A Response To The Poison Pen of The Pilot
By Robert Levy
Chair, Board of Education
Who would think that a policy requiring students to read four books per year would be so controversial? Who would think that informing parents about their child’s behavior or allowing them to make critical decisions about the mental health of their children would draw The Pilot into a diatribe of hate?
In an atmosphere where approximately 50% of all students and about 75% of minorities fail to perform on grade level, there is a need for greater rigor and innovation. Reading books is not the total solution; but, it is part of an overall commitment to the goals found in our Board of Education Strategic Plan (published online).
This plan requires raising the overall grade level proficiency of all students while reducing the “education gap” between minorities and the total student population. This means that we must redouble our efforts to offer interesting reading selections for a diverse population. We are doing just that without pushing an agenda inappropriate for children.
Our book reading policy does not replace or modify our Letters initiative based mainly on phonics. But, just learning to read is insufficient. Manipulating letters is just one element of literacy. By requiring that students read four books per year (one in each nine-week grading period) we encourage our students to be life-long readers and independent thinkers employing the art of critical thinking as they explore the various perspectives of different authors. Reading four books per year and reporting on those books goes beyond “learning to read.” It embraces “reading to learn”.
The Pilot, replete with name calling, declares its opposition, fearful of challenging commitment to 50% illiteracy overall and 75% illiteracy for minorities. This is The Pilot’s “comfort zone.”
The Pilot also believes that schools have the right to keep secrets from parents. The editorial board believes that schools, not parents, should ultimately decide how children are raised. In doing so, The Pilot advocates that the social and moral foundation of children be dictated by the State. We disagree.
This hubris displayed by The Pilot is why so many people seek alternatives to public education. We will not let parental rights and rigorous standards of literacy die on the printing press of The Pilot. We will not tolerate the mediocrity of low expectations. Therefore, we will partner with parents to advocate for a rigorous school curriculum. We will not surrender education to the “Poison Pen of The Pilot.”
Robert M. Levy is chairman of the Moore County Board of Education.
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