ouncil for American Private Education

"Voice of the Nation's Private Schools" January 1995 Number 206

Council Members: American Montessori Society • Association of American Military Colleges and Schools of the U.S. • Christian Schools International • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America • Friends Council on Education • Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod • National Association of Episcopal Schools • National Association of Independent Schools • National Association of Private Schoolsfor Exceptional Children • National Catholic Educational Association • National Society for Hebrew Day Schools • Seventh-day Adventist Board of Education, K-1 2 • Solomon Schechter Day School Association • U.S. Catholic Conference• Affiliated state organizations in: , , Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, NewJersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin

Education Policy's Future Questioned Prisoners of Time

The dust from the recent midterm elec- ton-based think tank, which has strong ties to Report Supplements tions has settled, and the future of American the Republican party, also sponsored a two- education policy debates has become clearer, day orientation session for incoming and Released with a variety of conservative recommenda- returning members of Congress— Republi- The National Education Commission on tions being currently discussed in the nation's cans and Democrats alike— in early Decem- Time and Learning, which issued its final capital. ber. No Democrats chose to attend. report in May to positive reviews, has com- Former Education Secretaries Lamar While the elimination of the Department pleted its work and was disbanded on Sep- Alexander and William Bennett, together of Education would have a far less signifi- tember 30. To buttress its findings, the with Senator Dan Coats (R-IN), spelled out cant impact on private schools than on our Commission prepared two supplemental re- their vision of education policy objectives public counterparts, radical changes to el- ports—one on the research of the Commis- for the new Congress in a December 19 ementary and secondary education law — sion, the other providing descriptions of article inNational Review. They call for the including the ESEA and the Individuals with schools and programs which reflect promis- Federal government to withdraw from el- Continued on page 2 ing ideas about time and learning. ementary and secondary education, and write The Commission's report thesis was that "today's Department of Education could simple and straightforward: Time is the be reduced to something far humbler and CAPE has moved... unacknowledged design flaw in American less costly." schools. The thesis of the so-called "ABC" article Just not as far as we had planned. Prisoners of Time: What We Know and What We Need To Know summarizes the key is that control of education should be re- After five years in our current location, research reviewed by the Commission mem- turned to states and localities. "Insofar as CAPE moved on January 4, 1995, to new bers as they developed their report. It also any education functions stay in Washington, quarters. However, we did not move as far suggests some important questions which their guiding principles should be choice, as we had planned. After beginning nego- demand further investigation because too deregulation, innovation, accountability, and tiations for office space in a different build- little information is available to answerthem. serious assessment keyed to real standards in ing in Washington, our current landlord Knowledge acquired through research — core subjects," the three write. made an attractive offer which keeps us at that which is now available and that which Other critics of Federal education policy the same street address — with only a has yet to be done — can have targeted not only the Department, but change in suite numbers. CAPE moved greatly assist American specific statutes as well. The conservative from our eleventh floor quarters to a suite schools to raise the qual- Heritage Foundation, which played a signifi- on the seventh floor. Our address as of ity of learning for all chil- cant role in developing the "Contract With January 4, 1995, is: Suite 703, 1726 M dren. America," has circulated to new members of Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Our Prisoners of Time: Congress a booklet advocating the demise of phone (202-659-0016) and our fax (202- Schools and Programs the Department and the repeal of special 659-0018) remain unchanged. Please Making Time Work for education legislation. make a note of the change in suite num- Students and Teachers The Heritage Foundation, a Washing- bers. Continued on page 2

©1995 by Council for American Private Education cape outlook, January 1995, No. 206

