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For the Record: 01/10/08

Posted on January 9, 2008 by Staff

Defining terms
We should never lose sight of the fact that the achievement gap is not by any means as innocuous as the phrase sounds. Achievement in this case means being proficient in reading, writing, math and a host of other skills critical to not only a sound education but a life more richly lived. We don’t educate our children in order for them to prove they know something, but so that they will actually know it.

Gap in this case means the historic difference between minority test scores and those of the majority.

Measuring this gap and seeking to close it has a long history as well. To their credit, our schools started breaking down and analyzing results by race, socio-economic status and other factors long before state and federal rules required them to do so. And while there has been progress, success is still far off by any measure.

We applaud the recent efforts by Rev. Gene Hatley and the NAACP to remind us that the goal is still unmet, that more needs to be done and that parents, students, teachers and the community as a whole need to rededicate themselves to this goal. Too often, victory is defined as moving in the right direction.

A debate worth having
Take either side you want, but show up at the Impeachment debate next Tuesday, January 15 at 7 p.m. in the Century Center. It’s free. See live human beings discussing politics and why it matters. Bring the kids.

Thrill to the sound of Constitutional questions, critical inquiry, reason and an unrelenting review of the current administration.

More importantly, no bloviating pundits and no commercials — truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Welcome back
The university is in full swing again as of this week so we’re taking this opportunity to remind those of you who spent an extended stay elsewhere that we’re still short on water around here. The lakes have refilled a bit, but the Stage 2 Water Restrictions remain in effect, limiting use of water for irrigation, washing vehicles and decks, filling swimming pools and other nonessential uses.

OWASA is also asking that we check for leaks and install low-flow fixtures if we haven’t already.
There’s no way to tell exactly when this drought will lift or how soon the next one will be upon us. Dealing with this one, and preparing for the next, requires not only emergency measures but a more water-conscious approach to how we live.

If you need some advice in this area, drop by the OWASA website at www.owasa.org. If you need a low-flow showerhead, you can drop by their offices at 400 Jones Ferry Rd. and pick one up no charge.

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