Letters: May 8, 2006

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At the very core of the dropout epidemic is the staggering reality that the vast majority of students who drop out of school have not learned to read above the most basic level. As you point out, early-literacy programs play an important role in preventing reading problems; however, it is never too late to teach students to read. In thousands of middle and high school classrooms across the country, teachers have made a commitment to raising the achievement of older struggling readers. The students lucky enough to have access to these intervention programs are learning to read, regaining their self-confidence and turning their lives around.

FRANCIE ALEXANDER CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER SCHOLASTIC INC. New York City

Many parents think it is the job of educators to fix the problem. Do they really think teachers wave their knowledge wands and--poof!--the student is the next Stephen Hawking? Students who want to drop out should get parental permission first and then attend a dropout seminar. They should be allowed a grace period to find a job, to work and experience the consequences. Many students feel embarrassed about leaving and don't want to come back to school shamed or disgraced. To curb the embarrassment of returning to school, dropouts should be required to make another decision: go back to work, or come back to school.

BENJAMIN CULHANE Costa Mesa, Calif.

We have an untapped resource: our senior citizens could act as mentors to struggling students. Seniors would be better able to stay connected with society, and students would better understand the past. The wisdom and experience of seniors with the vigor and enthusiasm of youth: what a combination!

NEAL ALTENBURG SR. Crawfordville, Fla.

As someone who comes from Scotland, I realize I'm no expert on the school system here. However, it seems to me that children in this country are not valued for their talents if those talents are not directed at a college education. College is not for everyone, yet those who don't have a college education appear to be seen in this country as failures. Maybe it's time for people to stop living their lives through their children and find out what their children really want to do with their lives.

ISABELLA FALCONER Houston

In the list of tips titled "5 Things Schools Can Do," you endorsed early-literacy programs for third-graders. What a novel idea! I've heard some of those early-literacy programs referred to as first and second grade. Too many parents feel that the early years are not important, that the child can "make it up later." How do I know? I taught third grade! Put the responsibility where it belongs: on Ma and Pa. I once made a father do detention to make up for the school his son missed. He did it! The principal nearly had a stroke, but the child's attendance improved remarkably. You should have enumerated "5 Things Parents Can Do."

CAROL DAVIDSON New Braunfels, Texas

I briefly entertained the idea of dropping out of high school. My father sat me down and told me in a gentle, loving manner, "If you feel you're educated enough that you don't need to continue in school, then go ahead and drop out, but you'll have to move out and support yourself since you're educated enough to do so." I didn't give it another thought.

DENISE L. PARRA Gladstone, Ore.

A General Disagreement