bishop’s comments drew criticism from Republican House Speaker Lance Cargill.
“I believe in the politics of ‘can’ and not just ‘either or,’” Cargill said. “As I read your opening statement, to me that appears to create a false choice. I think we can do both. I believe we can have funding with reform and I think that, fundamentally, that’s what the people of this state deserve. I’d like to know why you disagree with that.”
Bishop answered, saying that promises made by state lawmakers haven’t been kept.
“Historically, people sat in your position and promised us the same thing and we haven’t seen those results,” he said. “We’ve heard merit pay as being a new concept, but these programs have been around since the 19th century. They come around every 20 years, and they don’t work because the people who put them together don’t fund them. They find out that more teachers qualify than they ever imagined and then we have unfunded mandates.”
Instead of merit pay, OEA officials said lawmakers should invest in professional development. “Oklahoma teachers need the tools and resources necessary to get the job done,” said OEA Associate Executive Director Dottie Caldwell. “The success of such programs as National Board Certification and the Oklahoma Teachers Improving Math in Middle School proves that quality professional development equals student success.”
Caldwell cited the Wayland Bonds Elementary School in Moore as an example. There, she said, school principal Robert Romines implemented a professional development program which was developed by the union and funded by the State Department of Education.
Romines said the program was a “huge” success.
“Although the planning and implementation of the program was initially difficult and time consuming, the benefits are evident. Students have prospered from the efforts put into this valuable curriculum development,” he said.
After completing the three-year program, fifth grade students’ pass rate jumped to 98 percent and sixth grade pass rates were 99 percent, Romines said. Over half the students in both grades were in the advanced level, he said.
Union officials said the program is proof that lawmakers should fund professional development programs.
“We know teacher success depends on supportive school administrators, sufficient tools and resources and effective professional development,” Caldwell said.
However, at least one teachers’ group sided with the House’s Republican leadership.
Officials from the Norman-based Professional Oklahoma Educators association said their members are “unhappy with the state’s current salary system” and would prefer some type of performance pay system.
Citing an on-line poll of 750 members from the group’s 3,000-member association, executive director Ginger Tinney said “nearly 80 percent of Oklahoma teachers are unhappy with the state’s current salary system and nearly 70 percent prefer some form of performance pay system.”
“We have heard from the teachers themselves that they are not afraid of accountability,” she said. “In fact, they are tired of seeing their accomplishments go unrewarded. Teachers feel they should earn more if they do better work.”
Former Marlow school administrator Rep. Ray McCarter questioned the group’s data.
“A couple of times you mentioned, ‘all Oklahoma teachers,’” McCarter said. “But actually what percentage of your membership — in your professional organization — are Oklahoma teachers?”
Tinney said about 3,000 of the state’s 53,000 public school teachers are members of the association.
“The point I was making was that when you say, ‘Oklahoma teachers support merit pay’ you’re only talking about a small percentage of teachers in Oklahoma that you surveyed,” McCarter said. “Out of 53,000 teachers only 750 of your 3,000-member group answered the survey. But saying ‘80 percent of Oklahoma teachers’ support merit pay is grossly overstated.”
Tinney said the small sample didn’t invalidate the survey.
“I’m not going to invalidate it (the survey) because of that,” she said.
Following a presentation by Bartlesville physics teacher Granger Meddar, the hearing broke for lunch and then reconvened in the afternoon to hear from school administrators.
Three other hearings on the issue are scheduled between now and Oct. 9.
Speaking Tuesday at a House of Representatives hearing, Roy Bishop, president of the Oklahoma Education Association, said the state ranks last regionally and 47th nationally in average teacher pay.
“We should have a compensation system that has at its core, a fair, unbiased salary schedule that pays teachers strong competitive and professional salaries,” Bishop said. “Funding for any pay plan must be reliable and sustainable. Let’s start with the regional average and then implement a plan for quality professional development and improve working conditions.”
Bishop’s comments drew criticism from Republican House Speaker Lance Cargill.
