PAGT, 6, WHITBY FREEI± PRESS, WEDaNESDIAY, MARCH 11I, I1987 VOICE 0F THE COUNT Y TOWN Published every Wednesday By 677209 Ontario Inc. Phone: 668-6111 .ç;. w DOUG ANDERSON DOUG ANDERSON Publisher MAURICE PIFHER Editor KEN HATHAWAY Advertising Manager The oii %'Iiitb% iei stomrinep i<iend ~ ed an d operated -, I> it ~rMîviib for % h itI>N residenis~ B-ecoming.&mo..re tc-ide On Monday night the Durham Board of Education adopted a "statement of purpose" that should be encouraged as just the first step toward implementation of a more effective and work-oriented technical studies program in secondary schools. With evidence from surveys, an 18-member committee conducted a review of Durham's programs and outlined both the flaws and cures. Fred Thomas, a committee member and the board's technical. consultant, warned that the 21 recommendations "will require attitudinal changes by a wide range of persons." Changes will also cost money. The surveys substantiated the perception, or "mind-set" as described by some trustees, that technical education is a less desirable education. "Survey results show technical education is very well spoken of, but is not per- ceived as equal to "regular education," states the report. The study showed that while alrfiost 70 per cent of parents said technological studies should prepare students for jobs, only 20 per cent believe their offspring will go directly from high school to work. Meanwhile industry wants student preparation to be more job-related. Students hired by industry were found to be honest and reliable but lacking' in com- munication skills and good work habits - among the deficiencies addressed by the committee. Major shop equipment needs replacement, new technological equipment should be brought in and more up-to-date courses were also suggested after the survey showed the programs are sometimes considered outdated. Even the designation of courses didn't escape criticism in the report - the committee says it should be made clear that "industrial ar- ts" and "technical programs," up to now disciplines with separate identities, should be shown to be both part of tech studies. Half of Durham's tech teachers are over 50 years of age-and in the next four years, at least 29 will-retire. The report notes~that It is possible that the demand for more teachers may not be met by the number graduating from university. The board will have to face that shortfal as well as possible changes in tech.study. The committee offers that promotion and better communication might change the per- ception or mind-set that currently makes tech education somehow inferior to regular education. That might complement what can be regarded as a growing workplace perception that tech skills are both self-fulfilling and finan- cially rewarding - for example, the $100,000 a· year bricklayer, as one trustee noted. The Durham Board of Education now has the suggestions on which to base school technological programs of the future, begin- ning with tech career information starting in Gr. 7. It has the responsibility to implement that plan - again, with as much cost-effectiveness as possible and to help counter, on a local level, that attitude problem in our educational system. LETTERS FROM OUR READERS Mi*schievous acts lead to criminal c-harges To the editor: At a sentencing hearing, judges often announce the principals as rehabilitation of the offender, deterrent to the offender or deterrents (general) for the protec- tion of the public. Members of the press use most of their ink on major crimes where it is obvious that there will be deterrent sentences. It is sad to see young people getting criminal records because they may not be aware that some actions are covered by the Criminal Code. These include public mischief (damaging another's property, grafitti); obstructinig a police of- ficer (by giving a false name) or by stating that a person is not at home when the person really is, or by LETTERS The Whitby Free Press welcomes letters to the Editor on any subject of in- terest to our readers. Let- ters should be brief and to the point - rarely more than 300 words. Al letters must be accompanied by the nµame, address, and phone number of the writer; however, on request, your name may be withheld from publication if we agree that there is a valid reason. The paper reserves the right to reject or edit all letters. Send to: The Editor, Whitby Free Press, Box 206, Whit- by, Ont. LiN 5S1 or drop through our letter slot at 131 Brock St. N. saying that a person does not live at a given address); common assault (it could be simply touching smeone without consent); threats over the phone. Losing your temper could even result in criminal charges. Be very careful if you want to sign sureties or provide bail for a friend. A judgement could be filed at the Sheriff's office and it could do great harm to your credit ratings, along with alien placed on any real property you own. D. Gordon Whitby 'r- . - - - .- - 1 ItMA13n"ll 'laop»l 1 The Free Press Building 131 Brock Street North P.O. Box 206, Whitby, Ont. w . - .. .-