Island school leader off to a good start

Galveston Independent School District Superintendent Larry Nichols is getting off to a good start — with action. He is facing a difficult dilemma. There has been a climate of turbulence and uncertainty. In order to be successful, one must place one’s objectives in proper perspective.

The superintendent is coolheaded and easygoing. This is a plus for the principals and teachers. Stating the obvious, to succeed, his program must be free of state and national interference.

Superintendent Nichols should know where he is going and how he expects to get there. There are many theories and few certainties, but the superintendent must not be too hasty. There are obviously two kinds of education. One should teach us how to live and the other, how to make a living.

Suffice to say, Nichols neglected to point out our need for vocational education. How are students going to make a living if they do not graduate with a skill? To graduate a student without a skill is a sin. When a student graduates, ask him, “Can you do anything but graduate?”

No one can be considered really intelligent who does not have a readiness to examine new ideas. The “serenity prayer” asks us to change things that can be changed, accept those things that cannot be changed. That is something Nichols will have to think about. It’s too early to make any predictions about the coming school year, but we can wish him the best.

Determine once and for all who is accountable for student performance. If the schools are to be evaluated, the superintendent must visit the schools often. Make arrangements to include a science lab in every school. The superintendent must articulate what he expects from teachers and parents. Develop a curriculum that provides what children in every class will learn.

Superintendents must learn to challenge the politicians. Work toward ending race-bound busing and allow students to attend the school closest to home. Check out teacher-training universities. They are a part of the problem in education.

Study the curriculum of other countries. I have, and they are superior to our schools. They do not go crazy regarding testing.

Don’t talk about change — make it happen!

Time and money should be spent on vocational programs.

Clark Hall, a retired educator, lives in Texas City.