Amen to Marc Tucker and Jerry Weast for their article "Why U.S. students lag in test scores" (June 20), which clearly and accurately depicted the problems with education in America. The countries whose students outperformed U.S. students "get it." They have their priorities straight. They understand that the best investment in their countries' future is in the education of their youth. Our so-called leaders pay lip-service to this idea, but their actions speak louder than words. It has always amazed me that in most states and municipalities education is not a top item on budgets but is the first thing targeted when it comes to budget cuts.
And why is it in a lot of states (Maryland included), the funding of education is tied to gimmicky sources like lotteries and slots. Is medical or scientific research funded this way? The reason is, as the gentlemen pointed out in the article, that education and the teaching profession are not held in high esteem as in other countries. The result: crowded classrooms, lack of essential programs, low pay for teachers, and I could go on. For the important role teachers play, they should be on par with doctors, scientists and other professions we hold in high esteem. If politicians put as much effort in our education system as they do in funding and protecting their pet projects, we would see an improved education system throughout this great nation. As long as our priorities remain backward, U.S. students will continue to fall behind those students in other countries which truly value education and are committed to doing whatever is necessary to maintain its excellence.
Jean Williams, Columbia