Continued Improvement of Academic Excellence and the Pitfalls of Prop. 8

By Sandie Franklin Gonzales

Voters need to be aware of the pitfalls of Prop.8, and the way in which it endangers academic standards and continued growth of excellence.

Also lurking in the shadows are "School Site Councils", composed of 2/3 parents and 1/3 teachers who, in consultation with the principal, would make all curriculum and expenditure decisions for each school. The council would have access to all confidential records about all students. It is hard enough now to ensure that our college-bound students meet entrance requirements. Consider how hard it will be with each high school creating its own curriculum and graduation requirements. As the council membership changes, each new council can create its own curriculum, operating at cross purposes with state standards for school performance and accountability.

While we all favor class size reduction, the price tag on Prop. 8 is more than we can afford to pay. The ultimate cost is the downfall of public education in California. Don't be fooled! We must continue class size reduction and continue to strive for higher academic excellence, but Prop. 8 is not the way.