As a classroom teacher for 15 years and a school administrator for more than 20 years, I must note that Evan Ramstad has overlooked the most important factor that parents consider when choosing a school: their child’s safety (“The Choice for Self-Segregation in School,” August 11).
It is often said that a child cannot learn if he is hungry. But it is also important to remember that a child cannot learn if he is afraid. I have met with parents, grandparents, aunts, guardians and social workers to ensure that a child goes to school. Many young people have chosen to skip school rather than go to school because they did not feel accepted, valued or even recognized in their school life. (University researchers have found that each student who graduates rather than drops out of school receives an average bonus of $600,000 in wages earned, taxes paid and fewer law violations.)
Ramstad also failed to mention Minnesota’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options program. A former Minnesota Senate staffer noted that this program saves Minnesota taxpayers about $15 million annually and Minnesota families more than $59 million. This is important information for Star Tribune readers.
Bryan Rossi, Golden Valley