between elementary schools, on the one hand, (KS), Sam Johnson* (TX), Jim Talent* Education Policy and middle and secondary schools on the (MO), Jim Greenwood* (PA), Tir continued from front other. Hutchinson* (AR), Joe Knollenberg* (Ml Disabilities Education Act — would affect Frank Riggs* (CA), Lindsey Graham* (SC), all schools and their students. Legislative Update Dave Weldon* (FL), David Funderburk* The Heritage Foundation calls the IDEA (NC), Mark Souder* (IN), David McIn- "a huge federal mandate which is costing House Education and Labor Com- tosh* (IN), Charles Norwood* (GA). Demo- states billions of dollars." Reauthorization mittee Renamed In keeping with their prom- crats include (* indicates new to the com- of IDEA had been expected to highlight the ises to reshape the Congress, to make it mittee): William Clay (MO), George Miller 104th Congress's education agenda in 1995, leaner and meaner, the new House Republi- (CA), Dale Kildee (MI), Pat Williams (MT), but the new Republican majority has led to can majority has eliminated three standing Matthew Martinez (CA), Major Owens speculation about the Act's future. committees, renamed several others, pared (NY), Thomas Sawyer (OH), Donald Payne At the earliest, IDEA would be consid- the number of subcommittees, and slashed (NJ), Patsy Mink (HI), Robert Andrews ered after completion of the "Contract with the number of committee staffers by about (NJ), Jack Reed (RI), Tim Roemer (IN), America," the ambitious agenda for the first one-third. Eliot Engel (NY), (CA), 100 days of the 1995 legislative session. Among the committees to receive a new Robert Scott (VA), Gene Green (TX), Lynn One of the 10 bills included in the"Contract" name is the old House Education and Labor Woolsey (CA), Carlos Romero-Barcclo and scheduled for a vote before April 14 is Committee, which will be known as the (PR), Mel Reynolds* (IL). major welfare reform legislation entitled the House Economic and Educational Opportu- 1 The Bipartisan Commission on En- "Personal Responsibility Act" (PRA). As nity Committee after January 4. Likewise, titlement and Tax Reform issued its pre- written, the PRA would terminate the present the number of subcommittees has been re- liminary proposals in early December, in- school breakfast and lunch entitlement pro- duced by a net of one — two panels having cluding a proposal to limit or completely grams and replace them with a discretionary been eliminated and a new one created. eliminate the income tax deduction for chari- child nutrition block grant program to states. Now a part of history are the subcommit- table contributions. CAPE responded with a It is anticipated that funding would be se- tees on Human Resources and Select Educa- strongly worded letter to each of the 32 verely reduced, and as a discretionary pro- tion and Civil Rights. The new addition is a commissioners urging them to reject any gram, would be subject to annual funding subcommittee on Oversight and Investiga- recommendation that would curtail the de- fluctuations. tions, which will be chaired by sophomore duction for charitable giving. CAPE will participate in the debates Rep. Peter Hoekstra (R-MI). CAPE Executive Director Joyce G. surrounding any proposals to eliminate the The remaining subcommittees, like the McCray cited an Independent Sector report Department of Education, or to cut severely parent panel, will sport new names in the showing a 25 percent decline in charitable its budget, as well as debates regarding the 104th Congress. The subcommittee on Em- giving after the tax code was overhauled in reauthorization of IDEA. ployer-Employee Relations replaces the 1986. She wrote: "The Commission's staff former Labor-Management subcommittee. recommendations are even more troubling The new chairwill be Rep. Harris Fawell (R- in light of broader Congressional proposals L). currently being drafted for consideration early Rep. Cass Ballenger (R-NC) assumes the next year. As part of an agenda for downsizing Prisoners of Time chair of the subcommittee on Worker Protec- the Federal government, those legislative tions. formerly the subcommittee on Labor proposals would shift responsibility for pro- continued from front Standards, Occupational Health and Safety. viding the full range of social services to includes 40 brief program descriptions-15 Childhood, Youth, and Families is the charitable organizations. Either taken as an elementary schools, 15 middle and senior new name of the subcommittee once known individual recommendation or as part of the high schools, 4 district-wide efforts, and 6 as Elementary, Secondary, and Vocational larger current political picture, any proposal special programs, primarily summer camps Education. Its new chairman will be Rep. to limit or deny the tax deduction for chari- or university-sponsored efforts to apply new (R-CA). table giving is counterproductive, unaccept- technologies to the teaching and learning Finally, Rep. Buck McKeon will take able, and should be rejected. On behalf of process. The report is notable primarily for over at the helm of the new Postsecondary CAPE schools, and in conjunction with our its illustration of the remarkable creativity Education, Training, and Life-long Learn- colleagues at Independent Sector, ... we un- on the part of school personnel in ing subcommittee, formerly known as the equivocally request that Proposal 48 be ex- reconceptualizing the use of school time. subcommittee on Postsecondary Education cluded from the Commission's Furthermore, the models used indicate that and Training. final report." approaches to redesigning time-usage in Other members of the House Committee The Commission was un- schools differ by school level. Although the include (* indicates new to the committee) able to reach agreement on a report is a nonrepresentative sample of Republicans: Thomas Petri (WI), Marge final report to be submitted to schools, it appears clear that approaches to Roukema (NJ), Steve Gunderson (WI), Bill the President at its last meet- nontraditional schedules differ markedly Barrett (NE), Mike Castle (DE), Jan Meyers* ing in December. cape outlook, January 1995, No. 206

