Quotes are taken from a message written by Tom to Charles on 06/05/96...
TC>CB>Setting standards that do not force our schools to move forward would 
e
TC>>a waste of time.
TC>
TC>You make two key points here.  The first is setting standards and not
TC>forcing compliance is a waste of time.
I disagree.  If the standards are worthy of consideration, they will be 
adopted.  It's cheaper for the Federal Government to sponsor it once 
than for all 50 states to repeat the process themselves.  A ready made 
curriculum and corresponding evaluation plans would save the state 
education departments a heap of developmental funding.
TC>The state of Arkansas on three
TC>occasions I know of tried to raise standards and was sued by the good
TC>ole NAACP.
I have not heard about this.  Was the NAACP successful in its suits?  
What was their point?
TC>The second is the setting of a high academic standard.  I have read the
TC>information and agree with much of its content.  I am also a realist and
TC>realize that the Federal government will have no more success in raising
TC>standards than do local school districts, or state boards of education.
TC>Then there is always the question of who will set the standards, in what
TC>subject areas, and who will monitor the implementation.  I think we are
TC>back to the $$$$$$$ question again.  If localities must fund the schools
TC>they should be able to set the standard without interference from
TC>outside forces.  Maybe vouchers are not such a bad idea after all.
I agree that some local control is important - and it is a part of our 
heritage.  But I disagree that a set of quality standards won't be 
adopted (in large measure) by most school districts.  If the standards 
and assessments are well formulated, districts will jump at the chance 
to raise standards when local lawsuits and griping will be minimized 
because of widespread acceptance.
Chuck Beams
Fidonet - 1:2608/70
cbeams@future.dreamscape.com
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