Letter to the editor: Present alternative plan before discarding system
I found myself compelled to respond to the 746-worded commentary written by the Republican nominee for S.C. Senate District 36 in the Aug. 24, 2024, edition of The Sumter Item.
I will quote Dr. King again: "It's all right to tell a man to lift himself by his own bootstraps, but it is cruel jest to say to a bootless man that he ought to lift himself by his own bootstraps." This quote highlights the challenges faced by those in poverty and the importance of providing support and opportunities to those who lack the basic resources to improve their situation.
Once again allow me to define hypocrisy is when someone pretends to have beliefs, opinions, virtues or feelings that they do not actually possess. It is often seen as a form of deceit because the person's actions contradict their stated beliefs or values. For example, if someone advocates for education but frequently engages in activities that harm education, they might be considered hypocritical.
This article, to me, is another smoke screen. He is correct in saying there are no performance-based measures to quantify students' success, especially when the district is still underperforming with state standard test scores. I completely agree that the 50% grading floor policy was a misguided attempt to address the deficiencies in our education system. Despite its aim to assist struggling students, it ultimately failed, further skewing data without improving state end-of-course test results. What would you prefer: your child bringing home a 50 or a zero? We need concrete measures and solutions based on robust metrics to uplift these students. Letting the teacher fail students and not giving them the resources to help failing students will ultimately be another issue. It is easy to criticize the system, but creating meaningful solutions is crucial because, like war, in education, there are no true winners without proper strategies.
I believe people of good will should present an alternative plan before discarding the current system. If you remove the grading system without replacing the current system that is more than hypocritical. When you use children to further your political goals, now that is just evil.
#A United Sumter GOD Bless the USA
REGINALD EVANS
Sumter