December 22, 1996
Ms. Shirley Jackson, Chairman
USNRC
Washington, DC 20555
Dear Ms. Jackson:
In previous correspondence with the NRC, I have estimated that 25% of the questions about reactor behavior for the operator License exams, as contained in the INPO Generic Fundamentals Catalog, are flawed. A recent review of the current catalog indicates that this estimate substantially understates the true situation. Of three topics from the section titled Reactor Theory, involving about 150 questions, it seems that:
The vital importance of this matter is two-fold.
1. The INPO catalog governs what is taught in the Class Room on the subject of reactor behavior. In effect, these questions determine what the reactor operators carry into the Control Room as background knowledge about reactor behavior.
2. As such, the questions directly and adversely impact reactor safety in the plant.
As stated in my letter dated January 10, 1996:
This is perhaps the only educational system in the world that requires the student to give incorrect answers in order to pass.
By any measure of sound science, of real logic, of clear reasoning, of legitimate education, or of simple common sense, the training material on the subject of reactor behavior is in dire need of major repair. I do not believe this to be a situation you condone, or will tolerate. The industry and the American public deserve better.
Sincerely yours,
Robert G. Stater