Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 1, 1994 TAG: 9410030037
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium
``I'm disappointed in the department leadership,'' board member Darrel L. Mason said at Thursday's board meeting, when the guidelines were supposed to be presented. ``The parents concerned about this issue have already waited too long.''
The board had announced in February that it would develop the new rules, which are supposed to address counseling techniques that some parents believe are harmful.
The concern is over relaxation techniques for young children that critics believe border on hypnosis. The techniques, called guided imagery or mind pictures, are sometimes used before class discussions about topics such as self-esteem and respecting others.
Counselors say the techniques are not akin to hypnosis and are harmless. But some have backed away from them because of the controversy.
The new rules are supposed to make sure parents know enough about counseling practices to either accept or reject them. The rules would determine when a parent should be notified and give them the chance to opt out of counseling programs.
Bosher apologized to Mason and blamed the delay on the committee drawing up the regulations. The committee, he said, is having a ``very difficult time in finding common ground.''
The superintendent said he will develop the guidelines himself and send them to the committee instead of ``wrestling an impasse.'' The board voted to require Bosher to have the guidelines in time for its October meeting.
Board President James P. Jones agreed with Mason that it was time to do something about the issue. He said the General Assembly told the board three years ago to come up with regulations, but Bosher's predecessor, Joseph Spagnolo, also was unable to resolve the impasse.
``There are too many strong feelings on both sides, but the buck stops with this board,'' Jones said.
In other business, the board indicated it is receptive to joining the federal government in national educational reform, a move that would mean millions of dollars in additional education funds. ``I think it's a wonderful opportunity to get a financial boost that will help us move forward in a direction we're already headed,'' Mason said after hearing a presentation from U.S. Department of Education officials.
The state would be eligible for $14.1 million in federal money over two years - with promises of more to come - by developing a plan showing how it intended to meet the goals of the federal Goals 2000 program.
Some of the goals include improving academic performance, increasing parental involvement and making schools safer.
Bosher has cautioned board members to move slowly on the issue.
``It's an issue of trust,'' Bosher said.
Michael Cohen, senior adviser to U.S. Education Secretary Richard Riley, told the board that the federal government has no interest in running local school boards.
To get the money, Cohen said, the only requirement is that states involve the public in developing a plan that reflects a commitment to the goals. There would be no new federal rules to meet, no dictates on how the Goals 2000 money could be spent and no surprises, he said.
Most of the money would be passed on to local school districts for such things as teacher training, computer equipment and curriculum development.
If the state chooses not to participate, it will not jeopardize the federal education funds the state already receives, said Tom Payzant, assistant U.S. education secretary for elementary and secondary education.
Five of the nine board members said they either supported the state's involvement in the program, or were leaning in that direction.
Even if they board votes to join the program, the final decision rests with the governor, who could veto such a decision.
by CNB