Now the task is for classrooms, schools and districts to practice, as well as preach, the slogan. The almost palpable ferment of ideas at the event was in itself a sign of hope, an indication of a high level of energy, at least among leaders in the urgent effort to improve schools. But the sticking point now is implementing these ideas at the classroom level. Of course, school choice sparked fireworks, particularly in exchanges between Reginald Weaver, National Education Association vice president, and J. Kenneth Blackwell, school-choice backer and Ohio secretary of state. The dialogue showed why the momentum is with choice.
Choice schools tend to attract kids who run into trouble in public schools.
In any event, choice has indeed given the reform movement zip, observed keynote speaker John Walton, Wal-Mart heir and founder of a scholarship program for poor kids seeking to attend private schools. This movement must now transform the classroom. Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Oct. 22, 1999. Journal Sentinel Inc. All rights reserved.