Proper Grammar and Punctuation

I was disappointed in Carol Jago’s betrayal of her student’s heartfelt expression of gratitude (Commentary, June 17). As I read Jorge’s letter, I was able to empathize with the emotional content that the 17-year-old was conveying with genuineness. It is not only a shame that Jago is unwilling to read beyond the confines of the “proper” grammar and punctuation, her condemnatory attitude and punitive remarks may well have something to do with why students learn to dislike writing.

In fact there were five sentences in Jorge’s note. Only one was not capitalized; hardly a capital offense. Two contractions were used in the missive; one was with apostrophe. And, although “alot” was used in the first sentence, I was still able to clearly understand the message being sent.

Jorge’s note was not bad at all. Indeed, the most negative outcome in this whole scenario is Jago’s alarmist response to her student’s sincere communication.

BEN MILES EdD

School of Education

National University, Costa Mesa

* Why is it that no one blames PE teachers/coaches when students graduate from high school without any athletic skill or orientation? Because it is understood that any athlete who wishes to excel (or even become competent) at a sport is going to have to pursue athletics during spare time, weekends, etc. It is no different with academics and literacy skills. For many kids, reading, writing and conceptual thinking (other than homework) stops when the school bell rings. True literacy is acquired only by those who read/write/think conceptually in their spare time for pleasure or personal interest, as well as in school.

If anyone knows a truly literate, educated person who hates reading/writing/ideas, then you have found a rare bird indeed--about as rare as skilled athletes who despise playing sports. Without some personal interest in these things, most people can probably expect to acquire no more than marginal literacy.

DON LOCKMAN

North Hollywood