Fox Puts State’s Workplace Preparation Program On Hold

State Schools Superintendent Anne Fox has halted Idaho’s School-to-Work program to rewrite the application for the $1.9 million in federal money she suggested she might reject if the workplace preparation program is forced on the youngest students.

“I think we need to stand up and say, ‘This isn’t right,”’ Fox said.

But Fox’s decision was immediately objected to by state Board of Education President Curtis Eaton, who said commitments had already been made under the School-to-Work program.

“If there is a change in that, I think that’s a board decision,” the Twin Falls banker said.

After Gov. Phil Batt transferred responsibility for the program from his office to the board last spring, the board approved the grant application.

But last week, Batt said he wanted the board to review what has been done with the program and address the concerns like those raised by his latest appointee to the committee overseeing the program.

Nancy Boling of Lewiston has linked the program to the Goals 2000 program and the much-debated concept of outcome-based education.

School-to-Work is intended to integrate school-based and work-based learning and academic and vocational education to prepare students for the workplace.

Among her nearly two dozen objections, Fox complains about extending the program to kindergarten through the sixth grade and dictating curriculum in the high schools.

“Most folks don’t want the School-to-Work program in kindergarten through sixth grade because there already are career awareness programs, and the program takes time away from teaching basic academic skills,” Fox said.

She said many parents do not want to see the high school curriculum watered-down by federal dictates.

Fox said she believed the grant application can be rewritten in a matter of weeks so that the program fits Idaho.

Irene Lynn, deputy director of the federal School-to-Work program, said 27 states have been awarded federal money and not one has given it back.

“The School-to-Work program doesn’t dictate curriculum at the secondary level nor does it intend to,” Lynn said. “Children begin learning about the world of work in kindergarten without taking time away from learning basic academic skills.”

And Karen Fraley, who heads Idaho’s School-to-Work program, said local school districts have the responsibility for drafting curriculum within broad guidelines, disputing Fox’s contention that it would dilute basic academics.