State Board of Education incumbent wants to leave 'No Child' red tape behind

Thursday, October 23, 2014
Molly O'Holleran

McCOOK, Neb. -- Nebraska has been able to pick the best aspects of the Common Core standards while avoiding the controversial ones, said Molly O'Holleran, incumbent District 7 member of the State Board of Education.

She hopes the state will be able to do much the same with remnants of the "No Child Left Behind" law, obtaining a waiver from much of that law, and proceeding with a roadmap for improved education regardless of whether the waiver is approved.

The A QuESTT plan -- Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow -- emphasizes college and career readiness, assessment, student success, educator effectiveness, transition from early childhood through post-high school, and educational opportunities and access.

"Schools in rural areas require special strategies to prepare their students for success," she said. "The variability in demographics and culture require greater public understanding and policy attention. Building state and local capacity for supporting sustained rural school improvement is imperative for education equity and access. The Nebraska State Board of Education hopes to build our own workforce based on expanded learning opportunities and community relationships."

She said business and industry will continue to need skilled workers that understand the changing environment and technology of manufacturing, water, land, and animal management. Digital technology can open avenues for global career employment, she added.

She noted that Southwest Nebraska's population "is diverse, bringing assorted challenges and opportunities for workforce development."

A certified Nebraska teacher, O'Holleran lives in North Platte, where she been involved in an extensive list of educational and civic boards and activities.

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