The future of education

Regarding the Learning page article "Bush Education Boss Looks Ahead," Jan. 19: I was amused and amazed at the theoretical yet pedantic answers by former Education Secretary Lamar Alexander to questions about the Bush administration's education program.

According to Mr. Alexander, he tried to push a proposal (school choice) for which the general public is not yet prepared. I think that decision should be left to industry task forces, and government should provide resources to states for current needs as dictated by local conditions. Multicultural information, basic skills, and vocational training are needs that leap out at educators around the country every day. I think that the Bush education effort missed the boat. Gerald Nelson, Ventura, Calif.

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