“I believe in the politics of ‘can’ and not just ‘either or,’” Cargill said. “As I read your opening statement, to me that appears to create a false choice. I think we can do both. I believe we can have funding with reform and I think that, fundamentally, that’s what the people of this state deserve. I’d like to know why you disagree with that.”
Bishop answered, saying that promises made by state lawmakers haven’t been kept.
“Historically, people sat in your position and promised us the same thing and we haven’t seen those results,” he said. “We’ve heard merit pay as being a new concept, but these programs have been around since the 19th century. They come around every 20 years, and they don’t work because the people who put them together don’t fund them. They find out that more teachers qualify than they ever imagined and then we have unfunded mandates.”
Instead of merit pay, OEA officials said lawmakers should invest in professional development. “Oklahoma teachers need the tools and resources necessary to get the job done,” said OEA Associate Executive Director Dottie Caldwell. “The success of such programs as National Board Certification and the Oklahoma Teachers Improving Math in Middle School proves that quality professional development equals student success.”
Caldwell cited the Wayland Bonds Elementary School in Moore as an example. There, she said, school principal Robert Romines implemented a professional development program which was developed by the union and funded by the State Department of Education.
Romines said the program was a “huge” success.
“Although the planning and implementation of the program was initially difficult and time consuming, the benefits are evident. Students have prospered from the efforts put into this valuable curriculum development,” he said.
After completing the three-year program, fifth grade students’ pass rate jumped to 98 percent and sixth grade pass rates were 99 percent, Romines said. Over half the students in both grades were in the advanced level, he said.
Union officials said the program is proof that lawmakers should fund professional development programs.
“We know teacher success depends on supportive school administrators, sufficient tools and resources and effective professional development,” Caldwell said.
However, at least one teachers’ group sided with the House’s Republican leadership.
Officials from the Norman-based Professional Oklahoma Educators association said their members are “unhappy with the state’s current salary system” and would prefer some type of performance pay system.
Citing an on-line poll of 750 members from the group’s 3,000-member association, executive director Ginger Tinney said “nearly 80 percent of Oklahoma teachers are unhappy with the state’s current salary system and nearly 70 percent prefer some form of performance pay system.”
“We have heard from the teachers themselves that they are not afraid of accountability,” she said. “In fact, they are tired of seeing their accomplishments go unrewarded. Teachers feel they should earn more if they do better work.”
Former Marlow school administrator Rep. Ray McCarter questioned the group’s data.
“A couple of times you mentioned, ‘all Oklahoma teachers,’” McCarter said. “But actually what percentage of your membership — in your professional organization — are Oklahoma teachers?”
Tinney said about 3,000 of the state’s 53,000 public school teachers are members of the association.
“The point I was making was that when you say, ‘Oklahoma teachers support merit pay’ you’re only talking about a small percentage of teachers in Oklahoma that you surveyed,” McCarter said. “Out of 53,000 teachers only 750 of your 3,000-member group answered the survey. But saying ‘80 percent of Oklahoma teachers’ support merit pay is grossly overstated.”
Tinney said the small sample didn’t invalidate the survey.
“I’m not going to invalidate it (the survey) because of that,” she said.
Following a presentation by Bartlesville physics teacher Granger Meddar, the hearing broke for lunch and then reconvened in the afternoon to hear from school administrators.
Three other hearings on the issue are scheduled between now and Oct. 9.
Teacher's union, school officials question merit pay proposal
MOORE — It’s not that Jill Dudley, the president of the Moore Association of Classroom Teachers, doesn’t like the idea of merit pay.
In fact, she says, Moore teachers have used a merit pay system for years.
Dudley says teachers in her district already have merit pay proposals in their contract, and can negotiate more if they want to.
“If we want, we can go to the negotiation table and develop some form of merit pay,” she said. “We have that ability.”
Plus, in Moore, district teachers receive additional pay for increasing their education, serving as mentor teachers or receiving national board certification.
“We already have merit pay in the sense that if you go further your education — that is, doing something to merit additional pay — you receive a stipend.”
Additionally, she said, teachers who are board certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards receive $5,000 per year for 10 years and teachers who serve as mentor teaches to others are paid an extra $500.
