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Education commissioner Christensen resigns

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By KEVIN ABOUREZK / Lincoln Journal Star

Thursday, Apr 03, 2008 - 05:07:32 pm CDT

Announcing his resignation Thursday as state education commissioner, Doug Christensen blasted those outside education who he said are wresting control of teaching from educators.

“For some reason, we seem to think that’s the only way we can get education done is by doing it outside the profession,” he said, “and the assessment issue is related to that.”

Christensen, who has served as state education commissioner for 14 years, has fought with state and federal officials to keep testing and assessments district-based.

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Doug Christensen

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He announced his resignation in a letter Thursday to the state Board of Education. He will stay in the position until July 15.

“It is time for me to move on to the next phase of my professional life,” he said.

The Department of Education created STARS — School-based Teacher-led Assessment Reporting System, a system unique to Nebraska that allows school districts to develop their own tests on state standards.

The tests also are used for state compliance on the federal No Child Left Behind.

But the Nebraska Legislature passed a bill last year to create statewide tests for reading and math, and a bill being debated this year (LB1157) would specify the grades and subject areas for statewide tests but leave the task of implementing those tests to the state Board of Education and Department of Education.

Lincoln Sen. Ron Raikes — who heads the Legislature’s Education Committee and introduced LB1157 — and Christensen have gone head to head on the issue.

Raikes, who is in his last year, thanked Christensen Thursday for his work in education but also said he looks forward to the Legislature renewing ties to the state Department of Education.

“I think it offers an opportunity for new leadership, new energy and a new relationship between the Legislature and the department, all of which have an upside,” he said.

Echoing Raikes’ comments, education committee members Bill Avery of Lincoln and Greg Adams of York said they also look forward to working closely again with the education department.

“I respect very much the time the commissioner has served the state, and I wish him well,” Adams said. “This opens up an opportunity for us to reestablish a relationship with the state Board of Education.”

Christensen said the state needs to clarify the roles of the various entities that oversee education. He said the Legislature should not charge itself with deciding how education should be practiced or assessed.

“Certainly finance, certainly governance should be the debate on the floor of the Legislature, but not the practice of education,” he said.

He defended the STARS system, saying it only makes sense to give the state Board of Education and local educators the authority to oversee teaching and testing.

But he said he didn’t decide to resign because of efforts to take control of testing away from the state Board of Education.

Instead, he said, he wants to spend more time with his family and possibly write a book.

“It is time for me to spoil my grandchildren in ways that I am unable to with the demands of this position,” he said. “It is time for me to write the book that I believe is in me.”

Christensen, who spent his first year at Midland Lutheran College studying to become a minister, decided instead he should be a teacher.

He started teaching in 1965, then went on to become a principal and in 1994 became commissioner of education.

He said he would help the board find a successor.

Board President Fred Meyer said a board committee already has begun working with job search companies to find a successor for Christensen and hopes to fill the position by early summer.

He said he hopes to find someone with qualities similar to Christensen’s.

“Having the vision to promote education across Nebraska to the level that Commissioner Christensen has will be somewhat more difficult,” Meyer said.

Board member Bob Evnen complimented Christensen for his commitment to education.

“We’re looking forward to the next chapter in the history of educational policy in the state,” he said.

Reach Kevin Abourezk at 473-7225 or kabourezk@journalstar.com.

Reporters Nancy Hicks and Margaret Reist contributed to this story.


