Another item that is gaining attention is in the area of measuring student achievement. One Unshakable Vision brings up the possibility of retention for third graders who do not meet certain assessment standards. Ryan believes that if this measure moves forward, that could create much debate.

In the area of classroom innovation, Ryan said the potential for a new educational model that allows students to move forward in the curriculum at an individual pace could be very beneficial for the educational setting but could create many challenges.

“That could significantly change how schools and classrooms look,” he said. “What will the bell schedule be like? What will teachers licensing be like? How do you prove the student learned it? What do we do with the student who goes through Algebra, Geometry and Algebra II in the course of a school year?”

The diocesan superintendent said the way teachers, principals and superintendents have been taught to look at education could change significantly as old classroom management techniques will not work very well. That’s where, he noted, technology such as the use of the Internet and virtual schools could come into play.

“There is a great amount of potential but anytime you make a significant change to an institution, the potential for difficulties is huge,” Ryan said. “I anticipate that the challenges will be large and numerous.”

In addition to questions pertaining to the practical application of some of the recommendations made in the blueprint, he acknowledged that the costs associated with some of these changes are raising significant questions.

As the state gathers feedback on this plan, Ryan would like to know if they are exploring ways the state can support “all education in Iowa.”

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