THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, May 9, 1996 TAG: 9605090015
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
This letter is in opposition to Goals 2000 legislation in Virginia. I am a former member and president of a board of education (elected) in New Jersey.
Is there a school district anywhere that does not already strive toward each goal stated (restated?) in the new legislation?
How useful is another layer of bureaucratic activity at the local, state and federal levels, endlessly engaged in collecting, assessing and recommending with no necessity to make any difference in the classroom?
Goals 2000 is not about causing learning in youth; it's about money for bureaucrats who isolate communities from schools. Instead of Goals 2000, Virginians should be debating outcomes now!
I fear that we shall never craft a society worthy of our children until communities reclaim their authority and responsibility and demand useful educational programs that reflect community values and aspirations.
RAYMOND W. MILLER
Norfolk, April 30, 1996 by CNB