Letters

The results of the poll regarding stronger gun control laws making schools safer, posted in the November 1999 issue, attributes the 99 percent disagreement to excessivve nonmember participation (Debate). This may have had an influence. But I would find it much easier to believe that NEA members made up the majority of those polled. I certainly would not believe that 99 out of 100 Americans think stronger gun control measures would have no effect, bur definitely a majority.

Mark Carris Grand Junction, Colorado

I am glad to see that so many people responded on the gun control law debate (Letters, November). As a teacher I feel NEA has been exclusive in its presentation of gun control laws, as has the media in the papers and publications.

Our schools were safer when 30 percent of the kids had their guns in their cars and trucks in the parking lot. These were kids involved in shooting activities and hunting. Now we have made them criminals with the stroke of a pen.

Dwight Morgan Kettle Falls, Washington

UNDERSTANDING ACNE

Your November health column was informative and provided an excellent overview about acne and its effect on self-esteem.

However, on Accutane, a bolder statement must be made. Accutane is severly teratogenic. It is a substance that interferes with normal prenatal development and can lead to abnormalities in a fetus. So all females must be on contraceptives before starting a prescription.

Accutane should be used only after conventional measures fail. Some physicians will prescribe Accutane without a contraceptive, once they feel they can trust a young woman's word that she is not sexually active. But to do so is risky. This is another area where health education is a must.

Barbara Miller Fresno, California

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

It was surprising to note that your November 1999 article on middle schools (FYI) neglected to cite some critical prerequisites for success: appropriate size of school and class and basic teacher training in developmental education.

The profession may not have responded adequately to the unique needs of pre-adolescents. Instruction must match diverse student needs, interests, and abilities. Students should be receiving instruction appropriate to their achievement levels, through flexible scheduling.

Adult authority and caring is a key to positive and productive relationships with these youngsters. Family, friends, and schools provide the support and feedback that go into balanced personal development. Bottom line: a better individual selfimage, which is so vital to the ability to learn and to get along in this world.

Norm Goldman Hopewell, New Jersey

PARAEDUCATORS

Iam responding to Pat Philipp's letter in the November edition. She was offended that you had printed an article about a school district hiring "aides" so that teachers could have a duty-free lunch. She felt that your article was disrespectful to paraeducators.

I would like to know if Pat gets a "duty-free" lunch, and, if so, why would she have a problem with teachers receiving the same break? If not, the problem lies within her local district. The paraeducators in her school need to talk to their local representatives and possibly file a grievance.

Paraeducators are not teachers. Would a paralegal expect to receive the same privileges as a lawyer? I think not. If so, then why did I invest $40,000 in a college education when I could have been a "paraeducator"?

Don't get me wrong: Paraeducators are a valuable part of the education process. I have a wonderful para whom I could not live without.

Renae Hanson Minneota, Minnesota

SCHOOL VOUCHERS

I find your attack on vouchers interesting to say the least (Cover Story, November). If our inner city public schools were not a total failure, we would not have vouchers. It seems to me that the effort and money spent on legislation and rhetoric since the introduction of school vouchers would be better invested in our inner city public schools. Maybe a fraction of the time and money spent to fight vouchers could be spent on the problems faced by our sisters and brothers in the Milwaukee Public Schools. Let's ask them what effort their union has put forth to make vouchers a non-issue.

Jeffrey A. Eastlick Belmont, Wisconsin

NFL AND VOUCHER PLANS

I am alarmed at the state of the National Football League. I have noticed that for the past several years almost 50 percent of the teams are finishing in the lower half of the standings! We need to stand fast against mediocrity! We must increase the level of competition to help all teams succeed!

In order to make all teams successful, I propose identifying the teams that fall in the bottom half of the NFL for three successive years as "failed teams." An improvement plan would then encourage the "failed" team's tcp players to move to a winning team where they could succeed.

Additionally, I would significantly reduce the amount of money the "failed" team has to spend on salaries and other support. The failed team, left without quality players and no money, would clearly see the need to excel. Under this plan, I dream that all teams would finish undefeated and go on to the Super Bowl. And the worid will be a better place!