'State of Education' brings differing visions from candidates

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WLFI) - Education in Indiana has seen big changes in the last few years, including vouchers, teacher evaluations and fully funded kindergarten.

Current Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett (R) said Tuesday more changes are needed. 

But his challenger in November's election said changes of a different kind are what the state needs.

Bennett gave his third State of Education address Tuesday evening in Indianapolis. He highlighted the achievements of his last four years in office, citing higher ISTEP scores, more diplomas, and the new third grade reading assessment test.

"We've set high expectations for students and we've set high expectations for adults helping them succeed," Bennett said.  "And we're holding everyone accountable for results."

Bennett also spoke on the things he would do with a second term: continuing to improve graduation rates, and giving school districts more flexibility with what they spend money on and expanding pre-K opportunities. 

Perhaps the biggest piece is making districts accountable for their decisions, not just teachers and students.

"It's become clear that under performance is often systemic with problems rooted in district-level leadership," Bennett said.  "To make a greater impact on student performance where it's most desperately needed, Indiana should begin to explore expanding accountability to the district level."

But Democratic opponent and Lafayette native Glenda Ritz said the current system needs to be overhauled because with so many mandatory tests, districts and teachers are forced to teach to the test.  She told News 18 what's needed are simple diagnostic measures to show individual growth.

"A 4th grade teacher needs to know that they have 6th grade readers, 4th grade readers and 2nd grade readers so that they can provide the proper resources and materials," Ritz said.  "We actually need that kind of information in K-12."

Ritz is also against the A to F grading system for schools and school districts, which she said doesn't give an accurate picture of schools. She also opposes privatizing schools, whether it's the state taking over failing schools, spending tax dollars on charter schools or vouchers.

"All of them are taking money away from public schools and giving them either to for-profit companies, or private schools," Ritz said.  "I don't think that's what taxpayers intended for their dollars to be spent."

Glenda Ritz said she asked Tony Bennett weeks ago to agree to a debate before the election, but so far he has not responded.  

Election Day is Nov, 6.