Education: A Plea for Honors Programs

Parents of Schurr High School honors students are concerned about cutbacks in funding for honors classes, advanced-placement classes, gifted cluster classes and, especially, the former full-time college-university counselor position.

If the Montebello Unified School District Board of Education fails to restore funding to those four areas, it will deny and deprive Schurr students an opportunity for outstanding academic achievement, and will deny them entry into colleges and universities because they will not be able to compete successfully against other California students.

All students who demonstrate the ability should be aggressively encouraged to enroll in honors courses and to pursue the highest of academic achievement. Montebello and Bell Gardens high schools also should be funded adequately for honors programs. It is vital to society, the tax structure and the ability of the United States to compete in the global arena.

In the past, Schurr High School has shown an outstanding record in academic levels. Of the Class of 1993, graduated last June, 37% enrolled in a four-year college or university; 55% enrolled in a two-year college or technical training. Those levels can and should be raised.

For the last five school years, including the 1993-94 year, Schurr High School has produced 19 students with the distinction of National Merit Finalist. Without ongoing support through honors classes and a full-time college-university counselor, this level cannot be maintained. Right now the next two classes of seniors coming up are in danger of failing to maintain the rhythm and momentum established by past Schurr High School classes. Already, it has been discovered that in general they have lower scores and fewer high scorers on the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test.

We cannot allow budget shortfall excuses to lower the level of academic achievement in any school.

ANTHONY E. GRENO

RAMIRO S. SANCHEZ

Co-Chairs, Academic Boosters

of Schurr High School