[NLA] One or Two Choices?

[George E. Demetrion]

On Fri, 27 Sep 2002 11:18:39 -0400 Jon Randall
<jrandall at fedstrategics.com> writes:
 
While it may be true the Administration has a short list of one or two
names for the next Director of the Institute, the process is not over. 

John and others:

If the short list is, in fact, one, that would matter.  Also, at least
for some of us the fundamental matter is ideology and orientation even
with someone who has a decent background in adult education/literacy. 
That is, how will NIFL be defining literacy (as reading or progressive 
mastery of knowledge--and who's knowledge as defined by whom?).  How will
NIFL be defining reading (as foundationally-based on the mastery of
phonemic awareness or in a more integrative manner reflective of balanced
reading theory).  How will NIFL be defining research (scientifically- and
positivistically based upon what is referred to as "objective" evidence
or from perspectives based on the qualitative research tradition).  How
will NIFL be defining  Learning Disabilities (as a continuum with
learning difficulties, differences, learning styles, and multiple
intelligences, or in terms of a Great Divide).  

Also, what will be the role and how will EFF fare in the new
Administration (as a highly specific program or as a framework by which
to establish a field driven consensus linking educational theory
(constructivism), practice (student-centered instruction), and policy
(linked to the three roles and to the progressive mastery of the 16
learning to learn standards).  Whatever the current reality of EFF within
NIFL and the Bush/Paige Administration, there can be no doubt about what
its founders and former NIFL Director intended it as--that is, as the
consensus framework by which to bring national coherence to the field. 
Is that still on, out, or currently up for discussion?

Discriminating minds want to know.  More fundamentally, for the sake of
democratic politics, open discourse about these matters is imperative
before decisions are made.  Am I wrong about this.

BTW, I did contact my Congressman by email and phone asking him to
support the letter.  Whether he will, I do not know.  I encourage other
NLAers from the First District (Greater Hartford) in CT to contact Rep.
John Larson tomorrow.

I hope there are at least two finalists on the short list and they are
choices that matter.

George Demetrion
sophocles5 at juno.com


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