Last month I had the pleasure of leading a discussion at the Midwest Conference of Legislators about Evansvillle/Vanderburgh School Corporation's model program,  E.Q.U.I.T.Y Schools. E.Q.U.I.T.Y stands for “Where Excellence and Quality Unite In Transforming Youth”.

Senator Vaneta Becker was on the panel as well as Dr. David Smith, EVSC Superintendent, and Debbie Hartz, EVSC teacher/ transformation coach for the three schools following the E.Q.U.I.T.Y.  model program.

Senator Becker first gave an historical overview of school funding issues; and Dr. Smith and Debbie Hartz explained the program and why the program has been so successful, as evidenced by recent increases in ISTEP scores for all three schools.  E.Q.U.I.T.Y has been in place just one school year in these three schools.

The reasons noted for success were:
1. Teachers and the union were included as equal partners with the administration in planning the program from the beginning.
2. Not only was the union part of the planning but all parties thought it important the teachers who would teach in the E.Q.U.I.T.Y Schools would be required to meet certain conditions. They would have to receive additional training; they would agree to longer school days; and, they would have to agree to a longer school year.
3. Accountability was critical to success and the administration and the union understood that teachers and principals needed ownership of their schools. Therefore, built into the program is the flexibility for each school to make changes in staff or curriculum throughout the year, if warranted, and to make those changes immediately.

Good education is the backbone of a strong workforce and hopefully more jobs for our youth.  If we are to expect our young people to train for the jobs of tomorrow, we must continue to look for innovative and exciting ways to teach them today.  EVSC has found their direction.

Not only does EVSC stand out with this initiative but the administration decided years ago that our children needed school experience at a younger age and they established full day kindergarten. And now, when other districts are thinking how to incorporate early childhood programs in their schools and pay for them, EVSC has already started an early childhood program at Culver.

Let’s support our local school corporation. When Indianapolis wants to decide how to best educate our young people, remind them they are way behind. We are already meeting that challenge. All we need is the governor and the state legislature to give us the financial support to continue.