EDUCATION WATCH : Taft’s Hot Shots

Although students at Taft High School in Woodland Hills fared better than their state and county counterparts on the rigorous new California Learning Assessment System tests, the school’s performance on the CLAS tests was nothing to crow about. Nonetheless, Taft offers an example of how students who work hard and who have supportive parents can receive an excellent education in the Los Angeles Unified School District: Last weekend a nine-member team of Taft students outdistanced public school-- and private school-- competitors in winning the state Academic Decathlon. It was Taft’s fourth victory since 1988.

The Decathlon tests students in 10 events that include math and science subjects. West High School of Torrance finished second. In the U.S. Academic Decathlon last year, Taft students finished second, and the school won that national competition in 1989.

In another achievement, Taft’s overall student population recently perform admirably on advanced placement exams, with more than 72% scoring well enough to receive college credit for their work.

Taft’s overall tepid scores on the CLAS were among disappointing figures recorded by public schools around the state--figures that have fueled parental interest in switching children to private schools. However, Taft’s victory in the state Decathlon indicates that this is no time to give up on the public schools. As Supt. Sid Thompson puts it to parents, “If your youngster is motivated and you provide the support, we can provide a good education. . . .” Those hot shots at Taft are a case in point.