Glenn joins hot debate over improving schools

Democratic presidential contender John Glenn proposed a $4 billion-a-year plan to strengthen basic US education, including such concepts as merit pay for teachers and ''magnet schools.''

The Ohio senator's plan intensified the sudden political debate over education, which has featured much more expensive proposals by rivals for the 1984 Democratic nomination and President Reagan's view that no new federal spending is needed.

Senator Glenn's three-point plan is intended to upgrade teaching skills and curricula - especially in mathematics, science, and reading.