“Our state is spending millions on that form of merit pay and I support that,” Dudley said.
What concerns her — and other area school officials — is a problem over a commitment. The Oklahoma Legislature, she says, made a commitment to raise teacher pay to the regional average.
And so far that hasn’t happened.
“Our concern, as an association, is we want them (state lawmakers) to keep the promise of getting us to the regional level; then we’ll talk about merit pay, extending the school day and other issues like that.”
Dudley isn’t alone in her belief.
Norman schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano agrees.
Like Dudley, Siano believes lawmakers must solve the regional pay issue before moving on to a merit pay proposal.
“We have a situation in our state where we’ve had a target of meeting the regional average (in teacher pay),” he said. “There’s been a commitment made to do that. I think we have to meet that commitment first.”
And while Siano and Dudley both acknowledge a regional pay level for teachers is “a moving target,” both officials say reaching the level must be the state’s first priority.
“Lawmakers need to keep their commitment,” he said.
But regional pay isn’t the pair’s only concern.
A merit pay proposal — which should be designed to be fair and open to all teachers — would be expensive and could cost millions of extra dollars.
“The proposal presented at the August interim study included data on a school in Little Rock, Ark.,” Dudley said. “And that plan was implemented with private donations and not state allocated money. I believe a state plan would cost millions.”
Oklahoma Education Association president Roy Bishop said a merit pay plan could cost the state in excess of $470 million.
“The criteria has to be fair, and open to everyone,” Bishop said. “Every one has to have the chance to get it. So, as an example say you gave a $10,000 stipend for merit to teachers; Oklahoma has 47,000 teachers so lawmakers are going to have to come up with $470 million to fund a merit pay plan.”
And no matter what type of plan is developed, Bishop says, the cost will be expensive.
“Whatever they do they are going to have to put that kind of money into salaries and the merit pay plan. It won’t be cheap.”
And those extra funds, school leaders believe, could also be used in other areas.
School costs, Siano said, continue to increase and state lawmakers don’t have a good record when it comes to funding district operational budgets.
“I don’t think we’ve adequately funded common education for all of the variables that go into common education,” Siano said. “Granted, our state has made a significant effort to fund some aspects, and it’s been a good effort.”
But operational costs, he said, haven’t been addressed.
“Operational funding, keeping up with the cost of running the district, the prices of textbooks and everything that goes with opening the doors and running the district, keep going up,” he said. “There’s a significant gap in that.”
And those issues, both officials believe, must be addressed first.
“It’s a complicated issue,” Siano said. “I would hate for it to be rushed into without all the variables being considered. They’re gonna’ have to do lots of work between now and February.
In fact, she says, Moore teachers have used a merit pay system for years.
Dudley says teachers in her district already have merit pay proposals in their contract, and can negotiate more if they want to.
“If we want, we can go to the negotiation table and develop some form of merit pay,” she said. “We have that ability.”
Plus, in Moore, district teachers receive additional pay for increasing their education, serving as mentor teachers or receiving national board certification.
“We already have merit pay in the sense that if you go further your education — that is, doing something to merit additional pay — you receive a stipend.”
Additionally, she said, teachers who are board certified by the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards receive $5,000 per year for 10 years and teachers who serve as mentor teaches to others are paid an extra $500.
“Our state is spending millions on that form of merit pay and I support that,” Dudley said.
What concerns her — and other area school officials — is a problem over a commitment. The Oklahoma Legislature, she says, made a commitment to raise teacher pay to the regional average.
And so far that hasn’t happened.
“Our concern, as an association, is we want them (state lawmakers) to keep the promise of getting us to the regional level; then we’ll talk about merit pay, extending the school day and other issues like that.”
Dudley isn’t alone in her belief.
Norman schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Siano agrees.
Like Dudley, Siano believes lawmakers must solve the regional pay issue before moving on to a merit pay proposal.
“We have a situation in our state where we’ve had a target of meeting the regional average (in teacher pay),” he said. “There’s been a commitment made to do that. I think we have to meet that commitment first.”
