• Rappahannock County students will be first in the

Rappahannock County students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. (OK, first in Virginia).

• Every adult in Rappahannock County will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

• Every Rappahannock school will be free of drugs, violence, and the unauthorized presence of firearms and alcohol, and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning.

• The Rappahannock County teaching force will have access to programs for the continued improvement of their professional skills and the opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to instruct and prepare all Rappahannock County students for the next century.

• Every school in Rappahannock County will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children.

Regarding student achievement, an earlier letter suggested that we follow the example of private business and replace the school leadership. Schools are not businesses. The most important factor affecting student achievement is not the superintendent but the parents. The more parents are involved, the better the students perform. Let’s hold ourselves accountable before we look for scapegoats.

Finally, standardized tests scores may predict success in school, but not success in life. For example, many of the best colleges and universities treat SAT scores as optional. If a student wants to submit their SATs, these schools will accept them, but they’re not required. These institutions know that standardized test scores are only one indicator of the kind of adult our kids will become. Extracurricular and community activities are often better clues.

HAL HUNTER

Amissville