Letter: America needs to prioritize education

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2007 | 7:17 a.m.

Students whine about homework, exams and grades while their parents pressure administrators to eliminate homework and lower grading standards. The public emphasis is on improving self-image rather than solid achievement. In America, we have our priorities in order.

The Clark County School District is currently short 500 classroom teachers. Instead of offering competitive salaries to attract and retain the best qualified teachers, our district sends administrators on recruiting expeditions throughout the world. In America, we have our priorities in order.

The School District's central administration encourages teachers to use sick leave sparingly, promising a monetary incentive for unused sick leave. A dedicated, retiring career teacher may save the district 200-plus paid substitute days; teachers retiring with accumulated sick leave are rewarded with about 25 cents per day. In America, we have our priorities in order.

Parents are more concerned with their students being skilled athletes and involved in extracurricular and social activities than being competent in solid academic achievement. In America, we have our priorities in order.

Parents are more willing to spend considerable money providing their students stylish footwear, clothing fashions and video games than in purchasing materials to supplement instruction. Books and magazines are rare in many homes. In America, we have our priorities in order.

Virgil A. Sestini, Las Vegas