And while Siano and Dudley both acknowledge a regional pay level for teachers is “a moving target,” both officials say reaching the level must be the state’s first priority.
“Lawmakers need to keep their commitment,” he said.
But regional pay isn’t the pair’s only concern.
A merit pay proposal — which should be designed to be fair and open to all teachers — would be expensive and could cost millions of extra dollars.
“The proposal presented at the August interim study included data on a school in Little Rock, Ark.,” Dudley said. “And that plan was implemented with private donations and not state allocated money. I believe a state plan would cost millions.”
Oklahoma Education Association president Roy Bishop said a merit pay plan could cost the state in excess of $470 million.
“The criteria has to be fair, and open to everyone,” Bishop said. “Every one has to have the chance to get it. So, as an example say you gave a $10,000 stipend for merit to teachers; Oklahoma has 47,000 teachers so lawmakers are going to have to come up with $470 million to fund a merit pay plan.”
And no matter what type of plan is developed, Bishop says, the cost will be expensive.
“Whatever they do they are going to have to put that kind of money into salaries and the merit pay plan. It won’t be cheap.”
And those extra funds, school leaders believe, could also be used in other areas.
School costs, Siano said, continue to increase and state lawmakers don’t have a good record when it comes to funding district operational budgets.
“I don’t think we’ve adequately funded common education for all of the variables that go into common education,” Siano said. “Granted, our state has made a significant effort to fund some aspects, and it’s been a good effort.”
But operational costs, he said, haven’t been addressed.
“Operational funding, keeping up with the cost of running the district, the prices of textbooks and everything that goes with opening the doors and running the district, keep going up,” he said. “There’s a significant gap in that.”
And those issues, both officials believe, must be addressed first.
“It’s a complicated issue,” Siano said. “I would hate for it to be rushed into without all the variables being considered. They’re gonna’ have to do lots of work between now and February.
Cargill says merit pay will benefit state
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The idea isn't new.
For several decades, Oklahoma -- along with many other states -- has kicked around the concept of a merit pay system for public school teachers.
And while some lawmakers say nothing has been done about the issue, a form of merit pay was adopted in the mammoth education reform bill, House Bill 1017, developed during the term of then-Gov. Henry Bellmon.
Since then the idea has been an off-again, on-again thing -- being tossed back and forth between legislators, the governor and education leaders.
This year it's back.
Following two successive pay increase for state teachers, House Speaker Lance Cargill announced at an August press conference that he would push for the adoption of a merit-based system for teacher pay.
"We fund our schools with tax dollars, and taxpayers demand accountability," he said. "More money alone won't solve our problems in education."
Cargill said he believes most Oklahomans will support the idea.
"For most Oklahomans, performance pay makes perfect sense because it rewards teachers for success," he said. "Only investment coupled with higher standards, rising expectations and meaningful results can create the education system all Oklahomans deserve. By rewarding teachers based on their performance, we're raising the bar for education all across the state."
And to achieve that success, Cargill said the state needs to "incentivize excellence and reward success."
"We have supported teachers in a tremendous way over the past three years," he said. "Teacher pay raises are the highest in the country on a percentage basis."
But not everyone agrees with the Harrah Republican.
Union officials, teachers and even some school administrators say state lawmakers should keep their previous commitment to bring teacher pay in Oklahoma to the regional average before they tackle the issue of merit pay.
"Our legislative leaders made a promise to get to us to the regional (salary level) average over a five-year period," said Oklahoma Education Association President Roy Bishop. "Next session is the fifth year, and I believe they should keep that promise."
Oklahoma teachers, Bishop said, are "at least" $1,600 below the regional average. "If the speaker thinks we're at the regional average, he's incorrect," he said.
Cargill says the Legislature's commitment has been kept -- in three years instead of four.
"The commitment was to raise teachers' salaries by $4,800," he said. "And we've actually accelerated that to three years, rather than four."
Still the rhetoric has, at times, turned ugly.
In press releases, Cargill claims that "performance pay has never been given serious consideration in Oklahoma."
