Magnet Schools

How exciting to read about the two new magnet schools in Los Angeles for those interested in math, science and health services! A student can’t help but achieve in an environment that is physically, mentally and emotionally geared to his/her well-being and advancement.

As a teacher, what sort of magnet would I create next? It would be a school with many of the qualities already incorporated in the existing ones: excellent teachers, small class size, pleasant surroundings, time for ongoing planning among teachers, ethnic balance, etc. But my dream school would be for ordinary kids--no special IQs, talents or interests. High priority would be given to those “at risk” of not staying in school, even though they have the ability to succeed.

Certainly some of the children, given such an opportunity, would end up being doctors, scientists and mathematicians, while others would become productive citizens able to deal with themselves, their relationships and life. Dare we hope that someday this dream school will be available for all our children?

CAROL PALLADINI

Pasadena