THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 2, 1996 TAG: 9609020070
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: 83 lines
Richard T. LaPointe took the job as head of the state's public schools knowing he may lose it in a year and a half. Even so, he refuses to be a caretaker for programs his predecessor started.
``Caretaker? Oh, that's a horrible word,'' LaPointe said, grimacing at the thought. ``Caretaking is you sit back and wait for your 20 months to roll out. I don't think I'd want to be here if that's all it were.''
LaPointe, 54, of McLean, became state superintendent of public instruction on July 1. He succeeded William C. Bosher, who resigned to become Chesterfield County school superintendent.
However, LaPointe is a political appointee of Gov. George F. Allen, whose term expires in January 1998.
During Bosher's two-plus years on the job, the State Board of Education completed the often controversial process of writing tougher new academic standards in math, English, science and history.
LaPointe said writing the standards was only half the job, albeit the most visible half. Now it's time to implement them and develop the test to measure how well schools and students are meeting the new standards.
``There are different phases of reform, and this is the second wave, equally important,'' LaPointe said.
``There's a lot I can do in 18 to 20 months. The things I have an opportunity to do, most people don't have an opportunity to do in their lifetime. And these things will be around for decades.''
Bosher said LaPointe faces a challenge.
``There is much to be done, yes. It probably will only be accomplished if there is strong bipartisan effort, as well as close collaboration between the Board of Education and the General Assembly,'' Bosher said.
Michelle Easton, chairwoman of the state board, said LaPointe seems up to the task.
``My impression of him has been very positive,'' she said. ``He's smart, he listens, he appreciates how hard people work in our schools. He appreciates the need for greater focus on academic achievement.''
In addition to overseeing development of the new test, LaPointe's agenda includes revamping school accreditation standards. The board is conducting public hearings across the state on the matter.
LaPointe said each school will be evaluated annually. ``Accreditation will focus more on student achievement than how many widgets you have, or what kind of administrative plan you have,'' he said.
The new test and the accreditation standards reflect Allen's emphasis on accountability. LaPointe and Allen also agree on another high-profile education issue - the federal Goals 2000 program.
Democratic legislators and the education establishment have criticized the Republican governor for refusing about $6.7 million in federal funds, which Allen says would entail burdensome federal requirements.
``Goals 2000 has just become one of those grand federal entitlement programs that is questionable in terms of its effectiveness,'' said LaPointe, a former U.S. Department of Education official in the Reagan and Bush administrations.
``The state of Virginia has led the charge on this. We've taken a beating on it, but there are issues that are important enough to stand up and be counted.''
LaPointe also agrees with Allen's firm stand against general tax increases and his support for charter schools.
On the tax issue, LaPointe said: ``What I'd like to hear asked more is, `Does it work?' We're spending billions on public education, and we need to ask if we are spending it effectively.''
He said he hopes the 1997 General Assembly will approve charter schools, which operate free of some state regulations as long as they meet standards established in charters granted by a local school board.
``It's a tool that gives parents more flexibility in education for their children,'' LaPointe said. ``Parents want a greater say and control.''
LaPointe said the interest shown by parents and the qualities of many of today's youth are causes for optimism.
``I think kids today are pretty great,'' the former history teacher said. ``I'm grateful I don't have to compete against them in school. They're brighter than I ever was.'' ILLUSTRATION: ASSOCIATED PRESS photo
Richard T. LaPointe speaks to the press after being introduced by
Gov. George F. Allen, left, as the new state superintendent of
public instruction during a press conference in Richmond.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS by CNB