A-PLUS SCHOOLS MEETING SET FOR 7 P.M. THURSDAY

Is Cape Girardeau implementing tenets of Outcome Based Education through its A-Plus Schools Program? The answer depends on your definition of Outcome Based Education, says Dr. Lanny Barnes.

Barnes coordinates the A-Plus School program for Cape Girardeau public schools.

The A-Plus Schools program, Barnes explains, attempts to determine what skills students should learn in a particular class, the best method to teach those skills and how to test what students have learned.

"If that is Outcome Based Education, then I guess we're doing it," Barnes said.

A public meeting is set for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Cape Girardeau Central High auditorium. Parents and taxpayers will have a chance to learn about the A-Plus Schools program and ask questions.

The "A-plus" grant program was established by Senate Bill 380, the 1993 education reform bill.

The Cape Girardeau public school system was selected as one of 35 Missouri school districts to receive a $203,838 state grant for 1994-95.

The school district is requesting a $145,323 grant from the state for 1995-96, the second year of the program. If the grant is awarded, the district will kick in $74,198, for a total budget of $218,521.

The three goals for A-Plus programs as specified by Missouri's education department are:

-- All students be graduated from high school

-- All students complete a selection of high school studies that is challenging and for which there are identified learning expectations

-- All students proceed from high school graduation to a college or postsecondary vocational or technical school, or high wage job with workplace skill development opportunities.

The program also asks schools to eliminate "general track courses," which don't lead students toward college or a career.

It also directs schools to set career pathways, suggested courses students should take throughout high school to reach a career goal. Barnes said the pathways are suggested and students can change their minds along the way.

An 85-page grant proposal is available from Barnes for people who want to see the details of the A-Plus program.

Barnes said the meeting on Thursday will also give people a chance to ask questions.