on the issues

The following are my positions on the issues that are of concern to many of my fellow Portsmouth residents.  If you have an issue or concern about the Portsmouth school system that you want to address to me, send an e-mail to me at tom@tomvadney.com.

Global Competiveness

This past spring Bill Gates testified before the House Committee on Science and Technology.  The theme of his testimony was the importance of maintaining America’s lead in technology and innovation.

Mr. Gates’ chief concerns were the lack funding for basic research, a lack of emphasis on science and math in the schools, and, interestingly enough, reform in immigration policy that would allow international students to remain in the United States after completing their education to fill engineering and computer science jobs. These jobs cannot be filled by Americans thanks to a dramatic shortage in qualified graduates.

At a symposium in April, Bob Weygand, Vice President for Administration at URI, stated that more and more Rhode Island high school graduates were being sent to CCRI for remedial training as these high school graduates were not prepared to attend the university and tackle college-level courses.

Before my daughters entered kindergarten, it was expected that they would both attend college.  When they graduated from Portsmouth High School, that expectation was upgraded to include graduate school because it was obvious at the time that an undergraduate degree today is the equivalent of a high school diploma in my day (which was very many days ago indeed).

I would like to see this expectation applied to each and every student with a coordinated educational program developed that works on the assumption that every student who enters the Portsmouth Schools will go on to university at graduation.

By the time students reach high school, they should be prepared to begin the transition from lower education to higher education.  I would like to see Advance Placement (AP) courses as the norm in the junior and senior years of high school.

The skill set needed for a successful college career can also benefit those students who elect other options than attending a university.  For example, I know a good carpenter who attempted to start his own business; however, he lacked the skill set that would enable him to succeed at running his own business.  He is now working for another contractor.  Another example: Students, who enlist in the military may, at sometime in the future, decide that the military life is not for them, or may want to progress from enlisted to officer.  With the proper skill set in place, these individuals can leverage their GI college benefits into a successful college career.

In addition to competing with other students in the state, today’s students must complete with students from other states and, if Mr. Gates has his wish, highly trained and motivated students from around the world.  I agree with Mr. Gates that more attention needs to be paid to science and math in an economy that is growing increasingly technology-centric.

In all likelihood, the sons and daughters of Portsmouth will seek their career goals outside of Rhode Island, and, quite possibly, outside of New England.  It is our obligation to equip them with the tools and skills that will enable them to accomplish their goals.

(Ed—For more information on Bill Gates' testimony click here.)

Posted 2008-08-04