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A Community Newsweekly
Vol. 6 Number 54, June 11, 1981
Second Class Posti^ge Paid In Boiling Springs, N. C. 29017
OF TRAVEL
Boiling Springs Police Chief And Two
Nearly a quarter of the
world lives in a country the
rest of the world has seen
very little of for over a
quarter, of a century, but
things are changing. An in
creasing number of Ameri
cans and other travelers are
now experiencing the sights,
sounds and excitement of
Policemen Resign Following Executive
Session Held By Town Commissioners
China.
If someone you know is
fortunate enough to be
traveling to that exotic land
on business or pleasure—or
would just like to pretend
to—a new book can be a
big help.
It features a country map,
17 city or site plans (includ
ing the nine cities that have
just been opened to west
erners), a basic English-
Chinese tourist vocabulary
and many translations. It
has the only restaurant list
ing of its kind for China,
and the latest on shopping,
hotels and transportation.
The Boiling Springs To\^ Commissioners met June Commissioners Jerry Bryson, Albert Glenn Max
2, at 7.30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Present at the Hamrick and John Washburn, Jr. Commissioner
meeting were Mayor James E. Greene and Graham Hamrick was not present for the meeting
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Also included are charts
and diagrams of how the
government works and how
the Communist Party works,
all as they affect the tourist
and businessperson.
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There’s even a large sec
tion just for business plan
ning, including samples of
official documents, plus a
comprehensive guide to
business dining in China,
with an etiquette of dining
out.
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An ancient land of fasci
nating contrasts, China is
being visited by an increas
ing number of Americans.
The book was written by
a long-time resident of
Peking and features some
fascinating glimpses of the
people of the People’s Re
public. For example, the
book explains that when
you tour a school, fac
tory or farm, the people
there are likely to applaud
your approach. It suggests
you respond by applauding
back.
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BOILING SPRINGS Police Chief, Bill Ingram, left, Sgt. Jerry Remaining on the force is James Clary, third from left, Dan
Patterson, second from left, and Gwy Benton, right, resigned from Ledbetter, second from right, and AuxiUary PoUcewoman, Gwen
the Boiling Springs Police Dept, following executive session to the Gaffy.
regular monthly meeting of the Bolling Springs Town Council.
Academic Ability Slowly Declining
New UNC-CH Study - Shows Brightest Teachers Leave The
Classroom First
BY DAVID WILLIAMSON
CHAPEL HILL—The academic ability of new teachers
in North Carolina is steadily declining, and the best
qualified teachers are most likely to leave the
profession first.
Those were the conclusions drawn in a University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill study of more than
30,000 teachers who entered the N. C. public scnool
system between 1973 and 1980.
The findings were based on employment records
and scores the individuals received on the Common
section of the National Techers Examination (NTE).
Authors of the study are Dr. Philip Schlechty,
associate dean of the UNC-CH School of Education,
and graduate student Victor S. Vance. They say
preliminary date from a long-term national study of
1976 college graduates indicates the trend in not
unique to North Carolina.
“It Is likely that this report will be the" subject of
considerable controversy,’’ the researchers say.
“Defenders of teachers will argue that the NTE
Common score is an Irrelevant measure and says
nothing about the quality and competency of those
who remain in the classroom.
“Many critics of teaching and teachers will view the
date as confirming what they have known all along -
that those who can , do, and those who can’t, teach.”
Schlechty and Vance, who find both positions
suspicious, say there is considerable evidence from
past studies that persons who graduate from teacher
education programs are, as a group, among the least
academically able of college graduates. Other studies
have shown thaj individuals who actually teach are
among the least academically able of education
graduates.
Their report, the tirst ot its kind in the nation,
addressed the related question of whether the
brightest teachers leave the classroom at a faster rate
than teachers who are less bright.
They found that race and sex of the teacher corps
hasn’t changed much between 1973 and 1980. In
1973, for example, 87.4 percent of teachers in the
state were white, while in 1980, whites comprised
85.8 percent of the total. Throughout the period,
approximately 20 percent of any group of entering
teachers were male.
“There has been, however, one striking shift in the
profile of entering teachers in North Carolina,” they
say. “There is a consistent pattern of decline in the
overall ability of white femals entering teaching.”
During the seven-year span, NTE Common scores
for white females entering the profession declined by
17 points, from 610 in 1973 to 593 in 1980. No
comparable decline was found among white males or
blacks of either sex.
In addition, those who scored highest on the test left
state classrooms sooner than those who scored lowest.
By the beginning of 1980, for example, only 37.3
percent of the white females who nad scored in the
top 10 percent on the exam in 1973 remained in
education while almost two thirds of those scoring in
the bottom 10 percent remained.
Atoost three fourths of the lowest scoring white
males in 1974 continued as teachers in 1980, but only
39.7 percent of the top scoring white males remained.
A similar, although less pronounced, pattern was
observed among blacks of both sexes.
The net effect of this, the authors say, is to decrease
the ability of the remaining teacher population.
“Whether the condition bodes good or iU for the
future of public education in North Carolina depends ,
upon the view one takes of the meaning of tests or
academic ability and the relationship between
academic ability and teacher competence,” they say.
