I planned to write about the most important inventions of the last 2,000 years, but yesterday Diane Chang beat me to it, claiming Ms. magazine was one of them. As we used to say in Sister Roberta's Latin class, de gustibus non disputandum est (English translation: Don't go there!). Getting a grip
on educationIn addition to Latin, Sister Roberta taught me that gentlemen wear neither loosened neckties nor unbuttoned collars. In pre-Dilbert days, we tie rebels aped the likes of Frank Sinatra, but Sister R conveyed precisely what was expected, adjusting my offending garments herself. She could've played linebacker, if Notre Dame had been co-ed. Both my windpipe and my memory were impressed.
Today, classical standards in education are as dead as the Latin language. Superintendent Paul LeMahieu tells us the public education curriculum has evolved into a well-meant conglomeration that no one designed or intended. He's going to work to fix it, which is good news.
No one expects a return to the basic three Rs, but a clear understanding of what students should know at each grade level is an essential starting point. For a strong Hawaii economy in an age of global competition we need well-educated citizens.
Oscar Wilde said, ''Education is an admirable thing. But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.'' It's a good thing Wilde never met Sister Roberta -- or Paul LeMahieu.
John Flanagan is editor and publisher of the Star-Bulletin.
To reach him call 525-8612, fax to 523-8509, send
e-mail to publisher@starbulletin.com or write to
P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802.