Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1981-05-20

Duration: 00:28:23

Subjects: Education | TEACHERS

Contributors:

• Collins, Robert Host
• Konecny, Neva Host
• Smith, Rick Reporter
• Jackson, Alphonse Speaker
• Picard, Cecil Speaker
• Hawkins, Richard Speaker
• Harville, J.B. Interviewee
• Henderson, Temple Interviewee
• Clark, Gail Interviewee
• Brown, Margaret Interviewee
• Gilbert, Ann Interviewee
• Ducote, Jackie Interviewee
• Gaston, Robert Interviewee

This episode of the series “Education Update” from May 20, 1981, focuses on the end of the 1980-1981 school year. Robert Collins first reports on the latest education news, including highlights of State Representative Alphonse Jackson and State Senator Cecil Picard testifying on the Professional Improvement Program (PIPS) for teachers. Next, Rick Smith reports on the School Away from School Program in Shreveport, a program aimed at students who have struggled in a traditional classroom. His report includes highlights of a motivational speech by Richard Hawkins, a faculty member at Southern University in Shreveport. Smith also interviews: J.B. Harville, administrative coordinator; Temple Henderson, counselor; Gail Clark, teacher; and Margaret Brown, teacher. Neva Konecny then leads a panel discussion with: Ann Gilbert, the president of the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE); Jackie Ducote, the director of Advocates for Public Participation in Louisiana Education (APPLE); and Dr. Robert Gaston, the assistant superintendent for academic programs at the Louisiana Department of Education. They discuss the end of the 1980-1981 school year, including new academic programs, the status of the Professional Practices Commission (PPC), and recent budget cuts. Lastly, Rick Smith follows up on stories he reported on throughout the season.