Prairie Public Broadcasting

Consultant: Enough money is "on the table" for schools BISMARCK, ND (Prairie Public) - A consultant to the Governor's Commission on Education Improvement says there's plenty of money on the table to create education adequacy.

Dr. Allen Odden says it will take re-thinking by legislators and education leaders to make it happen.

Gov. John Hoeven has proposed a budget for aid to local schools that would total over one billion dollars -- and would bring the state's share of education to 70 percent.

Odden says the goal is to improve what student learn in school -- and to double student performance. Odden says there are several things North Dakota can do to make that happen.

For example, he says after-school programs should be expanded, as well as summer-school programs. Odden says the state should also have in-school mentoring programs for students and teachers. He suggests school-based "instructional coaches" for teachers as well.

Commission members say it may take a phased-in approach to accomplish those goals. The Commission will make a recommendation to Governor Hoeven, to be included in the 2009 executive budget.

© Copyright 2012, Prairie Public