In the world of education reform, we hear a lot from the various organizations that represent educators, but hardly ever from teachers themselves. Which is why a succinct, targeted editorial by James Behrend—a retired history teacher from Bainbridge Island—caught my eye in this morning’s Seattle P-I. And remarkably, Behrend actually had some pretty helpful, money-saving advice for our elected officials in Olympia (remarkable not because he’s a teacher, but because it seems like no one else has any suggestions).

His no-nonsense approach?

• “Reduce the number of school districts. How about 39 counties equal 39 school districts? Or, base a school district on population density.” Way easier said than done, but this makes sense.

• “Abandon all the expensive, time-consuming, always disruptive and often mindless experimentations in education. Establish teacher-operated and student-centered schools with, not under, a teaching principal (that's tradition in Europe; my elementary principal taught full time).” Without experiments, we would have no innovation. BUT, we need to be thoughtful about the implementation, funding and true goals of education experiments.

• “Allow for teacher-operated, student-centered charter schools. If thousands of private schools perform well, public charter schools can do so, too. Teacher-run schools may also take care of some of the problems Olympia can do nothing about: rude behavior, drug use and low performance.” It’s worked in other states…all I’m say…

• “The OSPI must establish standards for accepting B.A. and M.A. degrees and close the endorsements loopholes.” Ummm…here, here!

• “The OSPI must contemplate alternatives to the existing system for becoming a teacher.” Preach it!

While I can’t say I completely agree with all his suggestions, the majority sound pretty good to me. Legislators, a key constituent is talking about helping you save money, are you listening?