Letter from Dow Foundation Chairman Herbert Doan
Former Dow Chemical CEO and current Dow Foundation Chairman Herbert D. Doan knows more than a little about science, and he took the time to write a letter to Dr. McFarlane about the importance of a strong science program in high school. Perhaps it's no accident Midland schools have a strong science program. This interesting letter is copied below-.
THE HERBERT H. AND GRACE A. DOW FOUNDATION
April 16, 2004
| Dr. Peter McFarlane, Superintendent |
| Portage Public Schools |
| 8111 S. Westnedge Avenue |
| Portage, Ml 49002 |
Dear Dr. McFarlane:
As Chairman of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation (and as head of Dow Chemical in an earlier life) I have a special interest in education, particularly in science and mathematics. I've recently been informed of impending changes to the science curriculum in your schools. I've heard a good deal about your science web sites. The standards that have been defined by national groups and those published by MDE are a good foundation upon which curriculum can be designed. However I believe it's important to recognize that many students need more than the minimum standards. Indeed, to be prepared to succeed in coursework science majors will take at most top-tier universities, high school students need to be taught much more than just the minimum standards in all scientific and mathematical disciplines.
Public schools are responsible for educating the wonderful assortment of students who live in our communities, and I'm sure you do a good job based on the good things I've heard about Portage schools. However, many of the comments written by parents, coupled with the information on your web site describing the coursework everyone will take in 9th and 10th grades suggests your new science curriculum treats students as if they're a somewhat homogeneous group. In appreciation of the widely different interests and abilities students bring to school, I sincerely hope you provide opportunities for each and every student to expand their knowledge of science to the maximum extent possible.
The trend these days seems to be to take care of all students, which is a euphemism for averaging everyone. We need average students, we also need to upgrade teaching for really good students.
Schools are very busy places, but no school should either ignore parents nor fail to teach the brightest as well as the rest of the students.
Our State should, and must. aim at the best science and mathematics education so that we have a chance to be a leader in technical innovation. Our future economic base will depend on that.
Regards,
Herbert D. Doan
| cc: | Dr. Lawrence Reed |
| Dr. Norman Jansen |
SUPPORTING THE HUMANITIES AND THE SCIENCES TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE
1018 WEST MAIN STREET MIDLAND, MICHIGAN 48640-4292 989-631-3699 FAX 989-631-0675
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