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Posted: Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Letter by:
Judith Porter
On the botched execution. Not the State's fault
According to reports the following happened
First the inmate refused food and drink that day. How many other days did he refuse fluids? Veins will collapse if a person does not drink
Second. The inmate damaged his arms so veins could not be utilized. By the way. There are veins in the breast area that could be used. Closer to the heart. More fluids. Been there done that
Third. Inmate was combatant that day. He had to be tased in order to control him
Botched execution? No. Inmate not ready to die for burying a woman still alive
Posted: Saturday, March 01, 2014
Letter by:
Nina Blasingame
What happened to the Words of Wisdom in the Life Section of the paper. As far as I'm concerned, that's the only thing worth reading.
Posted: Sunday, December 22, 2013
Letter by:
Sherri Miller
(Editor�s Note: The following is a parent response to Mid-Del Schools� Supt. Pam Deering from the State Department of Education)
As a parent and member of the Mid-Del Parent Legislative Action Committee, I am very aware of the issues surrounding the A-F report card. I was disappointed to read the State Department of Education�s response to Dr. Deering�s article on accountability and the A-F grading system. It seems to me that every time the A-F grading system is questioned, the SDE takes a defensive position evident in their attack on Dr. Deering. I understand that the SDE involved educators, but apparently chose not to use their expertise to fix the flaws in the A-F system. It would seem appropriate for the SDE to collaborate and discuss with our educators the very real issues with the report card. I agree that there are differences in opinions about what research says or does not say. I only know that as a Mid-Del parent, I am not convinced that Oklahoma�s current system is a true reflection of how well a school is doing. I understand the SDE has looked to Florida to pattern the A-F report card after. Yet the founder of the Florida�s system, after 15 years, has come forward to say that the Florida system is flawed and needs to be revamped entirely. We can�t wait 15 years to do the right thing for Oklahoma schools� report card! While the report card issues are debated, we are missing important conversations about funding for public education and attracting more great teachers to our district and our state. Cuts of over $200M to public education are not acceptable and our students ultimately pay the price. It is my sincere hope that our legislators will fight for funding our schools.
Respectfully, Sherri Miller Mid-Del Parent
Posted: Monday, December 09, 2013
Letter by:
Dee Landerman
If you don�t mind, I�d like to share an opinion. I believe gay marriage is ludicrous on several levels. Although it is designed by God, putting any religious aspects aside - just focus on the intended purpose: 1. Marriage was decreed for procreation. 2. Marriage is a safeguard for a virgin, making sexual intimacy with her husband acceptable. Without marriage she would be considered a whore or harlot. 3. Marriage was to protect her in pregnancy and insure support from her husband for herself and children. Within that framework of reasons� how does marriage apply to gay couples? It�s inconceivable (play on words). Physically, marriage is a uniting of two opposite parts, specifically made to fasten together into one working unit � otherwise it�s considered, odd, strange or perverted. In electrical and mechanical trades and manufacturing, each half of a pair of mating connectors or fasteners is conventionally assigned the designation male or female. The �female� connector is generally a receptacle that receives and holds the �male� connector. Even though today�s amoral society will frown on the fundamental reason for marriage, it doesn�t apply to homosexual relationships. Gay marriage is just plain idiotic, and so are the judges that pass laws to allow them.
Dee Landerman
Posted: Tuesday, December 03, 2013
Letter by:
Phil Bacharach
I was disappointed to read Dr. Deering�s negative remarks in the Nov. 22 edition of EastWord about the A-F school grading system administered by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
Particularly troubling is her belief that the grading system essentially had been discredited through a pair of studies by OU and OSU education researchers. These studies -- the first of which was funded by two education-establishment organizations with a stake in the grades -- arrived at some curious conclusions. The researchers, who based their findings on a meager 3 percent of graded schools, found that 70 percent of achievement in the classroom is due to factors beyond a school�s control.
There are, of course, stark realities that impact students. Far too many Oklahoma children live in poverty and endure the litany of hardships that go with it. That doesn�t mean schools can or should give up on those kids. Education is often a way out of poverty. The grading system is about accountability, expectations and academic rigor � traits every bit as important in a school serving poor students as those in affluent suburbs.
Dr. Deering wouldn�t condone a teacher excusing low-income students from a math test. Surely, that same standard should apply to our schools.
The A-F grading system is clear, concise and based on a straightforward formula that is evenly divided between academic performance and student growth. That�s not the �arbitrary� concoction painted by Dr. Deering.
Nor is the grading system designed to embarrass anyone. Rather, it is a tool to bring transparency and accountability to a public education system in which, frankly, many Oklahomans have lost faith. A-F is akin to a visit to the doctor. Not knowing you have a health problem does not make that ailment go away. If you know about it, however, you can treat it and take steps to lead a healthier life.
So it is with A-F. Discrediting its review does no good. Rather, we need to look at the results and strive to improve opportunities for our children.
Moreover, Dr. Deering and the entire Midwest City-Del City communities have much for which to be proud. Mid-Del Public Schools had five A schools and five B schools. Not a single site received an F.
Phil Bacharach director of communication, Oklahoma State Department of Education
