Fourth-Grade Reading Scores

Here are some letters our fifth-graders wanted to send you. Our classes read The Times weekly and were encouraged by our staff to write about their perceptions regarding your article on fourth-grade reading scores (Sept. 16).

I am supporting their efforts because I too am weary of being victimized by the press and readers who have a tendency to overgeneralize and who in the process overlook the successes in public education.

CAROLINE BRUMM, Principal, Thomas Edison School, Burbank

I’m writing about the article that says “State’s Pupils Among Worst in Reading Test” (Sept. 16). I’m 10 years old and I’m in fifth grade. I’m writing this letter because last year we were good at reading. If we’re so bad why are we getting A’s and Bs and why can we read your article?

JOEL VAN KEUREN

I am a 10-year-old who is in fifth grade and was in fourth grade last year. I would like to know what kind of test this was. I don’t think it is about the poverty of immigrants. My parents and I are immigrants and we read enough English to at least read your article, so it’s not because of immigration. It isn’t about parents that work either, because both my parents work and I get A’s in my work. I am not rich nor live in a rich area but that doesn’t mean that I didn’t do well because I am very good in reading.

ROCIO PAEZ

I am a 10-year-old fifth-grader and I don’t appreciate the comments made about single-parent families. I come from a single-parent family and my reading skills have always been good. I started reading at age 3.

AUDRA KENDAL BRUMFIELD

I am very mad. I am 10 years old. I have one parent that works until 4:30 p.m. and I read just fine. I watch four hours of TV and I read just great.

MONICA RODRIGUEZ