ELECTION: A group to endorse

American education has been in trouble for most of a century, from the time that we adopted progressive education and the foundation of the National Education Association. A lot has been written about what is wrong with it, but little about what to do about it.

We have known since the mid ‘50s with the publication of the book Why Jonny Can’t Read that the problem is in the lower grades. The problem began when we quit teaching phonics in the first grades.  Those who home school and many private schools know the importance of teaching phonics, and their children do much better.

In 1983 we had A Nation At Risk, and many other studies since. Our concentration has been on high school seeking immediate results, when our concentration needs to be on the lower grades. If a child learns to read well by the Third Grade he is a leg up in his education.  If he does not then he will be a discipline problem all through school, and may later end up in a penal institution.

We have a school board election coming on May 21. I believe those who are presently in office are the most likely to adopt policies that will be both helpful, and less expensive. It is for these reasons that I ask your support for:

Ann Seddon whose extensive education background is like a breath of fresh air;

Brent Regan, who is a critical thinker and does his own research;

Bjorn Handeen, who stands for what is right in America and will work for a greater emphasis on the principles of our founding.

We are also supporting Donna Montgomery and Jim Pierce for the hospital board because the board needs a little more diversification and these are two people who you can trust.

JIM HOLLINGSWORTH

Coeur d’Alene