“65% Solution” is wrong answer to education reform, new report warns

Evidence doesn’t support claims of student achievement increase

The Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice would like to call your attention to the release of a new report in its series of policy briefs on education issues, A Policy Maker’s Guide to “The 65% Solution” Proposals by independent researcher Gerald W. Bracey.

Bracey reports the so-called “65% Solution,” a proposal under consideration in at least 18 states that would require schools to spend 65% of their budgets on “in-class instruction,” has no solid evidence to support its claim of increased student achievement. Bracey found that school districts currently spending 65% or more of their budget on “in-class instruction” do not have higher achievement levels than districts that spend less. The plan also has serious definitional problems. For example, administrators, library/media services, guidance counselors, testing and professional development for teachers would not be considered “in the classroom,” but football uniforms would be. Bracey concludes the “65% Solution” is a “one-size-fits-all pseudo-reform that disguises a political agenda.

Find this document at http://www.greatlakescenter.org/policy_briefs.php

Contact:

Teri Battaglieri, Director

Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice

(517) 203-2940

greatlakescenter@greatlakescenter.org