Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 29, 1993 TAG: 9305290208
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WILLIAMSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The board voted this week to approve a framework for the program after modifying a resolution to ensure additional parental input in further studies on exactly what the core learning requirements should entail.
About two dozen speakers went before the board, which brought its monthly meeting to the College of William and Mary, to criticize the proposal as too concerned with attitudes and values and too weak on academics.
"We certainly feel that change and reform are needed," said Helen Blackwell of Arlington. But information about the program suggests it is mostly "vague, wispy idealistic hopes and dreams" that cannot be effectively evaluated, she said.
The reform - also known as "outcomes-based" learning - has been portrayed by its supporters as breaking the bonds on how and what schools must teach.
In return for that freedom to be innovative, schools would have to show that their students have problem-solving and thinking skills and demonstrate a set of core attitudes.
The framework of the program, known as the Common Core of Learning, was what the board adopted Thursday, subject to development of specific standards with further study, public discussion and estimated costs.
Several speakers suggested that, under the reform, schools would teach values they have no business handling. Others talked about the expense of revamping how schools operate.
Teaching values would be an invasion of parental rights, Cindy Stinson of Botetourt County told the board. "How much time will be spent on academics?" she asked.
Republican Del. Frank Wagner of Virginia Beach said he heard a suggestion that the cost of implementing the program could run as high as $400 million.
"Whether knowingly or not, whether intentional or unintentional, Virginia is lockstepping down a dark road that is congested with numerous other states rushing to the same unknown destination," said Mark Resetar, an education professor at Regent University in Virginia Beach.
Several speakers said too many people don't know about the proposed change.
"Thousands of blissfully ignorant parents in Virginia still do not know of the existence of the Common Core of Learning," said Sharon Thompson, a parent of two children in Chesterfield County.
Board member Alan L. Wurtzel, who suggested getting more input from parents, said Thursday's vote "is not final approval."
by CNB