In Search of Ways to Improve Our Schools

In reading the Nov. 11 editorial, “The Easy School Fixes Are Over,” I was amazed to find that the principal was not mentioned. “Collaboration among teachers, support of parents, frequent measurement of student skills and early intervention for struggling students” are important. But the tone for a school is set by a principal. I am a nationally board-certified middle childhood generalist. If my administrator does not support me, I cannot be an effective teacher.

Paula Shuman

Los Angeles

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Even a broken clock is right twice a day. One word in your editorial rings with truth that few will heed. You say that, in the face of expanding enrollment of poor, immigrant children, courage is in short supply. Here’s a crib sheet in this real-world test for editors, education professionals, city and state officials: “Dear Congressman, For the sake of our students, we demand that you stop spewing gas over illegal immigration and provide funds and leadership for our present laws to be enforced. Meaningful employer sanctions, border security and deportation actions are within the scope of current laws. Passing new laws will do more harm than good.” In the meantime, our children don’t get art, music or even science classes because of illegal immigrant students’ extensive, expensive needs.

Barbara Vickroy

Escondido