Michael Strembitsky, the father of the Edmonton reforms, spoke to legislators and education reformers Jan. 24th about the benefits and challenges involved in the innovative approach in education. Governor Gibbons described the program as more effective and responsive in his State of the State address and was present for the orientation.

Strembitsky related the numerous benefits when schools were given autonomy over time, governance, staffing, budget, and instruction methods. He emphasized that the measures and standards were not negotiable. The schools were held fully accountable, but given the freedom to attain results at their own discretion as they know what works for their students and situations best.

Clark County has recently started a pilot program using the Empowerment model in 4 elementary schools. Associate Superintendent CCSD Karlene McCormick-Lee and Adams Elementary Principal Rebecca Johnson explained their experiences in early implementation. While it’s too early for achievement results, they have already seen positive changes due to the additional freedom given the schools.

Impressively, Bill Sanders, the creator of value added assessment and national leading expert on measuring academic achievement and growth, is doing the objective analysis of Clark County’s pilot program. When you add Dr. Ouchi’s research and testimony to the Interim Legislative Committee on Education last April with Strembitsky and Sanders, Nevada has the 3 top experts in their field pointing our education system in the right direction.

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