School’s efforts should be praised

Re “Scientology link rouses worries at star’s school,”

June 29

The Times writes, “One teaching method the school uses is study technology, which was developed by [Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard] and focuses on students gaining hands-on experience, mastering subject matter before moving to the next level, and being taught not to read past words they don’t understand.”

This technique has been used by good teachers for centuries. While Hubbard may have come up with the jargon “study technology,” he did not invent the ideas of hands-on experience, mastering subject matter before moving to the next level and being taught not to read past words the student doesn’t understand.

Maybe one of the reasons our educational system is in trouble is that we have allowed students to move on with neither knowledge nor skills. It’s called “social promotion.” I don’t think Hubbard is responsible for it.

Monroe Pastermack

Oakland

--

The Times regularly publishes articles describing the poor performance of the public education system at great taxpayer expense.

Therefore, Will and Jada Smith putting their time and money on the line to change things through an innovative school should make a great story. Instead, you offer an innuendo-filled piece about the religious beliefs and educational methods of some of the teachers.

The Times won’t say it, so I will: Three cheers for the Smiths and the New Village Academy!

Nick McNaughton

Los Angeles