Common Core standards are the pits; Two criticize Betras; Those lazy Democrats; Flaws dwell throughout Boardman landlord registry
Common Core standards really are the pits for students, parents
Are Common Core education standards working for what they were intended to do? As a parent, I do not feel that we are any better off now than we were when I was in school 10 years ago.
Let’s start with some pros and cons of this mandate. Common Core causes states to save money on creating and scoring tests. They are internationally benchmarked, so our standard will be comparable to standards in other countries. They state what students are expected to learn, with the benefit of students understanding what they are learning and why they are learning it.
On the down side, Common Core does not take into consideration that each child learns differently. A great education policy considers that all students have different learning styles, preferences, and paces. Common Core is unconstitutional because education is not spelled out in the U.S. Constitution. That authority should be left up to states and their people.
In addition, Common Core has a pretty steep price tag that will be paid by taxpayers in states. For instance, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction says it cost $300 million, and the California Department of Education says it costs $759 million.
The main criticism of the famous No Child Left Behind program is that teachers “teach to the test,” meaning students are just memorizing rather than learning and critically thinking about what they are being taught. It limits parental choice, which shuts us out of our children’s education.
Current accountability methods allow for various testing used for students with special needs. Many teachers and administrators may opt to leave rather than deal with these massive changes. More pressure is needed upon the teacher for student performance and accountability.
States and local communities better have the knowledge to design standards that students and parents need rather than being dictated to by the federal government. Common Core is not working.
Tanya Scaduto, Hubbard
Leader of Dems should have shed truth on candidates before election
In reference to your lead story recently concerning Chairman David Betras and the Democratic Party of Mahoning County, I found Mr. Betras’ comments interesting.
Mr. Betras claims that he had difficulty supporting Michael Sciortino in the recent election, but “... you support your candidate even when you have to hold your nose ...” And he said that he believed Ed FitzGerald could not win, but he dared not say so.
He stated: “My job is to keep people motivated.” In other words, he will put on a happy face for the Democratic Party and won’t mean a word of what he says.
It makes you wonder when the same Mr. Betras tells us that the Democratic Party has the interests of the people at its heart. It makes you wonder what he really means when he says the Democratic office- holders are the best people we could have. It makes you wonder what he is thinking when he tells you the Democratic agenda is good for the nation.
Perhaps we need the heartfelt interviews before the election rather than after them.
Donald Butler, Warren
Betras puts party before people
It is a well known fact that Dave Betras has a remarkable ability to use words to put forth his point no matter the facts. He can slant almost any conversation to put him and the Democratic Party in a good light.
His statements after the recent election indicate the fact that area voters did not elect some persons first because they had the sacred “D” after their name. That must have rattled him more than he has ever been rattled before.
It was refreshing to see him admit he cared more about party affiliation than qualification or disqualifying facts. He puts the “D” above the “P” for people.
I have known this a long time, but this is the first time he let it slip out in public.
Robert J. Husted, New Middletown
Many Democrats appear too lazy, apathetic to turn off TV and vote
Why has America turned to “red” states in the 2014 election? I hear from the radio that people are fed up with the Democratic Party and our president, Mr. Barack Obama. Obamacare is a total “Boondoggle” — a frozen gridlock at the Capitol. The battle cry from both parties, “Let’s get the country back on track!” The truth is, you can’t handle the truth. Remember when Jack Nicholson said that to Tom Cruise in a Hollywood movie, “A Few Good Men?” “You can’t handle the truth!”
The reality is that average American really doesn’t care. I see it everyday in life. Go into a place of business, say a restaurant, any day of the week. What’s playing on TV? Sports programs. Americans are really self-consumed with their own pleasure.
The average American could really care less about what’s happening in America, although they say differently. Why did the U.S. go “red” this election? Mr. “Every day Democrat” has to be run over with a steamroller before he takes notice.
Not so with the Republicans. They, in general, pay attention. What’s their MO? They’re better educated, mostly business leaders, and seem to take life a bit more seriously. They, at mid-term elections, turn out in numbers at the polls for their party. The mindset of a common Democrat? They’re not electing a president. Turn on the tube. We have another two years.
The day after, the word goes out over the airwaves: “America is sick and tired of gridlock, and they have showed it at the polls.” Just like I said before; “You can’t handle the truth!”
I was born a true Democrat and I’ll die a true Democrat, but not every Democrat thinks like me. I worked all my life with a pick and shovel, a blue-collar worker, and I’m proud of it. It takes a backbone not a wishbone.
Paul R. Lawson, McDonald
Many flaws, inequities dwell in Boardman landlord registry
The home I rent out is not a palace. It’s a modest Cape Cod on not even one acre, but it’s mine. To be accurate, it’s about 75 percent mine and 25 percent owned by the bank. To be sure, 0 percent of it belongs to Boardman Township trustees.
I’m offended by a recent determination that charges landlords $40, either as an unjustifiable fine or as unfair taxing of a targeted group. What’s worse, they have self-appointed themselves as quasi guardians taking the authority to trespass on private property and make decisions about its use.
If the excuse for controlling property and taking monies is protection of tenants, they should consider this. By making tenants a protected group, they are making landlords an unprotected group. Shouldn’t damages by tenants and unpaid rent be of equal concern to trustees?
Consider the unintended consequence of the landlord’s added cost being transferred to the tenant’s rent. It’s not a function of local government to pick sides. Leases and small claims courts are existing legal means that protect both tenant and landlord.
My message to Boardman trustees is simple. You are not welcome on my property without invitation. I do not owe you a fee for using my property in a transaction with another consenting party.
I do not trust you to make decisions about my property. I do not even trust you to advocate for my tenants, whom I value dearly. Please reconsider your thoughts on this matter, and keep “Boardman a nice place to call home” for everybody.
C. Ann Davis, Boardman