For a thorough understanding of Outcome Based Education, read Brave New Schools by Berit Kjos. In a very readable way, the author explains why change agents are seeking to destroy America, and how they are doing it. Mrs. Kjos also discusses the spiritual impact of these educational changes. She reveals how the change agents completely redefine terms that normally have a positive connotation (such as "local control") with a definition that fits their agenda. These educational changes are intended to effect ALL learners, therefore, it is crucial that home educators understand what is going on. Brave New Schools, ISBN #1-56507-388-6, can be purchased at Berean Christian Book Store.

A similar expose' is found in Cathy Duffy's book, Government Nannies, The Cradle-to-Grave Agenda of Goals 2000 and Outcome Based Education, ISBN #1-56857-009-0. Mrs. Duffy has a section discussing Ohio's Family and Children First program, and other ways Goals 2000 is being implemented in Ohio. This information is taken from researcher, Diana Fessler's data.

In addition, to the above, see Diana Fessler's web site at http://www.fessler.com, for instructions in downloading her recent Report on the Work Toward National Standards, Assessments and Certificates.

Representative Henry Hyde recently held a conference outlining the crisis in America's elementary and high schools. Their message was: A federal takeover of elementary and high school education is looming and must be stopped before parents and local school boards lose control and responsibility for the education of their children. The so-called reform efforts have the support of some elements of big business, federal "change agents" and multi-million dollar foundations.

"These profound changes in school curricula are happening under the guise of reform. The reason? To turn our nation's elementary and high schools into a coerced training ground for the labor market. These changes are designed to guarantee an ample supply of low-wage earners for jobs employers now have trouble filling," Hyde said. In response, the federal government, through grants from the departments of education and labor, is using its leverage to mandate that local school curricula require coerced vocational training for every student, regardless of whether students plan to attain a college degree.

Business groups have been appointed by governors to complete five-year plans that will predict, then determine, which workforce skills students will be taught for future employment.

Oregon State Representative Ron Sunseri berated schools for replacing diplomas with Certificates of Mastery (CIM) which focus on culture and attitude instead achievement in academics.

Participants asked Congress to repeal Goals 2000 and School-to-Work laws which support outcome-based-education and mandate workforce training. They urged Congress to eliminate all federal mandates that interfere with local and parental control of schools and prevent schools from returning to teaching traditional academic basics.