Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 6, 1993 TAG: 9308060189
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Under the proposed "external diploma program" outlined Thursday by Superintendent Michael Wright, adults over 25 could qualify for a regular high school diploma by demonstrating competence in various skills - including reading, writing and mathematics - acquired through "life experience."
The plan was contained in a letter from Pulaski County Superintendent William Asbury, who asked the city to join his school system and others in supporting a regional external diploma program.
Wright suggested board members put off action until they'd had a chance to review information about the program.
But, board Vice Chairman Chip Craig said he'd made up his mind. "I don't need to defer this. I already know I'm opposed to it," he said.
Craig expressed concerns that the external diploma would be no different than one granted to a graduate who had attended four years of high school.
"I don't want to give a regular Radford High School diploma based on standards we didn't set and we didn't monitor," he told his colleagues.
Other board members said they felt the program would duplicate the general educational development, or GED, diploma program already available through New River Community College.
"I don't see why we need two systems," said board member Guy Wohlford.
The American Council on Education sponsors both the external diploma program and the general educational development diploma.
Asbury also proposed that the city kick in about $5,000 as its share of the one-time $20,000 to $25,000 program start-up costs.
The board will formally consider the plan at its next meeting, Aug. 26.
In other matters, Wohlford questioned whether it was appropriate for board members to also serve on committees that advise the board.
The issue arose out of board member Betty Plott's appointment as the board's representative on the Special Education Advisory Committee, and board member Carter Effler's membership on the School Health Advisory Board.
Wohlford said board members could use their positions to "dominate" advisory panel activities and impose certain strongly held views.
"What if they hired a school nurse and then decided to hand out condoms in school?" he asked, suggesting that such an advisory panel recommendation might carry greater weight if a fellow board member had had a hand in it.
Effler offered to step down from the panel.
Wright seemed to agree with Wohlford. "I think there's merit to this concern," he said. "I don't think we should reject it out of hand."
The board unanimously approved all appointments to the health advisory board and special education advisory committee anyway.
Board Chairman Guy Gentry, who makes committee appointments, said he would try to avoid putting board members on advisory panels in the future. But, several minutes later, the subject resurfaced when Plott asked Gentry to name her to a committee to study the feasibility of a full-day kindergarten.
Wohlford said Plott's "very passionate" opinions favoring a full-day program should disqualify her, but board member Carter Effler disagreed.
"I'd like you on the committee," he told Plott.
Gentry said he'd make his recommendations to the new panel at the board's next meeting.
Craig also suggested appointment of a new early childhood education council to establish cooperation between the schools and the city's various preschool programs, both public and private.
However, he asked not to be appointed.
by CNB