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Show 20 Aug. 5, 1993 Hilltop Times Goals 2000 program promotes education by TSgt. David P. Masko Air Force News Service - WASHINGTON High truancy, dropout and illiteracy rates, and a general lament that schools aren't meeting people's expectations signal a crisis in American education today. To help remedy the situation, the Air Force and the other services are participating in "Goals 2000: Educate America," a new education improvement strategy for the future. The pro- gram's predecessor was called "America 2000." The Air Force has always supported education, and this program is just a new thrust to get a little more involved in the community, said Albert Arrighi, project officer for Air Force Goals 2000 activities. Arrighi said the Air Force is working with states and local communities to create strategies to improve and transform schools. He said most bases are either in the initiation or developmental stage of the program. At Hickam AFB, Hawaii, for instance, people from the 619th Maintenance Squadron recently helped parents and teachers repair and install playground equipment, take care of lawns and paint parts of the Nimitz Elementary School.. In addition, people from nine other Hickam units teamed up with area schools to help with teaching duties. "Our partnership is just starting to get off the ground," said Capt. Doug Howard, a Goals 2000 representative from Hickam's 15th Civil Engineering Squadron. Howard said the squadron is recruiting volunteers to routinely visit the Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary School and read to children for 20- - to sessions. In another example, volunteers at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, are working to improve their preschool program so children can get a better start in education. The charter for Goals 2000 says the country's education problems will not improve unless Americans change te , their attitudes, expectations and habits. "Achieving the goals will take no less than the fundamental reform of our entire education system, from preschool and early childhood programs, to schools and colleges, to job training and lifelong learning," said Secretary of Education Richard Riley in a recent Goals 2000 memorandum. OPEN: D 90 percent graduation rate. "Our education department is ready D All children competent in care to do its part," Riley said. "We will the subjects. leadership, encouragement provide and resources needed to make these reFirst in the world in math and science. forms a reality." D Every adult literate and able to Officials said more than 2,400 communities from the around the country compete in the work force. D Safe, disciplined, drug-fre- e including those associated with the Air Force and the other services are schools. For information about helping supporting a wide range of reforms that include more parental and com- schools and communities reach the namunity involvement in local schools. tional education goals, interested peoThe national education goals include ple should contact Nancy Atkinson, or their these objectives: Education Office, Ext. B All children ready to learn. local board of education. MON.-THUR- S. FRI. 10:00-5:0- 0 NOW OPEN SATURDAYS i II II aa t I M --sc- P EASY .r-r- CLEARFIELD ANY "OLE" DAN CAN BORROW! Borrow Up To $200 On A Post Dated .;- 7:" 4-Y- OU 1580 SOUTH STATE - vr-- Welcome To CASH I 10:00-2:0- 0 - r f 10:00-5:3- 0 Check.....For Two Weeks!! j7 U y U 5 i3)P (o) fn (8) (0)(0) |