District Administration - September 2007 - (Page 10)

Letters the Times,” July). Get tired of your marriage, you throw it away and ﬁnd a new spouse. Tired of your car, you throw it away and get a new one. Computer, cell phone, clothes … the list goes on and on. Some companies (like those that make computer printers) even encourage us to throw away old ones and purchase new ones. I think we would be better oﬀ if we tried to ﬁx some of the things we have instead of always looking for the new. In a way society has instilled this into our worldview and it sure seems to be a part of who you are—this is exactly what you encourage in your piece. I have just one simple question: Why can’t we ﬁrst try to ﬁx broken schools instead of throwing them away for new ones? It’s not our job to start throwing schools away, it’s our job to start ﬁxing poor schools. Reece Blincoe, superintendent, Stockdale (Texas) Independent School District Editor’s comment: Thank you for your comments regarding my column. I am not, however, saying to “throw away” anything. I am saying that there is a signiﬁcant diﬀerence between Roosevelt’s and Reagan’s philosophies of the appropriate role of the federal government with regard to education and other services. I said that Reagan was right and advocated a “ fresh look at how best to ensure universal access to quality education in a free society.” Furthermore, my position advocates more schools, not fewer. Dan E. Kinnaman, publisher of DA ers! As we begin planning our professional development opportunities and developing support documents for our curriculum standards, this article will provide very important information. My consultants and I have also reviewed the article for a proposed session for new teacher orientation! This story will be a continuing reference for us and for the educators we serve. Thank you. Marilyn C. Palmer, chief, K5 language arts/social studies, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Raleigh, N.C. Different Strokes Your recent column (“Understanding the Times,” August) quoted the federal DOE to justify decentralizing K12 education. Ah yes, let us return to those wonderful days of no federal role for education: racial segregation, no standards, less funding, no special education, and so on. When we examine the nations who spend far less but achieve higher levels of student performance, do we see less control or more? Why don’t you go to Singapore and then report back. I am shocked at how gullible you are. Bill Kendall, director of technology, Braintree (Mass.) Public Schools In Good Humor I appreciate your work and the magazine, particularly your take on humor, satire and parody. Just wanted to say thanks! David Milz, superintendent, Salem (Wis.) School District Questioning Oprah There are more important issues than Oprah and her money (“Speaking Out,” June). I see that you have nothing better to do. What’s your contribution to how we tackle illiteracy? What can you do about it? As the old saying goes, you’re part of the problem. What is the solution? Name and district withheld Quality Public Schools for All Roosevelt vs. Reagan was such a great piece (“Understanding the Times,” July). Very nice work. DA continues to expand in content, size and quality. All of your content is excellent, and the look and feel of the magazine is very professional! Vicki Smith Bigham, president, Bigham Technology Solutions Inc., Houston, Texas I’m sick and tired of the U.S. being a throw away society (“Understanding Cheaters Never Prosper? I totally agree with you on the use of iPods for test taking (“Understanding the Times,” June). Testing has to change and it has to be related to the real world, not something contrived. I join the bandwagon Dan! Rosemary Parmigiani, principal, SnyderGirotti Elementary School, Bristol, Penn. Widespread Applications of Teaching Techniques I read January’s article “Teaching Techniques for Supervisors” and distributed copies to my consultants. So many of the ideas and techniques you shared are also appropriate for workshop train- Letters to the Editor may be sent to jhartnett@edmediagroup.com, or mailed to Judy F. Hartnett, District Administration, 488 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851. Selections that are published may be edited for length and clarity, and become the property of District Administration. 10 September 2007 District Administration

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - September 2007

Cover
Contents
Editor’s Letter
Letters
News Update
Curriculum Update
Inside the Law
District Profile
Administrator Profile
District Buying Power 2007
X-Factor Student Achievement Awards 2007
We've Got Mail
Supporting New Teachers
How Well Does This Web Site Work?
New Products
Problem Solution
Computer Literature
Research Corner
Online Edge
Supervisor’s Opinion
Speaking Out
Calendar of Events
Understanding the Times

District Administration - September 2007