The Newly Proposed (at Least Publically) Maine Graduation Requirements

Dan here:

So this week I saw a news story run on one of the Portland networks (probably WGME, but it could've been WCSH) regarding Commissioner Gendron's presentation of proposed graduation requirements and new Maine Learning Results.

Here's the site to explore -- look in the sidebar on the right. There's a video, some documentation, and a link to a feedback tool. And that's the big reason why I'm posting this.

Love it or hate it or land somewhere in the middle, by all means, say something. Too often educators, myself included, complain without ever expressing it to the people who need to hear it. And be specific. It's nothing novel to say, 'It's too much,' or 'I hate the state department gettin' messin' with my affairs.'

Myself, I'm looking at the 2010 mark and thinking, 'In the incredibly volatile climate of consolidation and the subsequent budget and staffing reforms taking place, high schools are expected to now change the way in which students are held accountable for graduation? Is this really practical, efficient, or effective change-making?"

I've gotta study the proposed changes a bit more before I get on too much of a rant, but certainly I cannot see the benefits to having such an accelerated schedule in light of everything else going on.