Submitted by Nancy Joyce Jancourtz, Feb 1, 2007 10:38

Ms.Garland's report, well expressed, indicates that the piece by piece legislation is highly insufficient. Why? All the changes depend upon political warring parties--and thus do not fully focus upon the CHILDREN.

This reader does not believe money spread here and there--where intuited to be needed--will solve any child's learning deficiency. THE TEACHING SYSTEM MUST BE CHANGED, SO THAT THE BEST OF THE PROFESSION ARE APPRECIATED--AND--MOREOVER--THE UNIONS MUST BE SIDELINED. People should be able to join a union, should they so choose--but anyone who qualifies and proves himself to be proficient in his work--should be encouraged to teach in our schools...Those who do not fulfill the qualifications should be terminated, whether or not they belong to a union...

Most importantly, however, should be the ability of all parents--without reference to income--to obtain federally granted school vouchers. In that way , only, would any semblance of fairness be achieved for all our children. If families desire to spend more than allotted per student--Gov. Spitzer, et al. can certainly grant tax credits, etc.

However, once again: All these piddly changes, such as adding some Charter Schools [increasing the tortuous bureaucracy] ,changing "charterers", etc. accomplish little, if anything to increase our children's knowledge and capabilities as life continues.

Thank you to anyone who is listening.

Nancy Joyce Jancourtz.

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