Charting HISD success

Change-agents

Regarding “Managing HISD” editorial (Page A12, Thursday), I can’t believe the ridiculous ideas they have come up with to save the underperforming schools. They don’t understand that changing management of schools will not help the students. Opening and closing schools will not help our struggling students.

Have they never been in a public school classroom? Struggling students need help every day with tutors to help them catch up to their grade level. Schools could afford tutors if they didn’t have so many administrators at the top. Let’s try to help each student succeed.

Diane Williams, Pearland

Starts at home

Regarding “Mayor hints at role in HISD” (Page A1, Thursday), we all might be overlooking the real problem with chronically underperforming school results — the student himself. He may be leaving for school each day feeling punished with a teacher he thinks of as his prison guard, not his opportunity provider. That must be a frustrating challenge for her to overcome. And the fault must fall on the parents who complain the loudest.

Every kid is born with the curiosity and natural desire to learn. Only the parents can provide the encouragement he needs long before he sets foot in school. He must go excited and realizing the great opportunity he will get to become the best he can be. And it must be the parents who develop that eager determination to get it done. Education begins at home!

Ray Ross, Cypress

Just do it

The editorial gave a good overview of the problems HISD faces with a possible state takeover.

We now need to get down to the nuts and bolts of what to do regarding the 10 failing schools. Mayor Sylvester Turner with his leadership can play an important role.

Every student needs to be tracked regarding their grades in the various subjects. Any student who shows signs of failing a subject should be assigned a tutor to bring them back up to speed to earn a passing grade. Supervisors should closely monitor every classroom to see that teachers and students are working hard and effectively. Volunteers should be invited in to make every school improve until they meet the state guidelines for a successful school.

Extra training for teachers and principals can help them rise to higher levels of competence. The whole city can pitch in where needed to make our schools something we can all be proud of. Jimmy Dunne, Houston