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Nebr educator wrote on April 3, 2008 10:53 am:
" Thank you Commissioner Christensen for all your hard work and dedication to what is right and best for the kids of Nebraska. It has been a pleasure working with you over the years. Best of luck with whatever your future holds! You will be missed. "

 JimS wrote on April 3, 2008 10:53 am:
" Doug Christensen has been an acquaintance since college days in the late 60's. Our paths crossed in North Platte again the mid 80's. Doug's dedication and integrity are above reproach! It will be hard to replace such a skilled, dedicated leader! May he and his family be blessed in all their endeavors! "

 Rudy wrote on April 3, 2008 11:20 am:
" We are going to miss this leader! He was always there for the teachers, students and the schools. Someone seems to have forced his hand to this decision. This is a sad day for the education of our youth in the state of Nebraska. "

 Plubisu wrote on April 3, 2008 1:07 pm:
" Nebraska is going to be sorry for losing Dr. Doug Christensen. He has defended the rights of local districts to develop assessments for students while protecting the state from the terrible consequences of No Child Left Behind. Unfortunately, Senator Raikes and the Education Committee are pressing ahead with a legislative bill that will submit our students to what, so far, has been problematic in several other states. Do they not do their research or are they so blinded by subservience to corporate greed that our children's emotional and academic welfare is secondary? This is, indeed, a sad day and our students will suffer. "

 BonnieMae wrote on April 3, 2008 2:44 pm:
" Dr. Christensen served as he was asked. Now, it is time for Nebraska to move on and assure her children have the tools and skills needed to make the spirit of innovation a part of Nebraska. Education is not a closed book. It opens the mind to new horizons and helps students compete in a global environment. There are many challenges ahead for the state of Nebraska education to reach higher standards. It is time to look to the next chapter and challenges that come with a rigorous pursuit for excellence. "

 Buddha wrote on April 3, 2008 3:02 pm:
" Yes, Dr. Christensen did much good for education in general, however, there are certain phases of education that he made a mess of. Deaf kids are still lost in the system that he created by closing the Nebraska School for the Deaf. Too bad too many people are going to overlook this population when it comes to determining his legacy. "

 Plubius wrote on April 3, 2008 4:30 pm:
" Parents, now is the time to get started on a movement to have your children opt out of state testing whenever it becomes law. Resist. "

 Joseph P. Sokolovsky wrote on April 3, 2008 8:44 pm:
" Perhaps we can bring Dr.Christensen back to Fremont....
to be President at Midland Lutheran College.....and to
straighten out the mess that Dr.Steve Titus created
(financially & reputation); including 'duping' Midland's
Board of Directors? "

 Best wishes wrote on April 3, 2008 9:21 pm:
" Thanks Doug for your intelligent leadership and voice of reason! I wish you and your family the best. "

 mind your business wrote on April 3, 2008 9:31 pm:
" I see state senators are looking forward to renewing relationship between themselves and the Neb. Dept. of Ed. That is the whole problem here, the state legislature should keep their noses out of where it doesn't belong, even more so out of areas where their expertise does NOT exist. But then again, that's exactly what President Bush and his people have demonstrated with the joke of No Child Left Behind. Commissioner Christensen did a great job, and stood his ground for what he believed benefited ALL children of Nebraska. Thanks for your past efforts! "

 SRP wrote on April 4, 2008 12:11 am:
" What a sad day for Nebraska's children. "

 Still a Nebraskan wrote on April 4, 2008 5:08 am:
" Just as children and adults learn new things everyday, perhaps it is time for new blood at the Commissioners office. I remain a steadfast Nebraskan, born and raised with my children beginning their schooling in the LPS system. I still believe LPS and the state of Nebraska have positive opportunities, but need to rethink the long term strategy of education for all Nebraska children. We left Nebraska several years ago and my children have been in a school district similar in size to LPS. I have been totally amazed at the high quality of education my children are receiving. The school district is always challenging administrators, teachers, parents and children to do better. Part of that challenge is with state testing. Initially I had my reservations, but you know what, the bar is raised at all levels, the Teachers are challenged to be on top of their profession and held accountable. We are fortunate to be in a district that not only is in the "Top Ten" for state scores, but recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School. I recommend the next Education Commissioner take a fresh look at this process and perhaps it will begin to raise the bar for all students in Nebraska schools so that they are able to compete with their peers across the nation and are not "left behind". "

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