z45\doc\web\2000\09\doyon.txt
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Letters to the Editor 
Saturday, September 9, 2000
ENDORSEMENT
Don't keep unenlightened reform efforts in schools


"It's crucial to the success of Washington's education reform effort
that the present superintendent of public instruction, Terry
Bergeson, be returned to office" (P-I's endorsement editorial of Aug.
28). This could well be the most telling statement in the campaign
for true reform of public education in Washington state. Yes, return
the care of our state's 1 million plus public school children to the
hands of Bergeson and the current unenlightened reform efforts will
continue to plague schools, children and communities.  It's crucial
that caring adults in our state examine carefully the record of our
current education bureaucracy and ask themselves if it should be
allowed to continue to fail our children.


Bergeson's answer to all the troubles of the world is a fatally
flawed assessment system, which holds students, parents and teachers
accountable for the failures of educational hierarchy. Her campaign
has consisted of a statewide, summertime excursion with the A+
Commission to "collect input" on a soon-to-be implemented
accountability system that will reward or punish schools according to
student performance and install a Certificate of Mastery program to
stifle the diverse goals and abilities of children.


Bergeson refuses to address huge systemic flaws that account for the
unacceptable outcomes of schools: teacher shortages, fiscal disarray,
citizen apathy and lack of adequate facilities, to name a few.


The "four unqualified opponents" who are brave enough to face a
politically savvy Bergeson on the primary ballot have a myriad of
ideas to improve Washington schools. The establishment seems bent on
silencing the rustle of innovation and remains devoted to a
single-minded plan that will continue to waste our time, money and
our most valuable resource: children. 




Juanita Doyon
Spanaway