Some educators contend that their colleagues are merely teaching to the test, while others - including Dr. Costello - say writing is being taught properly.

Moreover, these educators contend that the courses are another way of reaching students who are bored by traditional methods of teaching.

But many educators contend that the Board of Education's program, like most in the country, has developed serious flaws.

But some educators contend that such contributions are usually targeted for a specific program and are not entirely altruistic.

Progressive educators like Mr. Sizer contend that "national standards" will simply lead to more standardized testing.

The teachers' union and many educators contend that there are fairer and more accurate ways to measure a teacher's performance than students' standardized test scores.

Some educators contend that black schools' problems cannot be resolved without desegregation.

But some educators contend that the compilation of the report is in itself a sign of progress and a ray of hope.

Many educators contend that lottery dollars have begun to supplant regular state aid to education.

But the 30.7 percent figure, some educators contend, is misleading, in part because it does not include students who should be considered as dropouts.