Although the National Teachers Examination
Common score was not specificallv designed to
mcMure ability, it corresponds closely with suen
indicators of potential as grades and scores on the
Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
Schlechty and Vance call themselves “teacher
advocates and advocates of the professionalization of
teaching” who have released their results with a great
deal of concern.
“Our concern is that teachers and teacher education
are convenient targets for any who would criticize the
education received by children. Data like these can
give the uninformed ammunition to launch one more
attack on an already beleaguered group.”
On the other hand, they say, the information also
should provide evidence for those who call for
improving the quality of public education in North
Carolina and elsewhere.
That improvement cannot come solely by changing
the way teachers are selected and trained, the authors
say. Raising standards without addressing other
problems may result in a teacher shortage.
“Teacher selection and training may be important
matters, but much more important perhaps are the
factors that pull teachers from education and drive
them out of the classroom,” they say.
Among those factors are low pay, an increasing
educational bureaucracy, the declining prestige of the
profession and new opportunities in other fields,
particularly for women.
Sgt. Jerry Patterson was present at the meeting and
recognized by Mayor .Greene. Patterson discussed
with the Board members that one week each month
the police officers worked 48 hours., He asted that
they be given a relief day for this day. The Board
unanimously agreed effective June 12, 1981, the
officer working the 48 hour week be given Friday as a
relief day.
Marion Packard reported he had taken the informal
bids on the sewer line extension for Charles Mack.
John Washburn made the motion to accept the bid
from Wellie Hamrick to run approximately 265 feet
for $1275.00. Albert Glenn seconded and the vote
was unanimous.
Mr. Packard also reported the water and sewer line
to Heritage Hill has been completed. Also the costto
run a new water line from the existing well to the
tank wiould cost approximately $19,000.00. The
Board agreed it may be better to dig a new well.
They agreed to study and decide on the best solution.
Albert Glenn reported the maintenance shed has
been completed with the exception of some wiring.
The^ 1981-82 proposed budget was submitted to the
Board by Max Hamrick. The General Fund was
figured usmg the same tax rate of'.26. This fund is
up approximately 11% over last year and
Commissioner Hamrick discussed each department
with the council. In the water and sewer depti
Hamrick recommended to increase the sewer charge
on gallons above the minimum to .60 per thousand
gallons. The move wiU increase revenues approki-
mately $10,000.00. 'The total budget is $400,812.00.
Hamrick made the motion to increase sewer service
charges for all usage over the minimum to .60 per
thousand gallons effective June 16 and with the
August 1 billing. John Washburn seconded and the
vote was unanimous.
Hamrick also made the motion to increase water
and sewer charges on all non-resident patrons from
IVi to 2 times the normal rate. Washburn seconded
and the vote was unanimous.
John Washburn made the
executive session at 8:35 p.m.
and personnel.
The Uouncilmen returned uom executive
session at 10:45 aLwhich time a'letter of resignation,
from Gary Benton, a town policeman, was received.
Max Hamrick made the motion to accept, the resigna
tion effective immediately. The vote was seconded by
Jerry Bryson and carried unanimously.
Max Hamrick then made a motion to accept Police
Sgt. Jerry Patterson’s resignation effective immed
iately. The vote was seconded by Albert Glenn and
carried unanimously.
Max Hamrick then made the motion to accept the
resignation of Police Chief Bill Ingram offectivi
immediately. The vote was seconded by Jerry Bryson
emd carried unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.
motion to go into
to discuss will sites
from executive
Southwestern District
Craft Camp Slated
June 23-24
Handcrafts are one of the best leisure activities to
provide mental and physical therapy. The Agricultural
Extension Service is sponsoring a Distrldt Handcraft
Workshop, June 23 and 24 says Nancy Abasiekong,
Associate Home Economics Extension Agent.
The two day workshop will be held at Wingate
College, Wingate, N.C. Fourteen different workshops
will be held simultaneously. Participants will enroll In
one class to develop expertise and Indepth training in
one skill.
The classes being offered this year and taught by are:
Handsplit Baskets, Bob Williams; Weaving, Jane
Rechtewald; Chair Seat Weaving, Paul Reairs; Handbilt
Pqttery, Betsy Collins; Candlewlcklng, Margaret
Curry; Handtied Fringe, I^s. Russell Henson; QuUtlng,
Mrs. Paul McGinnis; English Smocking, Jackie
Scout;Batlk, Frelda Terrell; Jewelry; Evelyn Conley;
Tatting, Mamie Whlsnant; Native Materials, Betty Jean
Bowers; Doll Making, Vera Carpenter; and Tolc
Fating, Wanda Ritchie. Classes wlU be held from 10
a. m. - 4 p. m. on June 23, and 8:30 a. m. - 3 p. m. on
June 24.
Each student will pay a >6.00 registration fee. Son^
supplies will be furnished by the teacher for which
students will reimburse them and some supplies wUl
be furnished by the students. Mrs. Abasiekong,
Associate Home Economics Agent, has registration
forms, cost of supplies and other information needed.
CaU her at 482-4365.
Meals will be j>ald for on an Individual basis at the
college cafeteria, students will spend the night in me
dorm at a cost of >6.00.
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