"We've basically had the same teacher compensation system for a hundred years," he said. "Some opponents are so stuck in the past that they can't possibly move this state forward. But now is the time for bold reform."
To do that, House leaders have planned a series of hearings designed to gather information about the issue.
The first hearing, held Aug. 21, featured Gary Ritter, an associate professor and endowed chair in education policy at the University of Arkansas' Department of Education Reform.
Ritter told lawmakers that performance pay programs in other states resulted in better results for students and a better work environment for teachers.
"This is a promising strategy. It's worth trying and evaluating rigorously," he said. "The one component we know improves student performance is the effectiveness of a teacher."
A second hearing, set for Sept. 11, will feature speakers from teachers' unions and school administrators.
"That's the whole point of having the hearing," said Damon Gardenhire, Cargill's spokesman. "So the speaker and other folks can gather information and take a close look at what will work best for Oklahoma teachers."
For several decades, Oklahoma -- along with many other states -- has kicked around the concept of a merit pay system for public school teachers.
And while some lawmakers say nothing has been done about the issue, a form of merit pay was adopted in the mammoth education reform bill, House Bill 1017, developed during the term of then-Gov. Henry Bellmon.
Since then the idea has been an off-again, on-again thing -- being tossed back and forth between legislators, the governor and education leaders.
This year it's back.
Following two successive pay increase for state teachers, House Speaker Lance Cargill announced at an August press conference that he would push for the adoption of a merit-based system for teacher pay.
"We fund our schools with tax dollars, and taxpayers demand accountability," he said. "More money alone won't solve our problems in education."
Cargill said he believes most Oklahomans will support the idea.
"For most Oklahomans, performance pay makes perfect sense because it rewards teachers for success," he said. "Only investment coupled with higher standards, rising expectations and meaningful results can create the education system all Oklahomans deserve. By rewarding teachers based on their performance, we're raising the bar for education all across the state."
And to achieve that success, Cargill said the state needs to "incentivize excellence and reward success."
"We have supported teachers in a tremendous way over the past three years," he said. "Teacher pay raises are the highest in the country on a percentage basis."
But not everyone agrees with the Harrah Republican.
Union officials, teachers and even some school administrators say state lawmakers should keep their previous commitment to bring teacher pay in Oklahoma to the regional average before they tackle the issue of merit pay.
"Our legislative leaders made a promise to get to us to the regional (salary level) average over a five-year period," said Oklahoma Education Association President Roy Bishop. "Next session is the fifth year, and I believe they should keep that promise."
Oklahoma teachers, Bishop said, are "at least" $1,600 below the regional average. "If the speaker thinks we're at the regional average, he's incorrect," he said.
Cargill says the Legislature's commitment has been kept -- in three years instead of four.
"The commitment was to raise teachers' salaries by $4,800," he said. "And we've actually accelerated that to three years, rather than four."
Still the rhetoric has, at times, turned ugly.
In press releases, Cargill claims that "performance pay has never been given serious consideration in Oklahoma."
"We've basically had the same teacher compensation system for a hundred years," he said. "Some opponents are so stuck in the past that they can't possibly move this state forward. But now is the time for bold reform."
To do that, House leaders have planned a series of hearings designed to gather information about the issue.
The first hearing, held Aug. 21, featured Gary Ritter, an associate professor and endowed chair in education policy at the University of Arkansas' Department of Education Reform.
Ritter told lawmakers that performance pay programs in other states resulted in better results for students and a better work environment for teachers.
"This is a promising strategy. It's worth trying and evaluating rigorously," he said. "The one component we know improves student performance is the effectiveness of a teacher."
A second hearing, set for Sept. 11, will feature speakers from teachers' unions and school administrators.
"That's the whole point of having the hearing," said Damon Gardenhire, Cargill's spokesman. "So the speaker and other folks can gather information and take a close look at what will work best for Oklahoma teachers."
Askins: State lawmakers have more to do before problems solved
State lawmakers still have “a lot more to do” to address the treatment of women, working families, and small business in Oklahoma, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins said Friday.
Askins, a Democrat, spoke at the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s weekly Tyner Cornbread and Beans luncheon.
