(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

Perhaps a rant on the Wednesday edition, I believe Feb. 15, in Our Opinion article:

“SB274 can improve K-3 outcomes. Concerns itself with English Language Arts (ELA) and math for kindergarten through 3rd grade. Beginning in 2026 any student found deficient in the above can be held back a grade upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher (with exceptions).”

In my own family, presently, there is at least one student that is exceptional, and I feel frustrated because they are forced to stay in a class whose speed of learning is considerably slower.

Are today’s teachers so hamstrung by “rules” that they cannot exercise judgment?

Eons ago when I was in the K-12 age group, children were advanced or held back due to their capacity (and effort) to learn.

Do we even have a need for a law addressing the problem? Isn’t it just common sense that reading, writing and arithmetic are the foundation of education? Why must we wait until 2026?

Then quit this damnable exercise we call “dumbing down our kids.” Advance those who show potential and hold back those who do not (or until they will).

This is not a rant. It is a cool calculated letter expressing my opinion.

Robert Parks

Elizabeth