Your Mail 12-4: Seeing the good in education

I read Mr. George Bennett’s recent editorial (Nov. 5) on education, although I don’t know why. Maybe it was the chosen title, “Educational Failure.” From it I disagree “that it should be a universal recognition that our public educational system is, for the most part, completely derelict!”

As an educator, I’ve looked around and fail to see the complete chaos he describes. If one looks hard enough, anyone can find things that need improvement. However, I see rising school scores both here in Rapides Parish in many schools as well as increases in scores and graduation cohorts statewide. It is true that some “do not take full advantage of every educational opportunity that exists,” but most do.

That’s why we have so many local professionals such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, managers and business owners that live in Cenla and were educated in our schools.

I too would like to see the return of control of our public schools to the individual states and communities. Remember when teachers couldn’t marry and students had to bring a bucket of coal to heat the school room? I can’t remember it either, but I’ve read about those days. We are in the midst of big changes in education. We both will live to see tech books replace text books.

So, I invite you to visit my school and meet hardworking teachers and students. I hope it changes your perspective on education.

Wally Fall, principal

Alexandria