Dive Brief:
- The North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders is ambivalent about education recommendations made by the consulting firm Picus Odden and Associates.
- The suggestions reinforce the teaching of basic skills and core classes, calling for cuts in certain elective courses — including many health, physical education, career & technical education, music, and art teachers.
- The firm also suggests that grade K-3 classrooms be limited to 15 students, and that all elementary schools have only 450-students total. Many districts would need to construct new buildings to match this requirement.
Dive Insight:
While the council is unsure about these suggestions, it was able to find common ground with Picus Odden. The firm suggested, and the council agreed, that schools should receive more funding for extended day programs; summer school programs; English Language Learner programs; alternative schools; programs for gifted, talented and ambitious students; aides; assistant principals; central office administration; and operations and maintenance.
Sen. Tim Flakoll (R-Fargo), chairman of the interim committee, told the Bismark Tribune that he did not expect North Dakota to adopt all of the consulting firm's changes, but would take some of the suggestions. What is left out is how much the council paid Picus Odden. It makes sense that North Dakota won't adopt all of the suggestions, but it's worth considering how much the state paid to receive advice that it's wishy-washy about. In scenarios like this, it seems like it would make the most sense if councils like the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders was comprised of people who could make recommendations for the state without needing the help of pricey consulting companies.