 |
 |
Your quote without context is unfair. Bush is correct in saying that many students are at-risk because they have not learned. Too little has been expected of many of our students which has led to their under- achievement. Bush has it right when he says that more should be expected--from students and educators alike. Cathy Seyler CPI Reading Learning Specialist Palm Beach Community College at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 561/625-2314 Fax 561/625-2475 -----Original Message----- From: Melodye Wiens [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2000 7:52 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Perceptions determine policies Colleagues, No matter what you think of either of the presidential candidate's overall performances in the October 3rd debate, I hope that Governor George W. Bush's discussion about education -- and his comment about "at-risk" students in particular -- caught your attention. In reference to "at-risk" students, Bush states, "...basically, they can't learn." You and I both know this is inaccurate. We may hope that Governor Bush really doesn't mean what he said. But suppose that he does...and suppose that at some point, he suggests policies that align with that perception -- either at a state or a national level. What then -- for our students, for our programs, and for the field of developmental education? I pose this as more than a rhetorical question. My hope is that we can have some healthy discussion on what we developmental educators can and should do, in response to this misstatement. Please respond to the list. We'll compile the results and will work with you to carry forth any response you feel is appropriate. There are no national politics or politicians, where developmental education is concerned, but we believe that our strength is in our association with each other. Of course, your individual responses -- differing or in agreement -- are welcomed. That's the way a democracy works, after all. Melodye Wiens and Becky Garlick NADE Political Liaison Committee co-chair [log in to unmask] 714-669-5735