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June, 1978 | September, 1978 |
State Council ReportThe School's Committee, headed by Caroline Ingersoll, presented a stimulating debate on the controversial subject of Competency Testing and whether the state should adopt the DOE plan which would require students to pass such a test in order to graduate. Moderated by Dorothy Bremner, the panel included Sharon Wago, personnel director for the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rose Yamada, of the DOE, Office of Instructional Services, Marion Saunders, of the Board of Education,. John Radcliffe, Executive Director of the HSTA, and Yukio Naito, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee on Basic Skills and Real-Life Skills, which reported to the DOE. Each panelist presented his argument, convincingly and articulately. As an employer Ms. Wago sees recent graduates who apply for jobs as lacking self awareness, basic knowledge of job seeking skills and the means of adequate written and verbal communication. Rose Yamada stated the DOE plan for testing is a means for improving the curriculum and providing appropriate instruction and remedial help by early diagnosis. One reason DOE is pushing testing is they feel 90% of students can learn tasks when they are outlined. John Radcliffe says the schools have become the 'substitute family. He cited statistics of broken homes, divorces, alcoholic and working parents, and, he states, the area of curriculum is greater. The HSTA is not opposed to testing, but the current proposal of the DOE fails to develop programs for the obtainment of necessary skills. Marion Saunders said that tests measures symptoms, not causes, and that if a single standard is presented it must be set so low as to be an invitation to mediocrity. She recommends calling back recent graduates for their evaluation and input. Yukio Naito claims that the testing would place further burdens on the student when the burden should be on the system. He reiterated that testing does not do anything to assist the poor student, and that those students who have the greatest difficulty in school are already known to the DOE. Small groups were formed and a sample Competency Test was taken which sparked lively and mixed reactions. Our Schools Committee will focus on what factors influence school policy and will develop a plan of action to insure full use of maximum public input. TREASURER'S NOTE: Receipts for dues and/or membership cards are given only on request. Mahalo.
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