For school systems to work, students must do their part

For school systems to work,students must do their part
EDITOR:
I am writing in response to a letter of Dec. 28. As an educator, I agree with the letter writer that too much does ride on one test. Acceptance into a college should be a result of a multitude of factors that cover all aspects of a student's educational career.
He makes a great point as he explains how students can freeze up or become scared knowing what a high-stakes test he or she is about to take. However, the letter goes on to a point that is totally absurd. He states that & quot;all this test should do is give the teachers and their bosses an idea of what kind of teacher they are and what areas they need to improve on. & quot;
I have some concerns with this statement. The one that I feel applies to this letter would be: How would a student who freezes on a test indicate what kind of teacher I am? I can come to class with wonderful lessons that address all learning styles, sing and dance to get the attention of some students, yet they still need to learn the information. That means paying attention in class, doing and returning their homework and doing a little extra on their own time. I can't open up their heads and pour in the information.
Yes, it is my responsibility to try every approach to get them to learn, but when it comes right down to it, if a student doesn't want to learn, how can I be responsible for how they perform? A student's attitude plays a big role in his or her education.
In conclusion, some form of testing has always been around, and it probably always will be. Let's stop blaming other people and become a team to help make the youths of our community productive members of society.
TAMMY THOMSON
Hubbard
On relevant issues of life,we're on a dangerous road
EDITOR:
"It's for the children." So goes the jingle. It can be played anywhere, at anytime, and for any reason. A school shooting, a school bus accident, anything dealing with "the children" is treated as a momentous, all important event. Everything must be done to protect "the children." But what exactly does "the children" mean? Don't look in a dictionary, and most certainly don't try to use logic. These words are rooted firmly in the never world of emotion. It is totally selfish, because it is how an event, or possible event, makes you feel. Children are completely irrelevant; indeed they can be exchanged with any other term. You can't drill in Alaska because of "the caribou."
This is a logical outgrowth of abortion, which declares that life -- you don't get your DNA code at birth, rather at conception -- is to be determined by a woman's right to "choose." As presidential hopeful Wesley Clark said, "Life begins with the mother's decision." Or as with Terry Schiavo, her husband can "choose" to starve her to death. Morality no longer is what you should do, but what you wish to do.
And have the power to do. The mother's decision is to be held up, because the baby can't talk for itself, or hire a lawyer. If you can't talk or help yourself, it is certainly OK to starve you to death. Might makes right in such cases. Abortion, euthanasia are just the start of the very bad road we are traveling down.
GREG HARMON
Bessemer, Pa.
Maybe she'll be back
EDITOR:
Catherine Bosley is a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed her immensely and will miss her friendliness, her bright smile, her enthusiasm and her great style
Maybe WKBN-TV will reconsider and bring her back. We can only hope.
MARGARET MINEAR
Youngstown