Dropout lessons

Re “1 in 4 quit high school in California,” July 17

The dropout rate is staggering, and everyone is trying to rectify the problem, or so it appears from the rhetoric. But are we really serious? Obviously not. It all begins in the classroom, with the teacher. Compare what we spend in time, money and effort to train a teacher with what we invest in training a fighter pilot. One gives meaning to life; the other’s job is to end life. Whom do we value the most? There is your answer to the problem.

As a former elementary school master teacher, a high school assistant principal and a college dean, I base my opinion on nearly 50 years of experience.

Raymond Rodriguez

Long Beach

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Lost in the article is any analysis of the strategies that can be implemented to save public-school children from academic ruin. Presenting just the facts without looking at the root causes of this pressing issue leaves the sick elephant of failing public education still swaying in the room -- and lets career politicians, whose greatest qualities are uttering tired platitudes, off the hook.

Public officials will not even begin to address the root causes of this impending crisis until the Fourth Estate challenges them to articulate their strategies for addressing it.

Brock D. Cohen

Studio City

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As a high school dropout who recently received my master’s degree and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Berkeley, I attribute my turnaround to three factors: personal accountability, the California community college system and a supportive network of friends, family and mentors.

I began the first step toward improving my life when I enrolled in a few classes that appeared interesting to me at my local community college. I enjoyed that the faculty and staff treated me as a mature adult and not a young kid who constantly needed to be told what to do. I had the support of a loving family and various mentors who had my best interests in mind.

It should be brought to the attention of dropouts who don’t have the support I did that there are many people who are ready to help those who are committed to helping themselves. Many can be found at your local community college.

Mark Urista

Redondo Beach

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Someone should send President Bush a copy of this article.

Fifty-eight percent of Jefferson High kids never graduate? One-third for the entire Los Angeles Unified School District?

Sure looks like No Child Left Behind is living up to expectations.

Brian Hayes

Granada Hills