Opinion: Problems in our schools have roots at home

John Balzar, in his column Learning loses with impatience (June 15), yields insight into the true nature of the problems with education. After actually teaching in a high school for several months, Balzar states that one of the major problems with education is the short attention span of students created, principally, by nerve-wracking electronic distractions.

I have taught in a public high school and currently teach in a private high school. All my observations lead me to the conclusion that the problems with education have little to do with what happens in the school and almost everything to do with what happens, or doesn't happen, in the home. Education begins and ends in the home. This is a very unpopular (and unheard) view of education woes because so many people of influence in this matter -- including professors in colleges of education and politicians -- make their living by trying to devise methods to reform our "broken" schools. Schools aren't broken; the home lives of children simply are not conducive to preparing children for the academic setting of a classroom. Home life, however, can't be "fixed" by legislation, money or any other educational "reforms."

What children really need is a home environment free of electronic distractions, chiefly television, that are designed to numb their minds and break their concentration. Instead, they need an environment in which parents encourage and demonstrate value in academic studies. For example, if a child observes a parent reading a book (not a magazine or retail catalog), as opposed to simply being told to read, then that child stands a much better chance of becoming a reader, too.

Education problems have almost everything to do with parents improperly preparing children for school and almost nothing to do with "broken" schools. Perhaps public debate should focus on the question, "How should parents properly prepare children for school?" instead of on "How should we fix our schools?"
-- Paul R. Wyness, St. Petersburg

They can't all be above average

Matthew Miller's June 15 column Ideology drives school-choice debate seems to be based on a misunderstanding of what "average" means. He reports that a majority of Chicago's students score below national averages in math and reading and concludes that vouchers are therefore needed to free poor families from such failing schools.

While Chicago, or any other school district, may strive to improve its test scores, we as a nation must understand that every student cannot be above average. The very notion of "average" requires about the same number of students above and below that line. If more Chicago students begin to score above the national averages, then below-average students must, inescapably, be found elsewhere. If they are not in urban areas, then they will be in rural or suburban areas, and Miller can begin questioning what is wrong with those schools. It is pointless to act shocked that some students are scoring below average. This is a matter of math, not of failing schools.

Of course, the averages we are referring to are computed only in public schools, so there is no way to know whether private schools are actually doing better or worse. There may be arguments to demonstrate that public schools are failing or that vouchers are necessary, but Miller's is not one of them.
-- Bob Goodbread, Palm Harbor

Ridiculous recertification training

Re: No way to support teachers, letter, June 19.

As a Pinellas County high school teacher, I was initially glad to see Rep. Charlie Justice write a letter supposedly to support teachers. As I read the letter, I could see that Rep. Justice was way off on his assumption that teachers were upset that Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed funding for a $275,000 facility for teacher recertification training.

Most people do not know that Florida requires teachers to take 120 hours of training each five years in order to keep our jobs. Other states don't do this, and they don't seem to be having the problem of retaining teachers that Florida does. The vast majority of this required training is completely worthless and is a detriment to education in Florida.

For example, at the last training session that I was required to attend, the facilitator asked participants who preferred apple pie to stand in one corner and those who preferred blackberry pie to stand in another. We were then asked whether we liked dogs, cats or birds as pets. The training went downhill from there. This is just one example of the types of activities that teachers are forced to endure during these training sessions. This training was funded, of course, by taxpayers.

Rep. Justice, I agree with your statement that teachers are already underpaid and underappreciated. If you really want to improve education in Florida, propose a bill that would increase teachers' salaries to be on par with salaries in other states, reduce class sizes and get rid of this ridiculous recertification training that costs taxpayer money and does nothing to improve education in Florida.
-- Eric Stallworth, Holiday

Schools have endured many changes

Re: Vouchers add competition, letter, June 17.

I am not going to comment on whether vouchers add competition or not. My comment is about a statement in the letter that reads, "It is fairly obvious that after desegregation our schools had fallen to new lows."

I don't make the same connection at all but see the present problems in schools relating to other causes: the many forms of entertainment for children that take away from their reading time, divorce and all the family problems this has caused for children and how they function in school, more women joining the work force, the increased number of diverse students from all over the world in our schools who need help in adjusting to a new language and a new country and environment. More violence in the schools has created tension, and we don't always perceive our schools as being safe as they used to be.

