Letter: College readiness begins in community
An empty classroom at the start of a three-day weekend at William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach. (Nov. 10, 2011) Credit: Daniel Brennan
While I believe remedial classes are a burden for both the student and state, as you do, I think there are other solutions not mentioned in the editorial ["Too many not ready for college," Jan. 17].
First, the burden of mandates regarding special-needs students should get a serious overhaul. On average, New York schools spend about $18,000 annually per pupil in regular classrooms, and more than $31,000 for each special education student.
Unless we overhaul these costs, when the dust settles from the 2 percent tax cap, advanced elective classes will fall under the weight of cuts that school districts must enforce. Then where will all the new alternative energy and technology ideas come from?
Second, we must emphasize the importance of education at home. The impact of this mindset on a child's life is immeasurable. Students also need to be taught a healthy balance regarding the use of media devices.
Finally, I believe that the impact of our elected officials politicizing education, especially when it comes to their personal elections, is shortsighted and is harmful to positive educational discussions. Education is the path to success.
Rich Weeks, Middle Island
Editor's note: The writer is a high school teacher in Lindenhurst and an adjunct instructor at Suffolk County Community College.
