October 1, 1991

TO:  Henry B. Murphy, Chairman
        National Relationships Committee
        Boy Scouts of America

RE: Report of the Education Relationships Committee

The EDUCATION RELATIONSHIPS COMMITTEE met in Arlington, Virginia, on September 17, 1991. Ten organizations had representatives attending in addition to the BSA representatives.

A general discussion of Learning for Life was led by John Green, BSA. The video was shown to the group and samples of the classroom charts, stickers, iron-on decals and lesson plans were displayed. All committee members received a set of the promotional materials to be used in local councils.

The majority of the meeting focused on the problem of leadership requirements for the Learning for Life program. An article that appeared in the USA TODAY on 9/17/91 was shared with the -members of the committee. The committee was asked to formulate several statements that might be considered by the BSA. They are as follows:

• Let the substance of the program be emphasized; not leadership requirements.
   
• Leadership requirements should be based on the certification of staff members. Any certified staff member employed by the district should be allowed to use the program.
   
• Drop the "at-risk" emphasis. This program should be made available to all youth, not just those considered at risk.
   
• Approval of the program by a local school board does not mandate its use by teachers. Teachers must have the option to volunteer as leaders.

Federal law dictates personnel policies in local school districts. Therefore, it would be impossible for any discriminatory requirement to be made a part of the criteria for use of the program or materials. BSA policies on religious and sexual preference issues are in conflict with the law, thus school administrators have little or no option to circumvent these laws or regulations. This should be given due consideration by the BSA.

Children from all walks of life are having problems and need guidance. Many programs are offered to the school to address the personal development of children. Therefore, it is essential that the Learning for Life program be one that fits into the school board policies if it is to be utilized to its maximum effectiveness.

Some discussion was held regarding the removal of the BSA from the NEA Convention. The NEA representatives expressed desire for the channel of communication to remain open for further discussions.

This meeting of the Education Relationships committee was one of the most productive that has been held by the committee. The organizational representatives expressed strong support for the BSA program, but identified concerns that someone must address if the program is to move forward.

Respectfully submitted,
Richard D. Miller, Ph.D.
Executive Director, AASA
Chairman, BSA Educational Relationships Committee
 

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