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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 27, 2007

Slow Down Process

Regarding 'Time For Hillsborough Schools to Bid Bon Voyage To Fuzzy Math' (Our Opinion, Sept. 23):

If the concepts for teaching math during a year can be reduced from 83 to 18, then why not apply that method to all levels of instruction?

Why not slow the instruction process down so that all students can really learn the required subjects?

Our current education systems places most of the students at a disadvantage because they find it difficult to learn at the rate the school teaches. Teaching down at a level that the students can learn should encourage kids to stay in school, do better in their subjects and be better prepared for the future.

RONALD MORROW

Valrico

Local Success Story

An article in the Parade magazine insert in last Sunday's paper about the Bill Gates Foundation's effort to turn our education institutions around didn't mention a new program being instituted locally this year, which is also funded by the Bill Gates Foundation.

I am a mathematics teacher in Tampa. I am also trained in a national program called AVID. It is designed to help the 'middle of the road student' who has no family history of college. It starts in seventh grade and the student stays in the program throughout high school.

The program teaches students note-taking and studying techniques in middle school while providing college tutors while in school as an elective. In high school the students take AP classes while getting help applying for four-year colleges, scholarships and studying for the SATs.

This is just one example of the way the Bill Gates Foundation is making a difference in educating our children. I think an information piece about this program would be an excellent follow-up on this article.

JIM MULLEN

Tampa

A Worthy Program

Regarding 'JROTC Losing Grip' (Metro, Sept. 23):

JROTC develops lifetime skills such as giving and taking orders, healthy exercise skills, honest self-esteem and preparation for real life responsibility. It shows responsibility on a resume and can lead to a college scholarship.

JROTC has always been part of the proud heritage of Hillsborough High School. These kids are the top of their class in commitment and excellence - a salute to JROTC students and instructors everywhere.

FRANCES BARKSDALE

Odessa

Stating The Obvious

Regarding 'Youths' Sagging Pants And Lagging Parents' (Other Views, Sept. 24):

At last someone has the courage to speak out. Thank you to Jerome Ryans for addressing a cultural and social problem that is getting more and more out of hand.

Young people today obviously have no self-pride - just look at the way they dress. Sagging pants and exposed underwear is only one of the unsightly views forced upon us. But the most important words in his opinion piece were those about lost moral values.

Where are these parents? Aiding and abetting this slovenly appearance by allowing their children to appear in public this way is doing them a great disservice. We need strong leaders both now and in the future.

SUNNY SERAFINO

Avon Park

Two-Way Streets

Regarding 'Dreams of Two-Way Streets Lay Bare Downtown Nightmare' (Our Opinion, Sept. 15):

I was more than a little taken aback by the sound scolding given to Tampa City Councilwomen Mary Mulhern and Linda Saul-Sena for daring to ask questions about a Florida Department of Transportation report on the two-waying of several Tampa streets including Florida Avenue and Tampa Street.

I was not aware that FDOT reports are to be treated as infallible and irrefutable. The Tampa Tribune seemed offended that these two council members were actually representing their constituency, asking pointed questions and requesting further research.

The Tribune should not be a rubber stamp for FDOT's reports. The editorial denigrated two excellent representatives and ridiculed the hopes of residents of Seminole Heights and Tampa Heights.

The argument that this would stop the 'case for rail transit - dead in their tracks' makes no sense whatsoever. If these roads were actually more congested, as the Tribune uncritically assumes, it would instead support the case for rail transit.

RANDY WYNNE

Tampa

Leash Laws For People

Regarding '2 Accounts Of Bulldog Emerge In Shooting' (Metro, Sept. 20):

A child is bitten in an unprovoked attack by an unleashed dog and instead of concern for the child, the deputy is vilified for shooting the dog as it attempts another unprovoked attack on more children and the deputy!

The mind boggles when informed that between these two incidents the dog was actually inside the owner's home when Renea Bell went to speak to the Purcells about the attack on her niece. If this dog had truly been the Purcell's 'baby,' they should have used due care to ensure that the dog remained on their property and in their control at all times instead of being allowed to roam.

I have been witness to too many attacks by roaming dogs and have been attacked in my own backyard by a neighbor's roaming 'baby' beagle which caused me to receive emergency medical care.

Leash laws are for pets' safety as well as for the safety of the public at large.

LITA SEWER

Brandon

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