Critics Assailed as Pa. Panel Approves Outcome Rules

By Karen Diegmueller

HARRISBURGH, PA.--A Pennsylvania regulatory panel last week overrode the objections of a vocal group of conservative parents and endorsed a sweeping set of rules calling for outcome-based education in the state.

Approval on a 3-to-1 vote came as one panel member switched from opposition to support of the regulations after concluding, during several hours of public comment, that critics did not understand the proposals and had failed to raise legitimate objections.

The dramatic finale to the proceedings of the Independent Regulatory Review Commission paved the way for the state education department to advance a pioneering initiative that requires students to master learning outcomes rather than take a prescribed number of courses. (See Education...