Secretary of Education William J. Bennett’s task force on elementary education this month held the first of four meetings, with the 21 members outlining the areas that the panel ought to consider.
Among the issues cited at the initial meeting were teacher training and salaries, the achievement gaps between students of differing backgrounds, the role of parents, the transmission of values, and the effects of early-childhood education and high-caliber child-care programs.
Overriding Task
Mr. Bennett said the overriding task of the group is to figure out “what characterizes a good elementary-school education” and “what concrete advice can we offer to parents about what to expect from an elementary school.”
Mr. Bennett, who has designated 1985-86 the “Year of the Elementary School,” will write a report next year based on the study group’s recommendations.
At the group’s next meeting in December, members will probably set a specific agenda, said Lon Anderson, a spokesman for the Education Department.
