With the start of the 2016 legislative session looming Monday, and education reform and funding expected to take center-stage under the Gold Dome, the chairman of the Governor’s Education Reform Commission expressed his confidence in the committee’s proposed funding formula Friday morning.
“I truly believe the proposed funding formula is a vast improvement over the current QBE funding formula,” said Dr. Charles Knapp, the former President of the University of Georgia, who chaired the governor’s reform commission.
“QBE is a very complicated, activity-based formula. The proposed new formula is student-based,” said Knapp, speaking at the 10th Annual Media Symposium Friday morning presented by the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education.
According to Knapp, the proposed plan– which would replace the 30-year old QBE funding formula– includes a funding weight for students who are economically disadvantaged. This is a first for Georgia. The new formula also includes a weighted funding for K-3 students, which reflects the Governor’s initiative to make sure all students are on reading level by third grade.
Georgia currently ranks among the middle of the pack in funding per student, something Knapp feels needs to be changed. Georgia ranks 36th, spending $9,099 per student — below the national average of $10,700. New York ranks first in the country, spending $19,818 per student, and Alaska ranks second at $18,175. Idaho currently ranks last with a spending ratio of $6,791 per student.
“I think we have reason, and room, to grow in what we spend. As the former chairman of this committee, I can now say that I do believe we need to spend more money on education, as long as we do it wisely, ” said Knapp.
Recommendations for teacher pay are also expected to get a lot of attention in this session of the General Assembly, especially in regards to teacher compensation and merit pay versus pay based on training and experience.
“We are not recommending moving all teachers from T&E to merit pay,” said Knapp. “For new teachers, we are saying that merit pay should be one component of the new pay schedule.”
Current teachers will be allowed to decide if they want to stay under the current pay system or move to the district’s new pay schedule.
“I personally don’t think the T&E system is good enough for Georgia teachers. I think we need something better than that,” said Knapp.
Knapp said local districts will be encouraged to develop their own pay schedules, with assistance from the state Department of Education, as needed.
Knapp warned those in attendance “there’s more to the Education Reform Commission’s recommendations than funding and teacher pay.”
He made specific reference to the recommendations related to “Move on When Ready,” which would allow students to move ahead when they are ready academically and socially under a competency-based system.
“Some of the recommendations from this sub-committee are bold but can make a big difference in our students’ lives and education in Georgia, if approved,” said Knapp.
Knapp said the need for education reform is reflected in the need to develop a strong workforce, in which our students can come out of school prepared to compete globally.
According to information provided by Knapp, the United States ranks 36th (middle of the pack) in math scores (based on international norm tests) and 24th in reading. Shanghai ranks first in both categories. Results from the National Assessment of Education Progress Tests for 4th graders in 2015 also show Georgia in the middle of the pack at 33rd. Massachusetts ranked first.
“We have to finds ways to regain our competitive advantage,” he said.
