The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released a new set of standards for schools, and Will Flanders and Kyle Koenen of the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty have questions (“DPI lowered standards for public schools, leaving parents in the dark,” 24 November). ).
One question in particular stands out. They wonder why, under these new standards, some schools with low student performance are receiving passing grades.
Perhaps an answer can be found in a recent piece by James E. Causey (“The truth is, it takes more mentors to help black boys succeed,” Nov. 24). In it he talks about the many traumas that so many students have experienced.
Opinion: Instead of politicizing test scores, we should fight for public school funding
Things like trauma can affect learning. Children living in poverty, children who are homeless, children who have lost friends and family to violence will have a harder time doing well in school.
Perhaps the new DPI standards are just an acknowledgment of this reality. Some students need a lot of help to succeed academically. Schools that take up the challenge should not be relegated.
Howard Hoffman, Milwaukee
Tips for getting your letter to the editor published
Here are some tips to share your thoughts with your friends, family, neighbors, and across the state:
-
Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number.
-
We generally limit letters to 200 words.
-
Cite sources where you found information or the article that prompted your letter.
-
Be polite and constructive, especially when criticizing.
-
Avoid ad hominem attacks, address a point of view, not a person.
-
We cannot confirm receipt of entries.
-
We do not publish poetry, anonymous or open letters.
-
Each writer is limited to one published letter every two months.
-
All letters are editable.
Write: Letters to the Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 330 E. Kilbourn Avenue, Suite 500, Milwaukee, WI, 53202. Fax: (414)-223-5444. Email: jsedit@jrn.com or submit via the form at the bottom of this page.
This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DPI school report cards fit the reality of what students face | Letters
