Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 20, 1993                   TAG: 9307200571
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

PUBLIC NOT GETTING THE WHOLE STORY

Brooks claimed that there would be no tests on values such as honesty. But the report stated that the program includes "a section on `critical attitudes' such as honesty," and "would de-emphasize standardized testing in favor of performance tests." The reporter failed to note this contradiction from the Department of Education.

Secretary of Education James Dyke claimed that "Virginia's reforms differed from those in other states." Yet, Martha Pennino from the state education department went to Kentucky to observe their outcome-based education reforms, and it has been stated that Virginia's reforms are modeled after those of Kentucky. It doesn't take a great deal of intelligence to figure out that someone isn't being honest.

There was a time for questions at the meeting. It is interesting to note that Brooks made no attempt to question Resetar on his "misinformation" when he had a public opportunity. Instead, he reserved his criticisms for the media. This sounds rather cowardly. Did Brooks notice that all of Resetar's materials were documented, much of which was right out of the Department of Education?

Obviously, your reporter never gave Resetar an opportunity to defend his position, nor did she even report on the meeting. Her story consisted of interviews with Brooks and Dyke (who didn't attend the meeting). Out of approximately 200 people attending, could she only find one to interview? This "report" should have been among the editorials.

Reporters should be held accountable to give a fair report on both sides of an issue. You owe it to the public! BRENDA SLOANE VINTON