CAPE UPDATE: IS REFORM ENOUGH?

In the wake of the Congress's passage of national educational goals into law, awaiting President Clinton's signature, the impact of this legislation must be translated into action for children. Like educational legislation which has preceded it, the establishment of national standards will bring its share of debate and change.

Our nation began the century as an agricultural nation and will end the century with the announced mergers of cellular communication companies and computer software companies, i.e. Micro Soft. Thus we will close out the century as a technological nation in an information age. Obviously schools must change to meet the demands created by this change.

The national debate will quickly focus on the national goals and what, if any, is the underlying educational philosophy on which they are founded. What will be the new and defined role of the federal government? What will be the relationship of state mandates and national standards? Local community control? Benchmarking? Outcome Based Education? International comparative programs? Readiness for learning? Role of pre-school? Role of child care?

The questions far outnumber the answers. But what can be accomplished is, in those communities where teachers, administrators, boards and community patrons work together in supporting each other, greater achievement realized by the students. It is important to create an environment of collaboration.

We also know that technology has emerged as a powerful teaching tool for the teachers and a tremendous learning tool for the student. In order to maintain a competitive learning environment for all students, we can no longer ignore the powerful advantage of technology. But equally important is the collaboration and commitment of the shareholders in creating "learning communities." Simply relying on reform will not be enough.

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.