Speaking to a small crowd of about 30, Askins used a recent state visit by several Afghan businesswomen as a reference point, saying the problems Afghan women face in their country “are not that far behind” problems faced by women in Oklahoma.
“Many of the issues that have made it difficult for them to succeed in Afghanistan are not that far behind Oklahoma in terms of the way we treat small business owners, the way we treat working families, the way we treat women,” she said. “So it was a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do, and the work that goes on, and the policies made in Oklahoma City impact more than just the people who work at the State Capitol.”
The Afghan women, she said, inspired her and kept her “grounded about what’s real.”
Dressed in a bright pick jacket and black skirt, Askins said her first year as Senate president as “was different” for her and her office. “Having 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans made it an interesting time in the state Senate this year,” she said.
She said spent a lot of time last year watching lawmakers. “I spent a great deal of time in the Senate. I felt like it was important, even if there was not a vote that was tied. It was important for me to be around as the president of the Senate, and to remind them that if they didn’t play nice I would be there.”
Being able to walk the halls and having access to the Senate floor helped her stay prepared, she said. “It reminded me of when I was a child and we would fight in the living room. My mother would say ‘don’t make me come in there and settle that.’”
Askins said she told Senate leaders Mike Morgan and Glenn Coffee the same thing. “I told Senator Morgan and Senator Coffee ‘don’t make me come in there and settle that,’ but I’ll come, if you make me. And I think they knew that.”
And while Askins said she spent last year urging Democrats and Republicans to work together, the 2008 legislative session, she predicted, will be much more political.
“I’ve had people ask me before what I think the most important issues will be during this next legislation session,” she said.
“And I don’t know that it really matters, because based on how the Senate conducted business this last session I would tell you that every issue that is controversial in the Senate, the strategy behind it will be the effort of the Republicans to take over. That will be the driving force behind most issues.”
An election year, she said, changes the “noise” of what comes out of Oklahoma City. “And so I expect that to happen again.”
Askins, a Democrat, spoke at the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s weekly Tyner Cornbread and Beans luncheon.
Speaking to a small crowd of about 30, Askins used a recent state visit by several Afghan businesswomen as a reference point, saying the problems Afghan women face in their country “are not that far behind” problems faced by women in Oklahoma.
“Many of the issues that have made it difficult for them to succeed in Afghanistan are not that far behind Oklahoma in terms of the way we treat small business owners, the way we treat working families, the way we treat women,” she said. “So it was a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do, and the work that goes on, and the policies made in Oklahoma City impact more than just the people who work at the State Capitol.”
The Afghan women, she said, inspired her and kept her “grounded about what’s real.”
Dressed in a bright pick jacket and black skirt, Askins said her first year as Senate president as “was different” for her and her office. “Having 24 Democrats and 24 Republicans made it an interesting time in the state Senate this year,” she said.
She said spent a lot of time last year watching lawmakers. “I spent a great deal of time in the Senate. I felt like it was important, even if there was not a vote that was tied. It was important for me to be around as the president of the Senate, and to remind them that if they didn’t play nice I would be there.”
Being able to walk the halls and having access to the Senate floor helped her stay prepared, she said. “It reminded me of when I was a child and we would fight in the living room. My mother would say ‘don’t make me come in there and settle that.’”
Askins said she told Senate leaders Mike Morgan and Glenn Coffee the same thing. “I told Senator Morgan and Senator Coffee ‘don’t make me come in there and settle that,’ but I’ll come, if you make me. And I think they knew that.”
And while Askins said she spent last year urging Democrats and Republicans to work together, the 2008 legislative session, she predicted, will be much more political.
“I’ve had people ask me before what I think the most important issues will be during this next legislation session,” she said.
“And I don’t know that it really matters, because based on how the Senate conducted business this last session I would tell you that every issue that is controversial in the Senate, the strategy behind it will be the effort of the Republicans to take over. That will be the driving force behind most issues.”
An election year, she said, changes the “noise” of what comes out of Oklahoma City. “And so I expect that to happen again.”
