The many shades of gray......

Illinois & Iowa!!! Although the two states share a common border, a common goal (student achievement) and worry over a common federal law (NCLB), they differ so drastically. In Illinois, teachers have the security of tenure and unions that can make a “sharp” point (strike) if they so desire. In Iowa there is no tenure nor is it legal to strike. The public posting of tax funded compensation for teachers and administrators is a common practice in Iowa. In fact, it happens every year through the Quad City Times (newspaper) in my area. This is a novel phenomenon in Illinois. Both states wrestle with common issues; student achievement, funding, professional development, standards and “climate control”. However approaches, philosophies, perspectives, and strategies for finding solutions are extremely different. RTI & PBIS vs. Solution Focus plans, ROEs vs. AEAs, etc… Nothing in education is ever black and white. The differences between Illinois and Iowa serve as reminders of the many shades of gray that exist in education.