Henderson State University - Star Yearbook (Arkadelphia, AR)

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HIGHER EDUCA T IO One of the main things I hope will come out of our efforts to improve education is an improved economy. -Bill Clinton In the early fall, the State Board of Education endorsed new educational standards for the state Arkansas. Soon afterward Governor Bill Clinton called a special session of the Legislature to decide how to pay for accomplishing these standards, making other needed improvements in education, and carrying into effect a fair distribution of state support for public education which was ordered by the Arkansas Supreme Court. On October 3, the day before the special session began, blue ribbons were worn in order to support Clinton's First Class Education. We must insure that our children don't get out of the early grades without being able to read and write and that they are tested for competency throughout their education. The Legislature passed the following standards for schools: If student testing for basic skills ' smaller classes 4' more required math and science ' better discipline 'F emphasize reading to improve student performance 'P more time required to be spent on academic work during the school day 'F begin immediately to implement new education standards which will by 1987 guarantee education will get back to basics and put academics first. A bill that passed in which many teachers as well as teaching organizations, AEA lArkansas Education Associationj staunchly opposed was the requirement of every teacher and administration to take competency tests. Many teachers found this bill to be very insulting and as a result they no longer supported the governor. Is there a way to actually measure the competency of a person? What exactly will these tests prove? Through a test can it be proven whether or not a person is competent to teach? There will be no tax without a testing bill. I think I'll see to that fact. - Bill Clinton If the legislature did not pass Clinton's teaching-testing plan, he would kill his bill to raise the state's three percent sales tax on the dollar to four percent, as well as chances of teaching salary raises, and force pay cuts in some school districts as well. Defeat of the tax bill would mean that 150 districts would lose money, and teachers would not obtain projected pay raises. On Monday, October 7, 1983, Governor Bill Clinton signed the bill to raise the sales tax, which is estimated to produce 391.2 million the last eight months of this fiscal year.

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Rise To A New Beginning ff f rx Ken Koehler smiles a successful smile as he enters the graduation ceremony, and Mary Redmon the camera her last time. K- X J stops ,ef for T T H 4

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