W-b Crime Watches Look For Cooperation 
Group Representatives Meet To Exchange Information And Develop Common 
Policies

1 Shot Left For Back Mountain

Thursday, July 25, 1996 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 





Educational reform begins not with the teacher, but with the parents &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As a teacher for almost 30 years, I read with great interest your editorial
in which you suggest that we had better stop trying to reform the schools, and
reform the students instead (July 18)With all the rhetoric and hype I have
been hearing recently about what is wrong with our educational system, this is
the first time someone has written something that truly addresses the problem
and offers positive solutions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For years my colleagues and I have maintained that it is rather odd that,
in trying to find out what is wrong with education, no one has bothered to ask
those most directly involved, the teachers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 With very few exceptions, I can tell you after the first month of school
which students' parents are actively involved in their children's education
and which parents couldn't care less. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The bottom line, which no one wants to hear, is that America's parents in
many instances are not doing their job. It is easy to use the educational
system as the scapegoat and try to blame the teachers. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 If the SAT scores, achievement scores, and all other test results so often
quoted by our critics are to rise, then the parents of our students must get
involved and instill in their children a desire to learn. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The Japanese educational system is often used as a benchmark in comparisons
with our system. You will find that Japanese parents take a vastly more active
role in their children's education than many American parents. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 As a teacher, I can do my best to teach my students. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Considering the cultural, ethnic, moral, social and economic diversity of
my students, I do not and will not assume responsibility for their attitudes
and values. Nor do I have the power or responsibility to make them follow
academic pursuits at home. Those are the duties of their parents. Reforming
the attitude of parents is far more cost-effective than any of the other
"solutions" to the educational problem. Taxes do not have to be raised for
parents to do their jobs, and a great deal of money can be saved in
eliminating needless "reforms" of education. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Edward J. Zebrowski, Jr. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Pittston &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Educational Reform Begins Not With The Teacher, But With The Parents 
As A Teacher For Almost 30 Years, I Read With Great Interest Your Editorial In 
Which You Suggest That We Had Better Stop Trying To Reform The Schools, And 
Reform The Students Instead (july 18).

Educational Reform Begins Not With The Teacher, But With The Parents As A Teacher For Almost 30 Years, I Read With Great Interest Your Editorial In Which You Suggest That We Had Better Stop Trying To Reform The Schools, And Reform The Students Instead (july 18).