Sharing a Letter to the Editor

Below is a note which I submitted as a 'Letter to the Editor' to a local newspaper.  I thought I would share it with you as I think it is applicable to a good number of schools.

Insights into District 86
A September 13th Letter to the Editor posed the question, "Where is the outrage from the parents of the children being cheated?" Let me state that the vast majority of students and parents are grateful for the education they receive at the District #86 schools. Allow me to add some numbers concerning the performance of students, absent in said letter, that may shed some light on the success of the students.

Here's but a small sampling of the proof that the schools provide a terrific education. During the period of graduating classes for 2008 - 2012 District 86 student ACT test scores rose four of the five years from a composite of 24.2 in 2008 to 25.1 in 2012. Each year the district's scores outpaced those both in the country and the State of Illinois. This is but one of many indicators revealing the achievements of staff, administration, parents and students.

The Sept. piece also comments on the incomes of the certified staff. The inference is clear, teachers make too much. I'll address that head on. Providing a top flight educational experience, which District 86 is known for, isn't something that will ever or ought to be equated to dollars. It is one of the fallacies that is too prevalent in today's so called 'reform' movement.