Northridge School Was Not Fairly Portrayed

* I taught at Northridge Middle School for the past three years, so I am writing to respond to John Johnson’s article (Sept. 19) and the misconceptions that Times readers may have with regard to the teachers, support staff and students there.

In the face of a salary cut, increased class size and other hardships, the teaching and support staff at Northridge have remained dedicated and hard-working in their pursuit to plan and implement a strong curriculum.

In addition, most teachers are strong disciplinarians and would never allow the rude, disruptive behavior that Mr. Johnson presents in his article.

It is unfortunate that what is working well at Northridge Middle School was not given equal weight in Mr. Johnson’s article.

The teachers, support staff and some administrators are dedicated to the education and well-being of all Northridge students and are very giving of their time.

More than 25 employees have left Northridge in less than three years. The middle school administrators were fully aware that teachers were leaving and did nothing. Some of the remaining teachers have requested transfers and plan to leave Northridge.

Many teachers left because they will not be a part of handing out grades or viewing the perpetration of self-esteem as a be-all and end-all to the education of tomorrow’s work force.

In addition, the Northridge staff has not been allowed to truly have a voice with regard to important decisions. Many of the negative policies mentioned in Mr. Johnson’s article have been strongly resisted by most of the teachers (i.e., lowering of standards while raising grades). However, teachers are carrying a heavy load right now; therefore, many of them have transferred. I transferred from Northridge this summer.

Even after all the bitterness and heartaches of the past three years, I would still implore voters not to vote in favor of the voucher system unless it is acceptable that:

* Your children are taught by teachers who may not be certified.

* Your child’s school may be administered by people who have little or no training in education or the running of a school.

* Your children are attending schools that do not have to admit and educate students who are learning-disabled or physically challenged.

LYNN NORMAN

Woodland Hills