ODYSSEYWARE

Yesterday, President Obama released the details of his budget proposal that includes increased funding for schools. According to the New York Times, President Obama is asking for an increase of $3.5 billion, or 7.5%, for the upcoming year. One of the more important aspects of that request, however, is his commitment to taking a new look at No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and making changes based upon his administration’s views and goals. One of those goals includes increasing the carrots, rather than the sticks, that have typically defined the funding role in schools. In this regard, a new approach to education would mirror the much ballyhooed “Race to the Top.” In a recent article in Education Week:

“The proposal builds on the success to date of the Race to the Top program, Secretary Duncan said. States have revamped their charter school legislation, state data programs, and teacher-evaluation systems to get an edge in the competition. ‘When there are real carrots out there, you see tremendous progress around the country,’ said Mr. Duncan. ‘We are absolutely moving in the direction of [more competitive funding] very aggressively.’”

One of the largest challenges facing schools today is clear and consistent guidance as to what the government wants from them, and the funding that follows that guidance. Being an administrator or a teacher in a school that desperately needs increased funding to meet each student’s challenge is a real concern and one ODYSSEYWARE® understands. We’re here to help you as you undergo these changes and lend our hand where we can. We understand the importance of providing relevant curriculum solutions to all students. With that, we’ll be watching this NCLB debate unfold and keep you informed as it happens!