Lindsay’s education plan is proven success

Danny Vartan of Fresno wrote last week concerning the Lindsay School District’s plan for “performance based education.” It is cutting edge. I worked for a small district a few years back that used a similar model. Oro Loma School District, then an independent K-8 school, used performance-based learning too. It was, however, focused on language arts and math only.

English language learners were evaluated, then enrolled in classes where their levels were being taught. Students new to English would, most likely, start among much younger pupils, but they were encouraged to move ahead as quickly as possible. Their math abilities were usually nearer their chronological age, but in math, as well, they could evaluate learning and move ahead at their own pace.

Computers hadn’t been invented yet, and there were no photocopy machines. That made it much more difficult than it is today for testing concepts retained, and organizing groupings.

Oro Loma’s program started before 1980 and ended sometime after 1985. I don’t know the reasons for its demise, but teachers there were committed to it, and it had good results. I hope Lindsay will spearhead a full-forced rekindling of performance-based education.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 7:04 AM with the headline "Lindsay’s education plan is proven success."