Van Wert’s move to project-based learning is a great example of powerful learning that engages students, inspires them to think critically and tackle complex concepts, and teaches them to work in teams and present their work—skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy. I’m looking forward to seeing students’ presentations of their robotics and engineering projects this week.

When the district transitioned to this model, teachers weren’t simply handed a training guide and told “just do it”; there was an intensive training process. And across the district, teachers have time to collaborate as part of their schedules. Providing teachers with the time, tools and trust to do their jobs and hone their craft is essential to recruiting and retaining the best teaching staff for our kids.

All of this is possible through a culture of collaboration that is baked into every level of teaching and learning. Big decisions aren’t made unilaterally from the top; teachers work side by side with administrators and parents to improve learning and school conditions. Teachers feel empowered to innovate, propose solutions and lead. And this culture extends beyond the classroom, with partnerships with local businesses that provide kids with internships and other opportunities and enable teachers to adapt their lessons to incorporate the skills and knowledge businesses say their employees need.

The result? Van Wert public schools have a 96 percent graduation and attendance rate, and 75 percent of graduates go on to a two- or four-year college. The public schools here have a dedicated teaching force. And people are moving to Van Wert because of the schools. It’s truly something to be proud of.

In contrast, Ohio’s charter schools have been plagued by fraud, mid-year school closings, lying about student attendance to receive additional funding, mismanagement, and an overall lack of accountability that has led even charter proponents to call Ohio the “Wild, Wild West” of charter schools. One study by state auditors found more than $27 million in improperly spent funds at Ohio charters. The Akron Beacon Journal found that “charter schools misspend public money nearly four times more often than any other type of taxpayer-funded agency.”