Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, May 27, 1994                   TAG: 9405270096
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: |By JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ALLEN PANEL TO CONSIDER SCHOOL OPTIONS FOR VA.

Virginia should consider options such as charter schools and other forms of school choice, Allen says. Under the charter school concept, parent groups or other organizations would be given charters to run their own schools

Charter schools are being considered by several states and have become a national education issue. Another option is a voucher system, whereby public funds are given to students to help pay the cost of attending private schools.

Allen focused on school choice and other education reforms in appointing a 49-member commission this week to develop a plan for improving the academic performance of Virginia's students.

State Sen. Brandon Bell, R-Roanoke County, and Del. Allen Dudley, R-Franklin County, are members of the commission.

During this year's General Assembly session, Bell introduced bills to allow charter schools and vouchers in Virginia. Faced with opposition from teachers and politicians, Bell asked that his bills be continued until next year's legislative session.

Bell's proposal would allow poor students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches to receive public funds to attend private schools.

Democrats have charged that vouchers would weaken public schools and put more strain on local school budgets.

Allen's charge to the Commission on Champion Schools included:

Implementing rigorous academic standards.

Ensuring accountability through testing.

Increasing parental and community involvement to give them more control of the schools.

Ensuring school safety so students can learn in an environment without fear of violence.

Allen said there are disturbing trends in Virginia's schools, even though many are fine. He said a 1992 survey found that only 19 percent of fourth-graders and 23 percent of eighth-graders were proficient in mathematics for their grade levels.

"If our children cannot read and write, their oppportunities are severely limited, as is their chance to succeed," Allen said. "Our attention has been misdirected long enough."

Beverly Sgro, Allen's secretary of education, will be chairwoman of the commission, which includes representatives from all parts of the state. William Bosher, state superintendent of public instruction, will be vice chairman.