Letter: A curriculum fit for Fido

Friday, June 4, 2004 | 9:24 a.m.

At the conclusion of the class he was able to demonstrate that rote training and following a rigid curriculum produced a graduate that could sit, stay, heel and come on command. The only problem is the fact that he really is not able to apply these concepts outside of the obedience class setting. I guess I have to consider myself lucky in that, although he doesn't know anything beyond what was in the course curriculum, he did pass the standard competency test at the end of the course.

I don't fault the instructor for shortcomings in his education because she produced detailed lesson plans with required benchmarks and objectives clearly outlined and cross referenced. Lessons were taught in a manner to ensure the student would be successful in passing the course standards and the final achievement test.

With a 100 percent graduation rate the school has been declared to be in compliance with the initiative and is now considered successful. At the very least, I am grateful he has graduated and now has a diploma to show for the effort. I am awaiting word that he might be a recipient of a Millennium Bow-Wow Scholarship.

VIRGIL A. SESTINI