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December 1, 2009

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Letter: Lower standards not the answer

Wednesday, June 11, 2003 | 8:59 a.m.

Clark County School District Superintendent Carlos Garcia summed up the pathetic state of the educational system in this valley: "What we've been teaching for the most part up to now isn't necessarily what the kids are expected to know ..."

Of course, he was alluding to the pitiable attempt by the county's senior class to pass the math proficiency exam.

How is it possible that algebra is not a required course for graduation in this school system? The understanding of that discipline is essential for a solid foundation in the study of advanced mathematics.

Then again, why should the youth in this valley be concerned with that.

In a community that is predicated on the service industry, who needs education? Let the kids flip burgers for a few years until they are of age to become bartenders, cocktail waitresses, bellmen and dealers -- no algebra needed there.

Kudos to the state lawmakers. You solved the problem in one fell swoop. Lower the passing score on the exam so considerably more bodies can graduate. Mitigating the testing standard should in no way affect the quality of the potential work force, should it.

JAMES O'ROURKE

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