A DIFFERING VIEW: Too soon to speculate about requirements
The May 20 Rocky Mountain News editorial (“What should frosh know?”) concerning possible action by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education to revise the Higher Education Admission Requirements gave the impression that a decision has been made to relax all the requirements.
There is no question that Colorado should have rigorous standards for college-bound students so they are prepared to meet the academic challenges of college. The 2008 HEAR standards — four years of English; three years each of mathematics, natural science and social science; and two years of academic electives — remain in place.
The CCHE also has to consider the resources available to implement a worthwhile policy, and the problem arises with the second phase, the so-called 2010 standards, which require a fourth year of mathematics and two years of a foreign language. An ongoing review by CCHE staff indicates that for some school districts — typically small, rural districts — it may not be practicable to offer these courses. The foreign language requirement in particular appears questionable, given that only one state college — the University of Colorado at Boulder — has a foreign language requirement even for college graduation.
CCHE staff members are consulting widely with education and business groups, reviewing how other states handle this issue and considering national research and the report of the Colorado Alignment Council. The results of this review and staff recommendations will be presented to the commission at a public meeting on July 10. The authority to revise the standards rests solely with the commission, and it would be inappropriate to speculate about their decision.
David E. Skaggs is the executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education.
Mr. Skaggs, from one Vietnam veteran to another, "Welcome Aboard!" I would appreciate it if you would review federal hiring, contracting, and procurement laws (CFR-29/41/FAR, andUSDOL-OFCCP), with CSU President Penley and the president, Metro State College. Much to my chagrin, I am a victim of them not knowing these federal appropriations laws, as they apply to the hring of disabled military veterans..
Penley opted not to serve in Vietnam. I didn't have this option, because I'm African American. I recently applied for CSU's V.P. Admin Services vacancy with my 10 point federal preference and I wasn't interviewed.
Also recently I applied for Metro State's V.P. "IT" position, and lo and behold, I was interviewed by a young Hindu-Indian woman, Dataman, Inc. Metro out-sourced the hiring for this job to a foreign owned company. I asked the young woman about my 10 point disabled Vietnam preference, and all she could muster was a blank stare. She could barely speak English. Sir, can you correct this wrong?
For Gov. Ritter, from my wife of 31 years, thanks for nothing!
James J. Tenant
Lt. Commander, USN, Ret.
Served as a steam propulsion engineering officer and shipboard CHIEF ENGINEER in 3 nuclear powered submarines, 4 surface combat ships, and 3 deployments to Vietnam. Earned the following college degrees: MSM, MABA, BBA, and AAS.