THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, August 7, 1995 TAG: 9508070059
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TONY WHARTON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
OK, OK, maybe money isn't the answer.
Last week The Virginian-Pilot published several citizens' thoughts about education in Virginia, how we pay for it, and how it's run.
It is part of an attempt to better understand the education issue, and others, as we approach the elections for the General Assembly this fall. We intend to publish a ``citizens' agenda'' and show the candidates what you really care about.
We've asked for your help, and we'll keep asking for it.
During the past week, you responded thoughtfully to questions about education, which you said tended to reduce the issue to one of money. Those of you who wrote us said that's at least simplistic and maybe completely wrong.
The schools are a topic dear to Virginians. In conversations across the state this summer, residents were uneasy about the state's future, and they said they think education is vital to that future. The schools must prepare students for their place in society, they said.
You agreed. ``Money truly is not the answer,'' Ed Solesky said in an e-mail message.
Solesky said studies show that spending large amounts of money per student does not necessarily achieve higher test scores.
Not that money doesn't matter at all. Virginia Beach's James E. Weirich said: ``We need better use of our money. The only possible increase would be for teachers, and that should be selective.''
What else, then, is as important as money, or even more so?
Solesky said it comes back to individuals: ``Acceptance of personal and parental responsibilities are certainly where answers can be found.''
Helen C. Sanders of Chesapeake said: ``The old African proverb, `It takes a village to raise a child,' is no longer applicable. Technology has moved us to a new level. The village is now the world, our global society.''
Edward G. Kreyling Jr. of Virginia Beach, who last year ran unsuccessfully for the School Board, said it's hard to discuss education because so many people don't agree on what it is.
``For some it is the passing along of historical values, for others it is a challenge of parental values. For some it is to challenge each student to do his/her best, to others it is equal outcome for all,'' he said. ``What is your definition?''
That's as good a way as any to turn the issue back to you. We don't have the space to define education in the United States today, so let's talk some more about what education means in this election.
What would you like to see your legislature do for Virginia schools?
What should the top priority be for Virginia schools in the next few years?
If you're interested in discussing these issues further, write me at: 921 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake, Va. 23320. Or send e-mail to: publife(AT)infi.net. ILLUSTRATION: Edward G. Kreyling Jr.
James E. Weirich
EDUCATION: WHAT WE ASKED LAST WEEK
If you favor increased spending on schools, what would you give
up in exchange?
Should every student go to college? Should every student have to
learn a trade?
How can the value of education be balanced against public safety,
particularly building prisons?
Should school spending be the same in a small system in Western
Virginia as in large, relatively wealthy schools in Northern
Virginia?
KEYWORDS: PUBLIC JOURNALISM by CNB