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Reward programs aren't unequal
Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:49 AM PST
I found Dr. Closson's opinion article in the News-Sentinel's Feb. 12 paper to be in extremely poor taste.
To allude that the CIMI Toyon Bay's educational program is a week-long party in the sun is a gross misrepresentation of the facility, and I am appalled that the editors of this newspaper would print such, even if it is someone's opinion. If Dr. Closson's had simply gone to the CIMI Toyon Bay Web site at http://www.guideddiscoveries.org, he would have seen listed there, very clearly, the educational activities and learning labs the students are offered, besides the kayaking, wall climbing and hikes. I personally think Dr. Closson owes the CIMI Toyon Bay facility an apology.
Dr. Closson's opinion of the validity of a rewards trip for a student's efforts to excel in his or her education is in keeping with an opinion article. Dr. Closson indicated in his article that he thinks all education should be equal. While I agree that education should be equal, I disagree that a reward program is unequal. All students have the same access to classroom instruction and therefore equal opportunity to have acceptable grades. And, in keeping with our beliefs of equality, along with a reward program, there are always programs in place to help those who cannot afford the cost. Students left behind do have to put their experience into perspective, and that is exactly how students learn to place priorities in their education.
Sally Luntao
Lodi
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Lodian wrote on Feb 20, 2008 10:27 AM:
If you call this an educational trip then all students should be going on such a trip in 8th grade, especially when promoted, set-up by our public school and using teachers in supervision. If you call it a rewards trip then there are several reasons why this is inappropriate for only "some" 8th graders to be attending.
It should not be the goal or job of our public school to promote, set-up and deliver an exclusive rewards trip to Catalina Island for "some" 8th grade students. It is exclusive and the criteria is flawed as to how the students are "selected" to attend this trip; the lottery, determined in 7th grade, being a non-inclusive trip of educational description.
On a more personal note (yet many have agreed), I have a moral/value issue with such an extravagant prize trip for an 8th grade student as a "reward" for keeping their grades up and behaving in school. To me, this is expected, not rewarded with such extravagant gifts. Each family can set up their own "rewards prize or trip" if they wish. But, this is NOT the job of our public schools. Also, teachers should not be taken out of class for supervising such a prize trip and leaving subs for the students not receiving the prize trip. Another fault of this trip.
Finally, the extension of education that comes with an educational field trip should not "exclude" students in this 8th grade public school. Every student should have the right to enhance their education with their classmates, regardless of the lottery win or not.
One more thing... we should all support the return of Science Camp. It's just criminal that this long standing valuable tradition is no longer available to all students. Please speak out on behalf of returning Science Camp, a valuable educational trip for ALL of our students. "
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