SK>-> I think Shiela pointed out one possible downfall would be that lesser
  >-> districts would not want to adopt such standards.
SK>That's not exactly what I said. I think you've changed my point a bit. I
  >said that districts not using such standards would probably be unlikely
  >to educate parents as to what the standards are. To do so would likely
  >only encourage discontent with the school. That doesn't mean that such a
  >school would not strive to improve and reach for those standards,
  >however.
I stand corrected. :) One case in point to ponder though.  In Hot
Springs Arkansas where I grew up the White flight started in 1969 and
has made two very small districts into major districts in the area.
Neither were even accredited by the state as they did not meet all the
requirements.  One of these and one other that is newly formed still are
not "accredited" to some degree.
The accreditation issue has to do with state funding these days.  Our
then Governor Hillary forced the tying of state funding to higher
standards and many smaller communities could no longer afford to educate
their children.  They are now bussed up to an hour and a half each way
to larger districts in other communities.  It really is a very complex
problem and does not seem to be being addressed to any great degree.
That is where I think networking of schools through the INET could help
small communities offer the higher standard without dismantling its
current educational system in the process.
My point being that regardless of standards other factors often take
precedence in the minds of the public.  The smaller districts simply
often can not afford what it takes to meet a higher standard.  Perhaps
someday education will be the primary issue in education.  IMO that day
is in the distant future if it is even achievable.  The system in its
current state for the most part is too politically correct to function.
TC
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 X QMPro 1.53 X All rising to a great place is by a winding stair.
--- Maximus 2.02
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