Buckson: These practices could improve educational performance

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT REVEL

I experienced firsthand the unintended consequences of state mandates that look good on paper but fall short of expectations.”

Sen. Eric Buckson is a Republican representing Camden.

Every four years, politicians and bureaucratic think tanks far removed from the classroom introduce “next” best practices to replace those that did not previously work. This cycle has directly contributed to Delaware’s declining test scores. Couple this with the poor policy decisions during the pandemic, and Delaware now sees itself at or near the bottom in national rankings.

I was a teacher for 30 years and retired in 2021. During that time, I held positions in the classroom, administration, discipline and as an attendance officer. I also sent four of my own children to public schools, the youngest of whom is set to graduate this year. I experienced firsthand the unintended consequences of state mandates that look good on paper but fall short of expectations.

I am currently a member of the Senate Education Committee, and I would like to offer what I believe are truly 10 best practices for improving educational performance in Delaware. These are not complicated and rely more on common sense than bureaucratic studies. They do not require extra funds, are time-tested and, if implemented, will produce an immediate positive impact on student performance. These practices are offered in no particular order, as I believe each one has value separate from the other.

1. The Individualized Education Program and “504 plans” are double-edged tools. Properly diagnosed and applied, these are vital for helping students in school. However, the same cannot be said when a child is misdiagnosed. This lifetime diagnosis can set a path of unnecessary accommodations and limitations. Adding students unnecessarily to this space takes away limited funds and human resources from students in need.
2. Focus on age-appropriate learning/technology. Our youngest learners need a balance of technology and old-school interaction, including free play. Seven-year-olds sitting at a desk with headphones on, while staring at a computer, should not be the norm. I know kids can learn this way but should they?
3. Little things matter. Little things include coming to school in person, on time and on a regular basis, regardless of age. It’s hard to do the big things well until you do the little things right. Schools need clearly defined rules and expectations with consistent consequences for not meeting those expectations. Parents should be held accountable, as well.
4. Start children on time, not early. Educate parents on what it means to start a child in school on time versus too early. It has been said by veteran K-3 educators that the problem is not starting a child too late; it’s starting them too young.
5. No cellphones in the classroom. Common sense tells you that students on cellphones during class learn less, cheat more and get involved in more drama than students who do not.
6. Make failure an option. Eliminate no-fail policies that require teachers to assign a minimum grade of 50% on a report card, regardless of effort. Failure can be necessary to ensure a child learns and is not simply “moved along.”
7. Credit recovery is not a class time replacement tool. These educational tools are for students with clear hardship and medically defined circumstances. They are not a replacement for classwork or seat time. Additionally, summer school should be in a classroom and not on a computer screen.
8. Poor decisions should have consequences. Data shows that less than 10% of a school’s population is involved with 90% of the behavior issues in classrooms. A firm code of conduct with accountability for chronic offenders, including a fully funded Tier 3 support system, must be in place.
9. Quantity versus quality credits. A high-quality “basic” track works best for many who have a career field in mind that does not benefit from two years of language, chemistry or Algebra II. Financial literacy and other options for co-op may be more useful than the number of credits on a transcript.
10. Undecided is not a bad word. Having middle school students choose a career path looks good on paper but creates unnecessary anxiety and leads to misguided academic choices. Students’ focus should be on being a good student, learning the curriculum and enjoying school.

These practices and suggestions come from my experience as an educator, parent and now state senator, and are not presented as perfect in their wording. I suspect some will find fault with the list, and that is OK. My hope is that this provokes a discussion about practices we agree on and how we can close the gap on those we don’t.

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.