THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, July 29, 1994 TAG: 9407290576
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
With a lofty aim to improve public schools, Uncle Sam is dangling a carrot worth millions to entice states to develop federally approved education plans. But Virginia's Board of Education decided Thursday the state may pay a higher price if it bites too soon.
The board unanimously passed a resolution to delay action on whether to buy into the federal government's Goals 2000, a national blueprint designed to overhaul the nation's school systems.
There is more at stake, officials said, than just the $14 million the federal government wants to give Virginia to help the state and interested school districts develop educational improvement plans to meet the goals.
Board members were warned that accepting the offer ultimately could lead to a loss of state and local control over educational policy.
``This represents an unprecedented federal role in education,'' said Lin Corbin-Howerton, a policy analyst for the state Department of Education.
Traditionally, Corbin-Howerton said, federal involvement has remained outside the mainstream, instead targeting programs to assist poor children or the learning disabled.
But the objectives of the Goals 2000, she said, reach into territory long considered the purview of state and local educators.
``It gives to federal entities the option, if you choose to participate, to review and certify components of our educational program that traditionally have been your responsibility,'' Corbin-Howerton said. ``This goes right to the core of what education is all about.''
William C. Bosher Jr., state superintendent of public instruction, urged the board to move cautiously. The state, under a charge from Gov. George F. Allen, already has launched its own reform plans.
Some of the state's goals, such as ensuring tough academic standards and safe schools and increasing parental involvement, dovetail with the federal government's eight goals. But too many questions remain about the ultimate federal role, he said.
``Where the federal government puts any constraints on Virginia's planning or standards, then we should walk away from those resources,'' Bosher said of the grant money.
Despite their reservations, board members indicated during discussion that having national goals makes sense.
``We're the only industrialized nation that I know of that doesn't have compulsory educational standards,'' said board member Peter G. Decker, a Norfolk lawyer.
``I personally feel the eight national goals are laudable and achieveable and I hope we'd support them,'' said Darrel L. Mason, board vice president. She later requested that the board vote at its next meeting on whether to endorse the goals, even if it later decides not to accept the money.
Nationwide, Corbin-Howerton said, Virginia and New Hampshire are the only two states yet to buy in to the federal goals. Hawaii already has received its money, which became available July 1. Congress approved the Goals 2000 legislation in March.
The goals are supposed to be voluntary. But Corbin-Howerton said Congress is considering implementing language in other education legislation that would mandate many of the suggested standards.
``Last year Virginia spent $357 million in federal money,'' board President James P. Jones said. ``The fact is, we're already heavily involved in the federal government on education.'' ILLUSTRATION: GOALS 2000
National education goals, to be met by the year 2000:
All children in America will start school ready to learn.
The high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90
percent.
American students will leave grades four, eight and 12 having
demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including
English, mathematics, science, history and geography; and every
school in America will ensure that all students learn to use their
minds well, so they may be prepared for responsible citizenship,
further learning and productive employment in our modern economy.
The nation's teaching force will have access to programs for the
continued improvement of their professional skills and the
opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to instruct
and prepare all American students for the next century.
U.S. students will be first in the world in science and mathematics
achievement.
Every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge
and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the
rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
Every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will
offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning.
Every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental
involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional and
academic growth of children.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
by CNB