Parent Volunteers Sought for Task Force

Parent volunteers are being sought for a new Fullerton School District task force charged with investigating the need for “fundamental schools,” which would concentrate on basic reading, writing and phonics.

The idea of a task force came up at a school board meeting seven months ago, when some parents objected to a letter that had been circulated among teachers criticizing parents who are pushing the back-to-basics curriculum.

The letter angered the parents, who have objected to a district curriculum called “It’s Elementary!” and also have been pressing for traditional, basic teaching methods. They called the letter a personal attack on them.

District officials said “It’s Elementary!” is a state-approved curriculum that outlines ways to develop skills such as public speaking and group techniques. Many of the district’s teachers, although not required to do so, use the curriculum because it “produces literate members of society,” said Anita Smiley, president of the Fullerton Elementary Teachers Assn.

But teachers have not abandoned teaching phonics, spelling and other basic reading and math skills, school officials said.

The new Fundamental Schooling Task Force--to comprise parents, teachers and administrators--will study the concepts of fundamental schooling. The panel will make a recommendation to the district’s “curriculum steering committee” and to the school board.

Parents interested in applying for a seat on the task force must live within the district’s boundaries and have children enrolled in its schools.

Applications must be submitted by March 11. Information: (714) 447-7708.