Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 May 2000 — Page 7

FRIDAY, MAY 26,2000

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGEA7

State leaders, parents discuss choice, increased options during first symposium

By BARATO BRITT Recorder Correspondent The battle for increased parental options in education gained a statewide group of parents, community leaders and school choice activists, thanks to a unique symposium conducted by the Greater Educational Opportunities and Milton and Rose D. Friedman foundations recently. The symposium, “Freedom to Choose: An Introduction to Educational Options for Children," welcomed over 1 SO leaders representing six Indiana cities to dialogue with national leaders and researchers on the issues of school choice and increased scholastic opportunities, particularly for African Americans and low-income families. To introduce state leaders to the growing movement, the inaugural event convened several panels to address choice opportunities around the nation and the state, as well as a panel discussing research on choice programs currently in operation. According to GEO Foundation President Kevin Teasley, the event served its purpose as an informative introduction to the controver'sial issue of choice and as a chance for choice advocates to become ‘ unified in their efforts. “This is a wonderful opportunity for concerned citizens in Indiana to see what’s going on around the country and in their state," said Teasley, who along with the Friedman Foundation have been the catalyst in the local interest in the choice

issue. “Hopefully, this will light a fire under those people here in Indiana who want to be empowered.” Dr. Howard Fuller, one of the most vocal activists for school choice in the nation, said that wherever these battles for choice are waged, its fighter must accept the fact that theirs in one for power. That power, he added, will not be conceded easily. “Choice is not new in America, if you have money, then you have it,” said Fuller, who was responsible for the second national symposium, through his Marquette Uni-versity-based Institute for the Transformation of Learning. “Really, this is not a question of what to do, this is a question of do we have the will to do it. In most debates over choice, a primary issue facing advocates is that of public funds being allotted to private schools, as is the case with voucher programs. Ironically, the argument only surfaces in K12 education, as government program such as the G.I. Bill, head start programs and other forms of federal student assistance are regularly funneled into private and faithbased scholastic institutions. Choice is not solely vouchers, according to panelists. Initiatives such as charter schools, educational tax credits, partnership and contract schools are other ideas Indiana leaders were made aware of. Dolores Fridge, who was instrumental in the tax credit battle in Minnesota, believes that for Indiana to be empowered with choice initiatives, its parents must rid themselves of a mentality based

upon ignorance of the issue. She added that Indiana parents must further take control of their system by indicating their disapproval of those who choose to oppose this movement. “How dare we allow our leaders to be apathetic to this issue, how dare we allow them to make decisions without our consent,” said Fridge, associate vice chancellor of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. “If parents don't do this together, this will not get done. “This is indeed the biggest civil rights issue of 2000,” she added. “This is a crisis in this country, we cannot give this up for our children. All you have to do is be committed to not be afraid.” In preparation of the fight facing them, parents were also privy to research that not only addressed the problem facing people of color in many urban public education sectors, but also of the benefits of choice programs. Additionally, as the research continues to be disseminated, experts have cited a significant shift in the demand for choice opportunities, particularly in the Black community. Indiana University’s Dr. Kim Metcalf, who has studied the Cleveland choice program since 1995, recorded that while test scores may be “small but statistically significant” variables such as parental involvement and satisfaction serve as a equally significant gauge of the program success. More importantly, no credible research has indicated negative effects on students currently in choice programs.

Around the state, the choice battle has also gained a significant faction of religious community leadership, many of whom have started schools in their local communities out of the community demand. Pastor Ken Sullivan, president of the state’s Urban Christian Schools Coalition, charged the state's clergy to be mindful of the evolution of the mission saving. Choice, he added, coincides with that evolution. “I think that the church is called to do more than what they have been doing,” said Sullivan, whose North Star Christian Academy

GLENDALE Continued from A1 through upcoming renovations. By giving back to the community, Hancock recognizes that Glendale remains a one stop shopping mall. “You can come here and do everything that you need to do from picking up a library book, go to the show afterwards, and even pick up a dress at L.S. Ayres,” said Hancock. “The key goal of the project is to remain the community center that we are, and make it bigger and better.” Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatre eagerly welcomed patrons last week, and marked the completion of Phase II. The theater offers 12 wall-to-wall screens, spacious stadium seating and digital surround sound. Kerasotes also generously enforces free refills on popcorn

serves a 99 percent African-Ameri-can student population. “By the grace of God, this movement is beginning to happen and it will tough this community.” Parents for Educational Choice President Estel Carroll believes that, contrary to popular opinion, the movement for school choice in Indiana is being led by the African American community. She reported that, as a result of the conference, the group's numbers have more than doubled. She further reported the group will make its presence and objectives clearly known during a “massive campaign” at the upcoming Indiana Black Expo

and soft drinks. This summer, the mall will unveil a 250 seat food court. At least two new restaurants will compliment available food and beverage options. Keeping up with July 4th activities, the city’s largest Old Navy store will celebrate its opening with contests, prizes and the season’s hottest merchandise. The remodeling is expected to generate over 1,500job opportunities. Nancy Williams, manager of Wooden Key Gift & Card Shop, has witnessed many changes at Glendale Mall over an 18-year period. She enjoys the exterior renovations and the brightness associated with interior improvements. Although the mall had its share of hard times, Williams proudly anticipates a new era of success. “Now it’s fabulous. The whole community is excited. I love Glendale, and it’s my home,” said Williams,

Summer Celebration. “We know that we are not alone now,” Carroll said. “This has motivated us and given us the incentive to make this change. We’re really excited about this. We know that choice will help improve education in Indiana. Hopefully, we can all come together for a common goal which is the best education for our children.” Editor's Note: Barato Britt also serves as a community outreach liaison for the Greater Educational Opportunities Foundation, an organization in favor of school choice.

remembering when Glendale was just a field without retailers. The final phase of remodeling involves Glendale’s IndianapolisMarion County Public Library. The 29,000 square foot library replaces the current Broad Ripple branch location, and will occupy the upper level of the mall near Lowe’s. An interactive children’s area engages youngsters with Little Tyke computer stations, story theater and Lego Mindstorms. In addition, a coffee bar accompanies a community room with 200 capacity auditorium seating. With over 136,500 materials and resources, the Glendale Branch Library ’ s opening this October will entertain the whole family. Glendale Mali’s official unveiling takes place Nov. 10, and commemorates new tenants and community introduction to a newly remodeled Indianapolis landmark.

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