Oversight on the Academic Plan for the District of Columbia Public Schools

Book excerpt: The relationships between improvements to facilities and accurate enrollment counts and an academic plan for the District of Columbia public schools were explored in a hearing that was part of a series on the D.C. public schools. Representative Thomas Davis (Virginia) spoke of the progress being made in improving the D.C. schools and the great deal that remained to be done. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (District of Columbia) also praised the efforts of the appointed interim administrators and noted the tasks ahead for the school system. The first panel began with remarks by Patricia Harvey, director of urban education for the National Center on Education and the Economy, who spoke of the importance of prevention, early intervention, acceleration, and accountability. Marlene Berlin, chair of a parents' coalition, talked about parent participation and community involvement. Delabian Rice-Thurston, director of Parents United, focused on standards and funding. A general discussion followed, with emphasis on the importance of parent participation. The second panel of the day began with remarks by Kathleen Patterson, member of the D.C. City Council, who talked about the importance of small classes and small schools in long-range planning. The second panel member was Joyce Ladner, member of the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility and Management Assistance Authority (Control Board), who discussed the recent appointment of Arlene Ackerman as Superintendent of Schools. Bruce MacLaury, Chairman of the D.C. Public Schools Emergency Board of Trustees, reviewed some of the needs of the school system as Ms. Ackerman assumes her position. Remarks by Julius W. Becton, retiring appointed Chief Executive Officer and Superintendent of the school system, and Arlene Ackerman, recently appointed Superintendent, rounded out the discussions. Prepared statements of the witnesses are included in the hearing report. (SLD)