Education Initiatives

* Regarding your Feb. 11 articles on a rise in test scores and a return to teaching the basics: As a first-grade teacher, who for many years had to fight against the dogma that was whole language, I couldn’t feel more vindicated. What is so disconcerting, however, is that the very same leaders and trainers in the education community who just a short time ago preached the evils of teaching the basics (as well as teaching in English to immigrant students) are now the ones preaching the opposite philosophy.

With all the recent talk of teacher training and accountability, I would like to know who is retraining the trainers.

STEVE ORMOND

Thousand Oaks

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* Meredith Phillips’ views (Feb. 10) on what will close the black/white education gap are not only right but obvious to anyone with common sense. You don’t lower the standards of a group to accommodate the poorest member of that group; you help that member meet the higher standards. Teachers who are the product of affirmative action will produce kids who require affirmative action.

I’m happy to have my taxes go toward public education. Let’s keep our priorities straight.

JEAN SAPIN

Sherman Oaks

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* Re “Parental Contracts No Longer on Davis Agenda,” Feb. 9:

By and large, my sixth-grade students who have a supportive family with high expectations to learn do just that, whether or not the parent holds multiple jobs to support the family. Students who don’t have a supportive family don’t.

As the teacher, I am only one part of the learning process. I cannot be held accountable for a student or family that does not value education. Contracts, whether compulsory or voluntary, would put the proper accountability on the family and student. If they don’t wish to sign, that says it all. Contracts should be part of Gov. Gray Davis’ education legislation.

THERA JANE MERCER

Long Beach