Saturday, I conducted a Third House Meeting in Rochester sponsored by Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. This meeting had a large focus on education policy. The meeting had been advertised in the newspaper and the crowd was large. Mr. Dale Chu from the Department of Education attended the meeting to explain the DOE perspective and proposals. I was able to introduce Mr. Chu and address the group. I told them that my goal was to change the "mood" of the education debate. The words used to describe the education proposals have been incendiary and have caused the debate to be untenable. I requested that the group be respectful and civil in all their questions and comments. My request was granted. The meeting was conducted in a very civil way. Mr. Chu was well received, and he presented DOE proposals in a very thoughtful manner. His presentation included three "pillars" for consideration. The first was "Teachers and Leaders." It included a discussion of evaluations, the growth model, merit pay and student performance. This explanation was to inform everyone about the program to allow teachers with high achievement to be paid more. In other words, the best teachers would make more money than those who are not performing as well. The second pillar discussed was "accountability and flexibility." This discussion was about granting locals more control. The whole issue of collective bargaining was to be focused on wages and benefits only-a very controversial topic. This pillar also discussed a "parent-trigger" to allow a petition to convert to a charter school. The third pillar involved a topic of "options." He discussed early graduation, charter schools, virtual schools and a teacher trigger to change to a charter. These suggestions are all proposals that invoke a great deal of conversation in the education community. The result of the meeting was positive and people responded very well. I am convinced that a change in attitude will yield very good results. As we discuss proposals to change and improve education, the conversation needs to remain civil and respectful. Remember that this process must include comments that are respectful and well thought out. Strong language can be used and beneficial without being profane or personal attacks. Let's strive to be respectful in our criticisms. It's your government. Stay involved. More later, Bill Friend
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