N.H. Board Remains Neutral On Moments of Silence
As several New Hampshire school boards have moved to institute daily, mandatory moments of silence in public schools, the state board of education has declined to take a position on the issue.
Last month, the six-member board unanimously approved a motion saying it “recognizes and supports the right of school boards to consider and act upon” proposals to institute a specific time for silent reflection by students.
But the board also added a provision saying it neither endorsed nor opposed the policies.
“I think it was important to say that, because it’s a divisive issue,” one board member, Fred Bramante, said last week.
“The final motion says it well: If [districts] want to deal with it, that’s their issue,” Mr. Bramante said. “But it shouldn’t be our issue.”
Drivers’ Education
Connecticut school-bus drivers say they need additional training to deal with the often serious problems they confront daily, according to a recent survey by a coalition of state bus drivers.
Sixty percent of the 425 drivers surveyed said they had to deal regularly with children needing special assistance. But only 40 percent said they have received training in the needs of special-education students.
Also, 40 percent of the respondents reported handling medical emergencies, while only 20 percent said they had received training in first-aid procedures.
The survey, released last month, was conducted by the Connecticut School Bus Drivers Alliance, a statewide organization sponsored by a local school employees’ union.
