THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 24, 1995 TAG: 9509240042
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
Hampton Roads is about to embark on an adventure in civic dialogue. This week, residents will begin a two-month examination of a subject crucial to the future of the region and the nation: the quality of education.
The ``Citizen Challenge: Education'' project begins with a National Issues Forum called ``Education, How Do We Get the Results We Want?'' It will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of various means of improving schools.
The forum will be presented twice - at 7 p.m. Tuesday and again Wednesday in Virginia Wesleyan College's Hofheimer Theater.
National Issues Forums, developed by the non-profit Kettering Foundation, recreate the traditional town meeting. Citizens come together to talk through issues and work toward a common understanding.
In October, participants will divide into study groups of 10 to 12 members each that will meet weekly for seven weeks. The groups will consider:
How education should be defined and what constitutes a quality education.
Essential elements for children's education.
Skills that may be acquired through community resources.
Role models and mentors.
Social and economic barriers that interfere with education.
What contributions to education are made through businesses, nonprofit groups, churches and other organizations.
Changes needed to improve the overall quality of education.
The forum and the study groups are being organized by the nonpartisan Community Networking Association, with assistance from The Virginian-Pilot. The project's goal is to attract a broad cross-section of the public to bring a variety of viewpoints to the deliberations.
It's not too late to get involved. All participants must preregister, but there's still time. And people who are unable to attend this week's forum still may take part in the weekly study groups. by CNB