Possible Solutions to Problem Students

Just recently, several colleagues and I were discussing Robert Rakauskas’ solution to disruptive students, that of special classes (“There Are Solutions for Problem Students,” Voices, Oct. 23).

Exacerbating the discipline problem is Sacramento’s insistence that all children meet the same standards at the same time. The standards are now at least as rigorous as what used to be expected only from academically gifted children. I most certainly want all children to be availed of the opportunity to take these advanced classes, but for those not ready, preparatory classes must be made available. We also need to bring back the ultimate no-no: shop classes, cooking, sewing and the like.

If students see early in the semester that the material has gone completely out of their reach, then their only options are either to sit quietly and fade into the background or to steal the show.

Carol May

Los Angeles