Jennifer McCormick: Let’s redirect our resources toward public schools

“How can Indiana transform its education system to better prepare students for both college and the workforce?”

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Indiana stands at a crucial crossroads in education. Hoosiers’ future prosperity hinges on a robust education system that prepares our students for college and the workforce. After two decades of school choice legislation, it’s time to acknowledge the unintended consequences of these policies and chart a new path that prioritizes quality public education for all.

For decades, school voucher supporters claimed to improve educational outcomes through competition and provide families with more options. However, in practice, the policy has led to a significant diversion of resources away from public schools, which serve most of our students. Instead of fostering an environment where all schools thrive, we have seen increased fragmentation and inequality. We must stop the bleeding and refocus our efforts on strengthening our public education system.

Public schools are not just places of learning but also community engagement and support centers. By ensuring that every public school is well-funded, we can provide a high-quality education to every child, regardless of their background or ZIP code. The first step is a comprehensive review and reallocation of the state’s education budget, ensuring that public schools receive the necessary resources to succeed.

One of the most pressing issues is the current teacher shortage. To attract and retain talented educators, we must offer competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities. Teachers are at the heart of our education system; investing in them is investing in our future.

Curriculum and instructional practices must also evolve to meet the demands of the modern world. Our educational system should embrace rigor rather than reducing our expectations to shortsighted goals. Lowering standards fails to build the necessary capacity in our young people for their future endeavors.

Our education system should provide a balanced approach, emphasizing academic excellence and practical skills, integrating STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education with humanities and arts, and fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Moreover, vocational training and apprenticeships should be expanded and integrated into high school curricula, providing a direct pathway to the workforce.

Equity in education is paramount. We must ensure that all Hoosier students, particularly those from marginalized urban and rural communities, have access to the same high-quality education. We must fully fund universal pre-K and target interventions and support systems like tutoring, counseling and after-school programs. By addressing the unique needs of each student, we can close the achievement gap and ensure that every child will succeed.

Community and parental involvement are critical. Schools must work closely with families to create a supportive and collaborative educational environment. Community partnerships can provide valuable resources to enrich students’ educational experiences.

In conclusion, transforming Indiana’s education system requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach. By redirecting our focus and resources toward strengthening public schools, investing in teachers, evolving our curriculum, ensuring equity and fostering parental involvement, we can prepare our students for college and the workforce. The time to act is now; together, we can build a brighter future for all Hoosiers.•

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McCormick, a Democrat, was formerly state superintendent of public education and a teacher and administrator. Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com.

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