Laptops for High Schoolers and School Equity

I applaud the decision to give our high school students laptops. This decision by the School Committee has finally brought to the high schools what Portland's middle school students have had for years. Also, the decision was made in a fiscally responsible way by buying more affordable Dell computers (I like Macs, but they aren't cheap). While this is all good news, we need to look beyond the issue of laptops to a larger developing situation throughout the school system: School Inequity.

The Portland School System has experienced years of declining enrollment and demographic shifts that have led to overcrowded schools in some neighborhoods and underutilized schools in others. Meanwhile there are technological and program changes that have not reached every school. This creates a school system that is in need of realignment and forward thinking policies to create an equitable system. The good news is that the trend of falling enrollment rates seems to be leveling. However, we have to deal with the inequity that our recent history has created.

A process of strategic planning is the solution, with the ultimate goal of bringing all schools to near-capacity operations with facilities that are capable of handling 21st Century Education. A school that operates near-capacity is cost-effective and educationally efficient. This will maximize educational returns while improving working conditions for students, teachers and staff.

What does it mean to have schools that are prepared for a 21st Century Education? It means small group space, teacher work space, and well-equipped science rooms. If we bring the schools that are lacking these things in-line with those that were designed or upgraded to meet the demands of 21st Century Education, then we will have a more equitable school system.

The School Committee should consider this a process and proceed thoughtfully with an eye towards fiscal responsibility. The Committee must ensure also that Portland families are involved. Every decision should be made with the thought of maximizing the funds used in the most efficient and effective way. Ultimately, school equity is an essential measure to assure that all students are learning for their futures.

What is Expeditionary Learning?

During my campaign I have been talking a lot about innovative education models. This means using cutting-edge technology and integrating it into the curriculum. It means having schools that are designed for 21st Century education--with small group discussion space, teacher work space, and well-equipped science rooms. It also means forward thinking curricula. And the example I use to explain what an innovative curriculum can look like is expeditionary learning.

Expeditionary learning is a project-based curriculum where students complete fieldwork and research to produce a professional-style project. For instance, a recent expedition at King Middle School was called Portland by the Numbers. The students collected data to answer the question: How do kids rate the livability of Portland? They presented there findings, gathered through interviews and analysis, to city officials.

Expeditionary learning is now at place not only at King Middle School, but also Casco Bay High School, and the East End Community School. And all these schools have successes to share. At King, for instance, English Language Learners and special education students have been mainstreamed into regular classes. Also, student involvement in extracurricular activities and sports has increased. At Casco Bay students are testing well above state averages, and are now being offered opportunities to take college courses. In other words, expeditionary learning works.

If you would like to find out more about expeditionary learning and the possibilities it presents for our schools, please visit portlandschools.org and follow the links to the individual schools. Hopefully, you will find yourself as excited by the achievements of Portland's learners as I am.

Expanded Early Childhood Education at Reiche

Is it time to develop a Preschool program at Reiche? How about full-day Kindergarten?

The benefits to the community of Early Childhood education cannot be doubted. A community with Portland's demographics, with many students from transient family situations and large numbers of English Language Learners, would especially benefit. Early Childhood programs increase student achievement, reducing the likelihood of grade retention or placement in Special Education and increasing the probability of graduation from high school. Investing in Early Childhood programs pays dividends well into the future and throughout the community.

What about the costs? Studies show that the long-term financial benefits are many. Spending on strong early childhood education leads to lower costs related to remedial services, criminal justice spending and welfare costs. Not to mention the savings associated with developmental issues that are decreased with strong Preschool and full-day Kindergarten.


Reiche might be positioned to be the right school to begin expanding Early Childhood programs in Portland. It is currently operating under capacity and has a flexible open design. This creates a situation where a small program could be integrated with relatively little cost. As such, if School Committee decides to begin the measured process of expanding Early Childhood education, it should consider Reiche as the place to begin. It would benefit not only the Reiche community, but all the families of Portland.