Alief Elsik High School - Ramblings Yearbook (Houston, TX)

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Legislature Forces H.B. 72 Reforms As school let out for summer vacation in May 1984. many students did not realize how tremendously the special summer session of the Texas legislature would affect their lives. House Bill 72, sponsored by H. Ross Perot’s Select Committee on Public Education (SCOPE), and H.B. 246, initiated many education changes. Seniors returned to school disheartened because of the loss of final exemptions. Senior government teacher Mrs. Brandt remarked. ‘‘I miss them (exemptions). By second semester I think you've done all the finals taking you need to do. I understand the intent of the legislation, but I don’t think it will necessarily prove anything. Even though exams are important, the Seniors have worked for the privilege of exemptions . . .’’ said Senior Ray Schmidt. H.B. 72 instituted the ‘no pass no play' rule which affected all extracurricular activities. It stated that if students were not passing all six classes at the end of the six weeks, they would be ineligible for the following six weeks. Girls Cross Country and Track Coach Liz Parke said. I feel it is a little harsh. Most coaches stress academics and agree that grades are important, but I feel that maybe we should be allowed to check grades after three weeks instead of six. The bill also stated that students would not be allowed more than ten school business” absences per year or over eight hours of participation due to activities per week.Teachers received a whopping state salary base of $15,000. Another issue of concern to students was absences allowed per semester. In the past. AISD students were allowed fifteen absences per semester. Statewide regulations changed this to a combination of ten excused and unexcused absences per semester. Although these are the most talked about changes, they are not the only ones. Graduation requirements were raised to 22 credits and students were allowed to choose one of three graduation plans to pursue. As a result, electives began to suffer a lack of enrollment of college bound students. Discipline policies were altered to comply with new state regulations. IBS became the Special Assignments Class - SAC. and students received 100% credit Junior Dorothy Kolb strives for the finish line at the District Cross Country meet at Bear Creek Park. Because of H.B. 72’s new attendance regulations. most cross country meets had to be held on Saturday and coaches watched eligibility carefully. Photo by M. Spillor for completed work rather than 80%. Junior Michelle Solomon remarked. It made me realize just how ‘lucky’ we were in AISD. The rules were fair but not overly strict.” Senior Scott McFarlane described Governor White wanted an education reform so much that he just jumped at the first thing that came along even if it was a bit extreme. By Rae Rabe. Editor-in-Chief Hastings Senior Tracy Page and Elsik Sophomore Sharon Moebos attend the Bejart Ballet along with other members of the French Club. The French Club was virtually unaffected by HB 72 because the majority of thelractivities took place on Saturday. Photo by M. Spiller Ready Or Not . . . 30 Education Reforms

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President for another term, Ronald Reagan continued his controversial Star Wars policy after the election. Known for his witty responses during news conferences, the former actor is the oldest president the country has had. Photo by Newsweek Though tho Democratic ticket lost. New York Representative Goraldine Ferraro made political history as tho first woman to be included on a national ticket. Her 111 days as candidate for the vlce-prosidency paved the way for other womon politicians. Photo by Newsweek The faces of thoso children reflect the terrible dilemma they faced. Tho Ethiopian famine was deemed the worst human tragedy In history. Photo by Newsweek cDonald's, the best of all mily places, was the site of imos Huberty's rampage mo students aro arrested id escorted out of school for against society as he opened fire on the crowd, killing 21. Paramedics tend to a wound- drugs by officers. Several arrests wore made In the year od boy. Photo by Time for possession of drugs or a deadly weapon at Elsik. Current Events 29

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 Math Club Sponsor Wendell Hearne gives last minute instructions to the club at the High School for Health Professions tournament. The Math Club enjoyed the largest membership in its history this year. Photo by V. Pai NHS inductees Senior Carl Beury and Juniors Mitt Morgan and Kirk Evans munch down refreshmentsat the reception following the induction ceremony. NHS was forced to have six weeks grade checks of its members (rathor than only at the end of the semester) because of HB 72. Photo by M. Spiller nlors Charlie Vasquez and ive Burt take advantage of senior privilege of off-campus lunch. Contrary to most rumors, off-campus lunch privileges will remain intact and unaffected by HB 72 next year. Photo by V. Pai Education Reforms 31