"The View from Here" 11/20/03

This is Floyd Wynne with "The View from Here"

Many, many years ago I served as a member of the KUHS budget committee. It was at a time when Sputnik was the big concern of the government, and they were offering financial incentives to all school districts for them to put special emphasis on science. I remember thinking at the time...that it was the camel trying to get his nose in the tent...and that it would come with some long lasting restrictions that eventually would put the camel in the tent.

Its not that we disagree with President Bush's proposal to make certain that no child is left behind in today's education...but rather to point out the fact that the camel in now in the tent.

It's not surprising to find that a great share of the school districts are being classified as in need of improvement if they are to qualify for federal funding for any programs for disabled or in some instances for certain ethnic groups. I was surprised to find that the current requirements also extend to such things as making certain that a certain percentage of students graduate...for instance there are four criteria that determines whether schools are progressing. One is that students are evenly divided into subgroups and ethnic groups in to judge their proficiency in such subjects as English, arts and mathematics. If any one group fails...the school is marked down.

Second...schools, subgroups and districts must have a 95 percent participation in tests on English, arts and mathematics...even though parents can opt to have their children not take the tests.

Third...schools and districts must show growth of at least one point in academic performance for this year and requires a minimum growth score of 560...and a requirement that they reach 800 eventually.

Fourth...high schools must have a graduation rate of 82.8 percent.

While these goals are certainly worth of achieving...they do present an additional burden on schools to not only do better teaching, but also to make certain youngsters stay in school...and that they continue to improve. I don't think any of these goals are beyond achievement, but the injection into the school system by the federal government is a cause for some concerns.

For instance...those schools that receive federal funds for students from low income families...must meet standards to qualify...or may be put on the "needs improvement" list...and could eventually be taken over by the state...or closed...or in some instances...the students from such failed schools could opt to attend other schools with the district picking up the transportation costs. It seems to us that these projected improvements are something that school boards in general have the duty to oversee at all levels.

When I went to school...many years ago...it was pretty much up to the individual whether or not you progressed in learning. Failed grades were a cause for parental concern...and absence from class was a concern of the truance officer. True...it wasn't high tech then...just a matter of good teachers who were there to offer the best possible education...and to help those that needed it.

The world of high tech has put the emphasis on the need for a better educated public to meet the competition of todays labor world. We didn't have the government looking down our necks in those days...just concerned teachers.

This is Floyd Wynne and thats "The View from Here"