Letter: Best teachers close learning gaps
Second graders work on Apple Inc. iPads as part of their classroom work at Park Lane Elementary school, in the Canyons School District, in Sandy, Utah, U.S. on Monday, May 20, 2013. As technology becomes more integrated in the classroom, in addition to Apple, other manufacturers including Microsoft corp., Amazon.com Inc., Samsung Electronics Co., and News Corp.'s Amplify are turning toward education. Photographer: George Frey/Bloomberg Credit: Bloomberg George Frey
It was great to hear Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's State of the State address include bringing technology into schools, particularly in poor areas ["Ambitious plan to restore NY," Editorial, Jan. 9].
However, technology alone will not level the playing field for students in high-needs areas. Investment in bringing the very best teachers to those areas -- retaining and rewarding them for working in those schools -- is what those students need to close learning gaps. Personnel gaps must be the priority.
Philip S. Cicero, North Massapequa
Editor's note: The writer is a retired school superintendent and an adjunct professor at Adelphi University.
