Instructional Facilitators OpEd

I read an editorial in today's Casper Star-Tribune on instructional facilitators (IFs). I am supportive of the editorial, as it promotes the continued use of IFs. The author also has some ways to improve the program "so as to document its value."

One of the the suggestions is to "more clearly define and standardize their duties." The rationale for this is that IFs have different duties and roles in schools across the state. While I agree with the author's assertion that they would like to "see an emphasis on improving teachers' interactions with students in the classroom," I would debate the merits of having all IFs performing the same duties in each school.

The needs of schools varies across the state and it is the ability of IFs to have the flexibility to do what is necessary to help teachers improve that makes the program such a benefit. To limit this flexibility is akin to making the funding model, currently a block grant that allows districts to flexibly spend their funding in needed areas, into a categorical grant that forces all districts to spend their dollars similarly, regardless of the needs of students. But that is a conversation for another day.