School Issues
by Don Castellucci, Jr.

Correction

A typographical error occurred in September's "School Issues" article. US students rank first about how they feel about their math abilities compared to international students, but well behind when they are tested.

Gorton Amendment

Look for President Clinton to start complaining about Congress. The Gorton Amendment passed the Senate 51-49 gutting funding for Goals 2000, School To Work (STW), and the Department of Education. When this passed, Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) asked his colleagues to consider what they had done, stating parents and community members might build swimming pools with the money rather than educating their children. Gorton reminded him that those were the same people who elected both of them.

The Department of Education was asked if the president would veto the whole appropriations bill over this amendment. Spokesman Marshall Smith replied they don't expect it to get that far, but they are preparing for a fight. Proponents of local control better get ready for the same! The House passed a bill not to fund national testing. I think (I hope) Congress is getting the MESSAGE.

The Slade Gorton (R-Wash) Amendment would send 5.5 billion dollars right to the local districts. It would create competition amongst schools and not politicians.

It is my opinion this will also would help with vouchers. In the past I was in favor of vouchers, but I reversed my position because politicians and State Education Departments will use the money to control private school curriculums. My son is in Catholic school, and I could sure use the voucher. Unfortunately, not at the expense of the strings attached.

Funny, though, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Bill Bradley, Al Hunt (Capital Gang) and the like all send their kids to private school. It isn't funny they won't let the "middle class and lower income" families have a choice using vouchers. Are they afraid of the unions or what parents who want quality education might find out?

Education... or Training Ground for Cheap, Compliant Labor

In Texas, the AFL-CIO alleged in a lawsuit that the Texas Workforce Commission has focused solely on what is good for employers. "..The number one workforce priority is cheap, compliant labor." This is the result wanted with Outcomes Based Education (OBE) and School to Work (STW). It is running aimlessly in your schools. The good news is that when the allies are fighting amongst themselves the end could be near.

A recent David Broder column in the Press stated the reason education reform is failing is because two governors who worked hard on reforms in their own states have muddled the issues. What he doesn't tell you is Governor Clinton moved Arkansas from #50 to #49 and Governor Riley (Now Secretary of Education) has South Carolina at #50. To the best of my knowledge, that hasn't changed. But hey, the Federal Government should have more control of education. Just ask them.

Governor Engler (R-Mich) just usurped the power of the State Legislature by enacting Executive Order No. 1997-15, "Council for Career Preparation Standards." This establishes The School to Work program right into the Michigan School Code. This will eliminate local control as well shift education from academics to training. It will shift education dollars to the "corporate welfare system" to cater to the needs of big business. For three years, the Michigan Senate has not passed this bill. Governor Engler has just bypassed the public while he beats the local control drum.

Sound familiar? It ought to because it is happening to every one of you reading this article.