Challenges in education

Re “The true school scandal,” Opinion, Nov. 25

As a public high school teacher who doubles as our union president, it was a surprise to me that, according to Jonah Goldberg, teachers unions are “arguably the single worst mainstream institution in our country today.”

Wow. And here I thought that advocating for competitive salaries, health benefits and manageable class sizes helps keep our schools staffed with competent teachers.

Predictably, Goldberg resurrected the worn-out, anti-union canard of merit pay. Sure, excellence should be rewarded, but who’s going to be the judge? The principal? Parents? Students? And what are the criteria? Test scores? Ability to inspire?

Enough with the name-calling, Jonah. The country voted a few weeks ago to leave the old politics of polarization behind and move toward a new model of problem solving and public service. Let’s do the same with our schools.

David Mielke

Culver City

The writer is president of the Culver City Federation of Teachers/AFT 9320.

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The Obamas could have sent a very strong message for public education “change” by enrolling their daughters at their local public school. Anyone else within the Beltway with courage and vision could do the same. Politicians for five years have had billions for Baghdad but chump change for education.

My daughters and their friends attended Venice High School, a great public school. More than 600 graduated last year, and of those, many were accepted to top colleges. I wonder how many more could thrive with a change in priorities -- instead of dollars on spent shell casings.

Goldberg is right. It is a scandal.

Mark Shapiro

Los Angeles

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Goldberg incompletely sings the praises of Michelle Rhee, the schools chancellor in Washington.

Rhee is a hero, a pioneer in a profession in which the demands of adults enigmatically outweigh the needs of students.

She has done wonders to rattle the cages of the educational establishment. She would create a meritocracy in which successful teachers would be rewarded for a job well done. What a unique concept!

Paul Hoss

Marshfield, Mass.