The Indy Star has this story of a GreatSchools.org survey of Indianapolis teachers. The nonprofit behind the survey says the purpose is to provide information about the culture of a school that cannot be gleaned from a test score — they have state superintendent Tony Bennett’s blessing.
But Scott Elliott reports some Marion County district officials are discouraging teachers from participating, believing the survey to be “nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to erode public schools and steer parents and students to private and charter schools.”
“In fact, almost no Marion County school districts are cooperating with GreatSchools.org’s survey effort, which is backed by the Indiana Department of Education, Mayor Greg Ballard and the United Way. ‘We get more skepticism in places where there is more legislation with school choice,’ said Jodi Goldberg, GreatSchools’ director of local strategy and innovation. ‘When things are heated, there’s just a lot of fear. I’m sorry that’s the case. I think the survey is something that can help schools. Test scores don’t tell the whole story.’ The survey and its motives have been viewed as especially suspicious in Washington Township, where Superintendent Nikki Woodson sent an email discouraging teachers from participating.”
Read more at: www.indystar.com