Our schools reflect the changes in our country, and the public schools have always been the place where all children have been assimilated. More children are encouraged to stay in school, and programs have been devised to make it possible for them to remain. We are willing to make accommodations. Desegregation is just one of many changes in the schools over the years and to blame it for all the problems in the schools is being simplistic and looking back to an era that we hope is long gone.
-- Janet Sears, Palm Harbor

Don't let Hollywood decide

Re: Beauty and the Geek vie for "Tweens," June 16.

I can't believe the lunacy of the movie industry. The article states that "tweens" are children between the ages of 8 and 12, yet half of the movies that are targeted at this impressionable segment of our society, are rated PG-13. Does this compute? Tomb Raider (PG-13) is on the list, and the description of this movie states that it contains nudity and violence. Is this Paramount Pictures' idea of what is appropriate for young children? It's evident from comments made by the producers that money is the driving force behind this push to warp our young children's minds. The Animal (PG-13) is another one on the list.

The director of The Mummy says in the article that if you try to show The Swiss Family Robinson or 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea to 12-year-olds, they'd laugh. This guy doesn't have a clue. My children love the old movies from the '50s and '60s. Does that make them out of tune with their peers because they don't see naked women (Tomb Raider) and people simulating sex with a mail box (The Animal)? Not in my book. Children will watch what you let them, and it's our responsibility as parents to make sure they are watching what is age-appropriate, and not what Hollywood decides is good for them.

Maybe this is why some teens are involved in violent crimes and out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

As parents, we can set the standards by which our children live. We don't have to succumb to the pressures of Hollywood so the fat cats can fill their pockets at the expense of our childrens' innocence.

As for me and my boys, we'll do just fine without the sex and violence. They'll have plenty of years to watch that stuff. I'll let them enjoy their childhood years between 8 and 12. Adulthood comes too soon as it is. Why push it?
-- Darrell Faylo, Palm Harbor

Moral responsibility is missing

Re: Ban on tobacco stocks reversed, June 13.

This is just unbelievable. Insurance Commissioner Tom Gallagher talks about "fiduciary responsibility," but at what cost? What about moral responsibility? I cannot believe that any of these men could be proud of what they have done.

"Fiduciary responsibility" is used here as a shield to protect them from moral obligations to do the right thing -- the right thing for the stance of the state government and for the state's residents.

Frankly, this action is embarrassing. How do I explain this to my kids? Should I tell them that "It's okay to invest in any business, even if it brings illness and death to millions, as long as it makes you money." I think not!
-- Jerry Nolan, Palm Harbor

Investment is about good returns

Two letters in the June 15 paper attacked Gov. Jeb Bush's decision to remove the ban on state investment in tobacco stocks -- either with a "what kind of message is this" argument or with a purely emotional one.

Hogwash. If I were a state employee, I would darn sure want my retirement funds invested where they will get the best returns.

Tobacco stocks took it on the chin a couple of years ago when their legal troubles were the focus. But, for just one example, Philip Morris went from around $19 early last year to a high of more than $54 early in May. I wouldn't have any trouble with some of my retirement money participating in that.
-- Ernest Lane, New Port Richey

Elian case still angers

Re: Reno defends her actions in Elian case, June 16.

It angers me still to think of Elian Gonzalez. Yes, he was a cute little boy and yes, his mother was obviously trying to bring him to the United States, but she died.

Who were we to try to keep him away from his father? Elian's Miami relatives were in the wrong; they were the kidnappers. If roles had been reversed and it had been an American child in Cuba, we would have sent troops in.

It was not about what kind of life he would have in Cuba versus America. It was not about racism. It was about right and wrong. As Elian's father, Juan Miguel had every right not only to want, but to demand his child be returned to him. I think our government was arrogant to have waited as long as it did.
-- Michelle D. Smith, Port Richey

A philosophy to follow

Re: Stand against all discrimination, editorial, June 9.

Bravo to the Times. All the community of gays, lesbians, transgenders and bisexuals wants is a guarantee of safety, equal access to employment, food and shelter and freedom of associations, just like the rest of society.

As a secular humanist, I believe in the inherent dignity and worth of all our citizens. The St. Petersburg City Council should follow this philosophy.
-- Glenn A. Paul, Indian Rocks Beach

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