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
U.S. Senate race a personal mission for Andrew Rice
For state Sen. Andrew Rice the race is personal.
Very personal.
Rice, a freshman Democrat from Oklahoma City, wasn’t really planning a foray into the electorial politics. In fact, Rice had earned his master’s in theology at Harvard Divinity School and had planned to get a doctorate.
From there, he figured he would teach.
He traveled to India to help film a documentary about the country’s AIDS crisis, and also went to Sri Lanka and Thailand to work on social issues.
He was concerned about world issues, but politics wasn’t really on his radar screen.
“Sure there were issues I believed in,” he said. “But I’d never run for anything before. I’d never been on the student council or involved in student government.”
Then his brother, David, died.
David, a graduate of Bishop McGuiness High School and a Fulbright scholar, was working at the investment firm Sandler O’Neill when terrorists flew jets into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
And at that moment, politics and government became very personal for Andrew Rice.
“My beliefs didn’t really change, but my commitment level did,” he said. “I realized how the decisions we make as a government affect people.”
With the death of his brother in the back of his mind, Rice “rededicated himself” to social justice and, as he says, common sense public policy.
He also ran for office.
He got the opportunity when state Sen. Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City, was forced to retire because of term limits. That year, Rice made his first bid for office. “The state Senate race offered a chance for a seat at the table, so to speak,” he said.
With his youthful looks, energy and door-to-door style, Rice turned back several well-financed challengers and captured Cain’s old seat.
And true to his word, he focused on social issues.
This past year, five of Rice’s proposals — including Norman Democrat Bill Nations’ bill requiring helmets for drivers of all terrain vehicles — made it to the governor’s desk; an A-grade accomplishment for the new, 34-year-old lawmaker.
“I try to work with everyone,” he said. “I try to be bipartisan. In fact, sometimes it’s easier to work with the opposition than with your own party.”
But Rice’s focus remains on the federal level.
As a family member of a 9/11 victim, Rice had better-than-average access to national lawmakers and cabinet members. “I spent a lot of time exchanging letters with (U.S. Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice,” he said.
With access and energy, Rice spent several years absorbing all he could about national security issues and terrorism. “Frankly, the more I learned about the problem and the early drum-up for the war, the more I thought the war was a rash thing,” he said.
Once again, the issues became personal.
And once again, Andrew Rice is running for office.
This time, the United States Senate — a seat that’s currently held by incumbent Republican Jim Inhofe.
“The state legislature is one thing,” he said. “But the U.S. Senate is totally different; it’s just that so many of my personal reasons (for seeking office) deal with federal issues, and no one is stepping up to challenge him.”
This week, Rice will make his challenge official.
After filing this necessary federal paperwork in early August, Rice will announce his candidacy this Wednesday with media events in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
“I think people want a change in Washington,” he said. “I’m not saying they want Andrew Rice — because the don’t know me yet — but they want a change. They want someone they can trust.”
Dressed in blue jeans and a blue checked shirt, Rice spent Monday afternoon honing that message at the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s annual Labor Day Picnic.
“We’re under no illusions about how hard Inhofe will be,” he said. “But I’m confident in my ability to build coalitions and do good work for the state. I think Oklahomans want their officials to be bipartisan. I think they’re unhappy with Washington.”
Concerns which Rice takes personally.
Framed against both races for public office, Rice says he often thinks of his late brother and that legacy has continued to push him toward public service.
“We were very different,” he said. “David was ornery and outward. I was a little more quite about stuff. But we both struggled a lot during our teenage years, and then got our acts together.”
Still, Rice talks proudly about following his bother’s path.
“I’ve followed David in many ways,” he said. “What made him so great was the fact that he would drive you crazy one day, and then the next day you’d be amazed by what he did. But it’s the aggressive side of my brother’s memory that gives me a lot of energy to do what’s right. But I’ll be honest, if I don’t win, I don’t know if I want to be in politics for 10 years. I’m not doing this to position myself. I want to see real justice from 9/11 and I just want the people of Oklahoma to have a choice.”
A choice which, Andrew Rice says, is very personal.
Very personal.
