To the Editor:
The takeover of the Houston Independent School District is a prime example of the misguided approach to struggling school districts. Rather than closing libraries, these spaces should be expanded to promote learning and dynamic educators should be recruited to engage students. Placing misbehaving students in closed libraries and making them watch videos only reinforces negative stereotypes and undermines the value of reading. Punitive measures are not effective.
Superintendent Mike Miles, who lacks official certification, is better suited for running an Army base than schools. Compensating teachers based on standardized test scores is also imprudent as these tests provide a limited measure of students’ abilities and often have biases. A more comprehensive assessment of student understanding and skills is needed.
The state-run administration’s plan to shift “time-consuming tasks” is unwise. Teachers, not staff members, should be grading work and writing lesson plans. This is part of their job, no matter how laborious these tasks may be.
Therefore, Governor Greg Abbott’s takeover of the Houston Independent School District is radical, political, and inequitable. It is unlikely to succeed.
Gary J. Whitehead
Tenafly, N.J.
High school English teacher
To the Editor:
Mike Miles, the new superintendent of schools, wants to address the achievement gaps in Houston by improving test scores, but his plan includes eliminating school libraries. This contradicts common sense. Instead, Mr. Miles should talk to librarians about how they foster a love of reading in children.
Eve Wolfsohn
New York
School librarian
To the Editor:
Two things are evident in this article. First, far-right politicians in Texas are closing school libraries as a way to restrict access to books. Second, these same politicians preach parental empowerment until it conflicts with their conservative agenda. The governor’s replacement of elected officials who do not align with his vision of education is an example of this.
Greg Vouros
Seattle
A Trump Plea Deal, to End This Nightmare?
To the Editor:
As a liberal Democrat, I have serious doubts about the possibility of getting Donald Trump in jail, despite believing that he deserves it. It may be in the best interest of the country, Mr. Trump himself, and the Republican Party to consider a plea deal. The constant focus on Trump and his trials will only further divide the nation. A plea deal could involve an admission of responsibility for inappropriate actions, a bar from seeking political office, and home confinement. It may not be ideal, but it could be an effective way to end this divisive and dangerous time.
David Love
Newton Centre, Mass.
On Maui, Greed Amid Tragedy
To the Editor:
Amid the tragedy of the firestorm in Lahaina, Maui, repugnant realtors and developers are exploiting the situation to buy property from victims. This opportunistic behavior is cruel and nauseating. The locals are rightfully demanding that these leeches leave. Lahaina cannot be rebuilt in six months, and it is important to allow the affected residents to grieve and search for the missing. The focus should be on donating to charities rather than further exploiting the victims.
Bruce G. Levitta
Phoenix
Former police investigator on Oahu
Death on a Mountain
Guiding clients on dangerous mountains like K2 is a serious matter. It is alarming when guides are sacrificed and stepped over by clients in pursuit of a prized summit. While clients may willingly accept the risks, it is tragic when those who lead them are left to die. This disturbing behavior needs to be addressed and changed.
Jon Heshka
Kamloops, British Columbia
Associate Professor and Co-Chair, Adventure Studies Department, Thompson Rivers University
Camp Memories
Thank you, Josephine Sittenfeld, for reminding us of the magic of summer camp. Your camp photographs brought back memories of stinky sneakers, swimming holes, picnics in country graveyards, bottles of ketchup consumed during meals, the smell of canvas tents, and the sway of bunk beds. It was a delightful trip down memory lane.
Eleanor Sterling
Santa Barbara, Calif.
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