Improving Education

I am pleased to see Gov. Deukmejian supporting the reduction of class size in California schools. I believe that reducing class size is the single most important improvement needed to make our schools better. I have 29 children in my first grade class, all of varying backgrounds and abilities. I want to be able to give each child the best education I can, but I feel very frustrated because I am spread so thin. The crucial interaction necessary between teacher and student is compromised when there are so many children in one room.

In past times when public education consisted largely of rote memorization of things such as multiplication facts, addition facts, spelling words, penmanship, poetry recitation, etc., the number of students was not as critical as it is in today’s society. Forty children can take a spelling test as easily as 20. In order to prepare today’s child for a meaningful future, he must be taught problem-solving skills, critical-thinking skills, and communication skills. The challenge is enormous, and it requires a large investment of time with each student.

New books, computers, teachers’ aides and staff development courses are nice to have, but are not going to truly enhance the quality of education until teachers can use these in a more manageable setting with fewer children.

KAREN L. McKAY

Avalon