change that accompany the beginning of a House saw as they entered From the Editor's new year, the changeover from one tenure to through the East Entrance, and $ another is time for taking stock and planning for the official White House Desk for the future. Christmas tree in the Blue The human mind is a strange thing. Janu- As your new editor, I invite you to drop Room. And during the after- ary 1 is just another date on the calendar, yet me a note, sharing with me your thoughts noon of December 15, visitors we seem to need that date as a psychological about your newsletter — suggestions that to the White House were breaking point separating the past from the would be helpful for the "new kid on the treated to the talented voices future. New Year's, as the name implies, is block." Although I can't guarantee an ac- of students from The Branson School in a time for new beginnings — a time for commodation for every suggestion that is Ross, CA. The Branson delegation, which is reflections on the past and for plans for the made, I assure you that all ideas are welcome a member of the National Association of future. I am no different from anyone else in and encouraged. As I embark on my new Independent Schools, was led by headmas- that regard; I make New Year's Resolutions duties, and as we all begin the new year, your ter Richard Fitzgerald. nearly every year — and sometimes even input is helpful. I look forward to working President and Mrs. Clinton wished to keep them. with you! express their enthusiasm for the arts in Ameri- One resolution for 1995 1 intend to keep Happy New Year! can life and education as part of their holiday is making Outlook and CAPE as "user- celebrations. Consequently, they sent re- friendly" as possible. CAPE exists to serve quests to design and art schools throughout its members and to that end, it is important CAPE notes the country, asking students to create orna- that I know what you like — and dislike — ments reflecting their personal interpreta- about Outlook. tions of the traditional carol, "The Twelve This new year nearly coincides with my 1 The Holidays at the White House were Days of Christmas" — a theme carried arrival at CAPE and at Outlook. I come to marked this December, in part, by the talent throughout the Executive Mansion. the table with my own ideas and suggestions of students from CAPE schools. Students — and a very healthy respect for the tradi- from Blue Ribbon Schools contributed hand- 1 The IRS plans to increase the number tions that have worked for CAPE in its 24- made decorations for the Children's Tree, of audits it will conduct at tax-exempt insti- year history. Just as with the plans for the first holiday tree visitors to the White tutions, according to word from the account-

CAPE Legislative Conference 1995 Registration Form Name: Home Address: City: State: ZIP: Home Phone: Work Phone: FAX: E-mail Address Birthdate*: Soc. Sec. #*: Required for White House security (bring photo ID to conference) School/Organization: Home Address: City: State: ZIP: List your Members of Congress Do you have a personal contact with any of your Congressional delegation?: (list here) Special Meal Requests: Kosher meals Vegetarian meals Other Conference Fees: Participant — $175 (February 15, 1995 deadline) Guests* — $175 (February 15, 1995 deadline) (Guests may attend the Opening Luncheon and CAPE Education Leadership Award Dinner only) Name(s):

3 cape outlook, January 1995, No. 206

continued from page 3 ing firm Coopers and Lybrand. Targets will July 16-18, 1995. Middle and high school Wallenberg Place, SW, Washington, DC include contributions, nondiscrimination rule educators are encouraged to apply for one of 20024-2150. compliance, failure to file Form 5500, and the two conferences at which they will share benefit programs—especially tax sheltered with scholars strategies and approaches for The National Endowment for the Hu- annuities like TIAA. presenting this period of history to students. manities Summer Instituteshas announced Those who complete the program will re- its schedule for Summer 1995. Topics range 1 No Smoking! It's not just the headmas- ceive a collection of educational materials from "The African-American Roots of ter you will be in trouble with if you're and a stipend to assist with conference re- American Culture: The Harlem Renaissance" caught smoking in the restroom. An over- lated expenses. to "Teaching Japanese in High School" to looked provision of the Goals 2000 law During each three-day conference, par- "Divining America: Religion and the Na- enacted earlier this year prohibits smoking ticipants will have the opportunity to meet tional Culture." In addition to the national during school hours within any indoor facil- with museum staff; to visit the permanent institutes, there is a slate of regional and state ity owned by a school, preschool, or library. exhibition; two special exhibitions,Remem- institutes as well. All those currently teach- ber the ChildrenandLiberation; the interac- ing in an American elementary, middle, or Any school — including private schools — that receives any federal funding, including tive Wexner Learning Center; and the Re- high school — whether public, private, or library aid or grants for professional develop- source Center for Educators. Conference church affiliated — are eligible to apply for ment, will be required to comply. sessions will emphasize planning and imple- admission to the summer institutes. Appli- menting units of study for teaching about the cation is made directly to the institute, and 1 The Holocaust Memorial Holocaust in middle and high schools. the deadline for all applications is March 15. Museum's Education Departmentwill make The application deadline is March 31, For more information and a full schedule applications available inJanuary fortwo three- 1995. For information, contact Dorene of national, regional, and state summer insti- day summerconferences for educators in 1995. Randolph, Program Assistant, at 202-488- tutes, please write to the Division of Educa- The Arthur and Rochelle Belfer National 0456 or write to Dawn Marie Warfle, Coor- tion Programs, Room 302,1100 Pennsylva- Conferences for Educators will be held at the dinator of National Outreach, United States nia Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20506 or museum in Washington, D.C., July 9-11 and Holocaust Memorial Museum, 100 Raoul call 202-606-8377.

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