Rice, a freshman Democrat from Oklahoma City, wasn’t really planning a foray into the electorial politics. In fact, Rice had earned his master’s in theology at Harvard Divinity School and had planned to get a doctorate.
From there, he figured he would teach.
He traveled to India to help film a documentary about the country’s AIDS crisis, and also went to Sri Lanka and Thailand to work on social issues.
He was concerned about world issues, but politics wasn’t really on his radar screen.
“Sure there were issues I believed in,” he said. “But I’d never run for anything before. I’d never been on the student council or involved in student government.”
Then his brother, David, died.
David, a graduate of Bishop McGuiness High School and a Fulbright scholar, was working at the investment firm Sandler O’Neill when terrorists flew jets into the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
And at that moment, politics and government became very personal for Andrew Rice.
“My beliefs didn’t really change, but my commitment level did,” he said. “I realized how the decisions we make as a government affect people.”
With the death of his brother in the back of his mind, Rice “rededicated himself” to social justice and, as he says, common sense public policy.
He also ran for office.
He got the opportunity when state Sen. Bernest Cain, D-Oklahoma City, was forced to retire because of term limits. That year, Rice made his first bid for office. “The state Senate race offered a chance for a seat at the table, so to speak,” he said.
With his youthful looks, energy and door-to-door style, Rice turned back several well-financed challengers and captured Cain’s old seat.
And true to his word, he focused on social issues.
This past year, five of Rice’s proposals — including Norman Democrat Bill Nations’ bill requiring helmets for drivers of all terrain vehicles — made it to the governor’s desk; an A-grade accomplishment for the new, 34-year-old lawmaker.
“I try to work with everyone,” he said. “I try to be bipartisan. In fact, sometimes it’s easier to work with the opposition than with your own party.”
But Rice’s focus remains on the federal level.
As a family member of a 9/11 victim, Rice had better-than-average access to national lawmakers and cabinet members. “I spent a lot of time exchanging letters with (U.S. Secretary of State) Condoleezza Rice,” he said.
With access and energy, Rice spent several years absorbing all he could about national security issues and terrorism. “Frankly, the more I learned about the problem and the early drum-up for the war, the more I thought the war was a rash thing,” he said.
Once again, the issues became personal.
And once again, Andrew Rice is running for office.
This time, the United States Senate — a seat that’s currently held by incumbent Republican Jim Inhofe.
“The state legislature is one thing,” he said. “But the U.S. Senate is totally different; it’s just that so many of my personal reasons (for seeking office) deal with federal issues, and no one is stepping up to challenge him.”
This week, Rice will make his challenge official.
After filing this necessary federal paperwork in early August, Rice will announce his candidacy this Wednesday with media events in Tulsa and Oklahoma City.
“I think people want a change in Washington,” he said. “I’m not saying they want Andrew Rice — because the don’t know me yet — but they want a change. They want someone they can trust.”
Dressed in blue jeans and a blue checked shirt, Rice spent Monday afternoon honing that message at the Cleveland County Democratic Party’s annual Labor Day Picnic.
“We’re under no illusions about how hard Inhofe will be,” he said. “But I’m confident in my ability to build coalitions and do good work for the state. I think Oklahomans want their officials to be bipartisan. I think they’re unhappy with Washington.”
Concerns which Rice takes personally.
Framed against both races for public office, Rice says he often thinks of his late brother and that legacy has continued to push him toward public service.
“We were very different,” he said. “David was ornery and outward. I was a little more quite about stuff. But we both struggled a lot during our teenage years, and then got our acts together.”
Still, Rice talks proudly about following his bother’s path.
“I’ve followed David in many ways,” he said. “What made him so great was the fact that he would drive you crazy one day, and then the next day you’d be amazed by what he did. But it’s the aggressive side of my brother’s memory that gives me a lot of energy to do what’s right. But I’ll be honest, if I don’t win, I don’t know if I want to be in politics for 10 years. I’m not doing this to position myself. I want to see real justice from 9/11 and I just want the people of Oklahoma to have a choice.”
A choice which, Andrew Rice says, is very personal.
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