RE: Question 1: The Master Plan

The master plan is great in that it is so general.  But that's what brainstorming is all about.  I am curious to know what the next step will be.  In this year of being able to focus on policy rather than funding the master plan is a masterful way to use our energies, but I would suggest that during the next few potentially lean years we come back together and consolidate the plan into specific departments with specific goals to be attained.  Writing up some new bills that directly address these departments and then put them on the floor.
In regards to accountability.  That whole term needs to be reconsidered to address specific school levels and to not consider it by the word, accountability, but goals or achievements.  No school administrator or teacher appreciates being held accountable, 9who does but accountants0. they need to take care of our children the way that works best for them.  Then from there we need to help focus them to attain the goals set by the local and state boards of education.  It's hard to fit into a mold when you have 20-25 unique and individualistic children to teach. Make the standards a little more flexible to not suppress the creative energies necessary for the art of educating.