Public education is not a game

A letter appeared on the perspective page of the Inter Lake on March 15 written by Mr. Jack Heller. I wish to respond to that letter. It was four full columns and 1,240 words long, all of which was meant to demean, condemn and destroy our public schools. He likens our schools to a losing baseball team and failing manager. Well, Mr. Heller, public education is not a game. It is the very serious foundation of our country.

The public schools in Montana and the U.S. are no more or less than a reflection of the community around them. I am proud to have been a teacher and administrator in the public school system in California and chairman of the school board in Libby. The public schools must take all of the students that darken their doors and do their very best to give them a quality education in preparation for the world of work or further education. They come to school with a huge range of ability, background and home environment. Send them to school every day well rested, well fed, appropriately dressed and ready to learn and you will see a remarkable product.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Heller has a totally negative view of our public school system. He states that “students who waste time or those who are slow learners should have a school year length that is commensurate with the mastery of the required skills.” Mr. Heller if you think we have a high drop-out problem now, your plan would increase the problem. We would see an increase in unemployment, crime and drug use. The public school system must provide a curriculum to meet the needs of all levels of interest and abilities.

I agree that we have a way to go to achieve that goal. Negativism and self-serving posture will not contribute to the growth and improvement of our schools. Your position regarding competition in the classroom between students and school to school will only contribute to failure and dropout. Again, the public schools are not a baseball game with winners and losers. Competition will not improve the instructional programs it will only produce more losers. It would be wise to leave the competition to the universities and colleges for the weeding out process.

The private schools play an important roll in our democratic form of government, however the separation of church and state is important. Parents should have the choice and willingness to pay for such if they desire. Mr. Heller insults the multitude of students who graduate from our schools today well-equipped to go on in school or to the world of work. We must improve and grow to meet the needs of all of our youth.

The question remains: How do we accomplish this huge task?

Here are a few suggestions.

Hire the very best and talented teachers and compensate them with reasonable income, environment and instructional materials necessary. Administrators must observe and evaluate what is being taught in the classroom and adhere to lesson planning for subject matter. This lesson planning for students should include everything from expectations to checking for understanding. Last but not leased keep the community involved.

I find Mr. Heller’s letter nothing more than an effort to fund the parochial schools with taxpayer money. Religious education must be the responsibility of the home and church, and parents should decide what form that takes — private school, home schooling or other. Mr. Heller you are part of the problem with your ranting about our schools. We must move forward and improve and it will take the entire village. Join us.

—Jerry Reckin lives in Kalispell.