School Psychologists Oppose Gov. Wilson's School Initiative.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 1998--The California Association of School Psychologists leadership recently voted unanimously to oppose Proposition 8, Gov. Pete Wilson's school reform initiative, because of the negative effects the November ballot measure will have on the state's students.

"The governor's initiative is not a cohesive approach to school reform. Its title (which refers to class size reduction) is misleading in that class size reduction, which is popular with parents and teachers, is only a small part of the initiative," said Sue Goldman, CASP president. "The most striking aspect of Proposition 8 is the appointment of an education czar with no accountability to the Legislature, the governor or any educational agency."

CASP is concerned about several aspects of the wide-ranging ballot measure, Goldman said. Chief among these concerns are:

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--   The creation of the Office of Chief Inspector of Public Schools
     -- This new position wouldbe appointed by the governor for a
     10-year term, without confirmation by the Legislature. This new
     bureaucracy would be funded by the Department of Education, by
     cutting existing classroom and other education programs.

--   Confused academic standards -- The measure also allows each
     school to create its own academic standards, which do not have to
     be consistent with the new state academic standards and could
     conflict with college entrance exams.

--   Problems would be difficult to resolve -- Any changes to the
     measure, including legislation to fix unintended consequences,
     would require an 80 percent vote of the state Legislature or
     another statewide initiative.

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Other groups joining CASP in opposition to Proposition 8 include the state Parent-Teacher Association, the California School Employees Association, California Teachers Association, the Association of California School Administrators and the California Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Founded in 1950, CASP is the largest statewide organization of school psychologists in the nation. School psychologists collaborate with school personnel, community agencies, family health-care practitioners and parents to promote the mental health, learning and well-being of California's youth.

    CONTACT: The California Association of School Psychologists
              Chris Otis or Brett McFadden, 916/444-1595
     KEYOWRD: CALIFORNIA
     INDUSTRY KEYWORD: EDUCATION GOVERNMENT
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