It was interesting to listen to the ideas for the Centennial Schools; 120 of the 750 schools here will participate. We will be setting up zones of progressive innovative schools.
The progressive, innovative schools are welcome. We need schools that offer specialization. Math, science, arts or sports offer something to the children in addition to the fundamentals of reading, writing and analytical thinking.But I see a problem with the "zones." The 1954 Brown decision, wherein the chief justice said, "Education is the most important function of state and local governments," abolished the "separate but equal" policies of segregated public institutions.
In order for the Centennial Schools to produce all of the bright young minds we hope they will, they need to be open to enrollment to any child in the state. A student from St. George or Brigham City should be able to attend if he or she qualifies for admission by passing the test for that school. This would also mean that the children who live next door to the school could not attend it without passing its test, no matter how wealthy their parents are.
This is the way the Japanese use their schools. Their children are motivated to do well early on so they can be in the school of their choice later. We can't subjugate any more children with the thirst for great things to the mediocrity of a bland curriculum.
Kenneth Meibos
Salt Lake City