Letter: Teachers must be open to questions
Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District Superintendent Lorna Lewis addresses, from left, NYS Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch, NYS Education Commissioner Dr. John B. King, Jr. and Regent Roger Tilles during a forum at Oyster Bay High School. (Oct. 15, 2013) Credit: Barry Sloan
How sad that a teacher feels that the parents of today's students "can't wait to see [her] fail" or that parental satisfaction is derived from seeing that "the district or school or teacher has disappointed" ["School anger bubbles over," Letters, Oct. 30].
From the dawn of time, parents have wanted the best for their children. Hard questions may be asked and high standards may be set, but most parents just want to see their children get the best education possible.
To categorize all parents as an "entitled vigilante breed" is unfair and irresponsible. Those of us who are employed in the private sector are expected to deliver results, or there are consequences. I don't know if the standardized tests fueling this debate are an accurate measure of a quality education. I do know that regardless of any test scores or measure of student performance, tenured teachers seem to be in no jeopardy of suffering any consequences.
Teachers and administrators have to realize that questioning of their methods or criticism of their performance is not disrespectful. Parents and taxpayers have a right to ask questions and expect results from their school districts.
Luke Heaton, West Babylon
