Letters, letters, letters

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To the Editor:

Does Governor Kitzhaber really advocate the "dumbing down" of Oregon's school children? I had heard this expression as a predicted consequence of OBE (Outcome Based Education, or 21st Century reform), but as a school board member had not seen evidence of this as an intention.

But now, the Governor, in a public statement broadcast on Z21 TV, in response to concerns about the consequences of funding equality, remarked (and I paraphrase from memory) that the real intention is the achievement of equality in outcomes.

By definition, and if he means what he says, this must inevitably lead to the dumbing down that opponents of education reform warn against.

Think about it. In any universe of students there will always be those who are smarter, who work harder, and who are more committed. These will always realize higher achievement - be it in grades, in acceptance to University, or just knowing more - if given the same opportunity as those less academically endowed.

So, how does one realize equality in outcome? Easy. Deprive the high achievers. Diminish their opportunities to excel.

Is this really what the Governor intends? If so, the citizens of Oregon face an unthinkable waste of human talent and capability. This would make a mockery of our stated aim of becoming world leaders in educating our children.

Respectfully,

Jan van den Berg

Editor's reply:

We believe there is a confusion here between individuals and groups, between equality and equal opportunity.

Yes, in any group, the ability of individuals will vary. But what if we learn that groups themselves varied: that all fifth graders in one large school district scored consistently and significantly lower than fifth graders in another large school district?

What if we learn that this difference is because the unsatisfactory district had no school books? Wouldn't we want this district to buy books and thus achieve a greater "equality of outcomes?"

Of course, there are a variety of cultural, economic and social reasons why one group of fifth graders will be unequal to another. In some areas of this state there is little adult support for a child's success in school. In others, English is spoken by students as a second language.

Do we then blame the children? They pay the price.

The goal of equality in outcomes is not that each individual is of equal, mediocre ability. The goal is for each individual to have the opportunity to succeed to the best of his or her ability.

Of these students there will still be those who for a variety of reasons are smarter, work harder and/or are more committed. That's the way it is, and no one expects it to be any different.

But history has shown that public education is an investment with a high rate of return. Oregon would not have the dynamic economy it enjoys today were it not for an effective system of public education. Education also means

opportunity. Failure to provide equal opportunity leads to revolution, a rather expensive and inefficient model of resource distribution.

ED

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To the Editor:

As a graduating senior from Sisters High School, I am overwhelmingly pleased with the education that was afforded me.

I moved to Sisters from a Portland metropolitan high school the day before my junior year was to begin. I was simply astounded by the numerous positive facets Sisters High has.

I moved from a school of almost 2,000 students to a school with less than 400 students. Even though it was important, that was not the major differentiating factor for me.

At Sisters, I feel that the system and the teachers push you a little harder than most schools, and therefore, students soon expect to achieve higher standards. I feel that the teachers also push students to analyze situations or problems, and to use their own brain power to find solutions and to learn.

It is all too common within school systems that all students need to do in order to earn a diploma is to memorize and to regurgitate facts and numbers. There are many more advantages to Sisters including the eagerness of teachers to spend time with pupils, and help them with either their academic or personal conflicts.

Our society needs more people with different ideas to function properly. By their actions, I believe Sisters High School is showing its support for that philosophy. Overall, I believe Sisters is a fabulous place to attain an education.

Sincerely,

Jonathan P. Smith

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To the Editor:

I am sincerely disappointed that The Nugget has chosen Molly Ivins to replace Mr. Royko.

She is not the caliber of columnist that Mr. Royko was. Her column left me believing that she was throwing a fit, had a big chip on her shoulder and could not write an intellectual column because she was so worked up about her subjec

t, unlike Royko who stood back from the picture and thus was able to more objectively present the subject.

Please remove her column from our paper and save the room for something more beneficial to our community. Thank you.

Sincerely yours,

Carla R. Booker

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To the Editor:

I am preparing to do the most ambitious exercise of my life so far, for a most wonderful cause. But I need the help of all of you, all sizes of help from all sizes and ages of you. I will be doing a 20-mile pledge walk from Sisters High School to Redmond High School this next Saturday morning for the sole purpose of getting contributions to the Kevin Johnson Memorial Scholarship Fund.

This fund was established on May 10 by an 8K Run and 3K Walk at the high school from which $500 was earned. However, because that activity was limited to folks who run or walk, I wish to give opportunity to our whole community to take part in a donation effort designed for me to do the work while you only have to dig into the mattress.

Kevin attended both high schools, graduating from Sisters in 1994. Whether you knew Kevin or not, we all can really bond together in this first-time community funded scholarship that will turn his memory into a deserving student's opportunity. By his parents' request, the senior will be selected according to need but also Kevin's virtues of "contagious enthusiasm, unselfishness and commitment," with grades being of secondary consideration for this particular award.

Pledge forms are available at the two banks and at Ray's Food Place. If none of these are convenient for you, call Connie Holly at the high school, 5494045. You may name 25 cents per mile, 50 cents, a dollar, $10 or better yet, a fixed amount like maybe $1,000? Whew! I'd even consider cleaning your house for that.

You will receive a phone call on Tuesday revealing how many miles were actually walked, thereby establishing the total amount of your pledge. Your immediate payment will be appreciated since graduation and the award ceremony will occur on Friday.

Please do take part in this scholarship effort which may mean a real lifetime opening for a very deserving young person. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Peggy Lutz, exSisters High School staffer

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To the Editor:

On behalf of the Sisters Art Stroll Committee, I would like to thank the community of Sisters for their tremendous show of support for the Fifth Annual Sisters Art Stroll held Friday, May 16.

A special thanks to all the artists who shared their craft and love of art with us all and to the 47 businesses who were such gracious hosts.

The committee would also like to thank Jacquie Zanck Pony Express and X-Press Printing for their time and help with this year's Art Stroll.

Sincerely,

Rosie Horton for the Sisters Art Stroll Committee

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To the Editor:

This Spring my company had the unique opportunity to build a children's pavilion at Camp Tamarack west of Sisters. I first want to thank Mark Lamont and his tribe of sixth graders for making the raising such a fun and meaningful event.

Generous discounts and service donations were made by Lisa Fetro of the Shirt Stop Wholesale, Ward Crane of Serac Engineering, Larry Shaffer and Tom Jenkins of R.L. Shaffer Construction, and Bob Maddox of Wood Dynamics.

Special thanks to Colin Adams whose time and skills once again went beyond the call of duty. Finally, Ted and Edie Jones were ultimately responsible for making this project happen through their dedication to the children of our community.

Camp Tamarack is a beautiful place for kids to experience the joys of the outdoors and other fun educational programs. I hope that the pavilion will serve to enhance and continue such worthy activities.

Sincerely,

Kris Calvin

EarthWood Homes, Sister