Evaluation of ‘Project Self-Esteem’

I believe Jay Kearny’s remarks (Letters, Nov. 17 and Nov. 24) about Project Self-Esteem have been misunderstood.

It is not the subject “Project Self-Esteem” that may be harmful, it is the format and material presented to teach the course.

PSE is taught in my children’s elementary school. At present, I am evaluating the lessons. My children are protected by the “pupil’s right amendment” (Hatch Act), as are all of our children. I want to be assured my children’s rights are not being violated by prying into their personal thoughts, feelings and background. For reference, a paperback, “Child Abuse in the Classroom,” edited by P. Schlafly, is an excellent tool for evaluating programs. The book includes testimony of parents, teachers and residents concerned about violation of the pupil rights amendment in their schools and programs in the classroom that were not thoroughly examined.

Self-esteem and values are taught and brought into perspective by the parents at home as a child grows. The schools are supported by our tax dollars to provide decent education for our children. Unfortunately, the school days are shorter, more programs are pumped into our classrooms and the state academic test scores are at a new low.

Put on programs like Project Self-Esteem after school and have full evaluation made of materials to be used, along with its background, by parents, school districts and school boards.

GEORGIA ALBANO

Orange