Since every person on this planet is a unique gift to the world, it stands to reason that many young people have a variety of learning styles as well. Some children will learn no matter how you teach them; others need to be reached in an alternative-learning style.

I believe very strongly in public education because it teaches kids to get along in a diverse world. However, there may be better ways to engage our students by capitalizing on their interests. I would love to see more schools-within-a-school that would give students with special interests such as performing arts, philosophy, technology, math and science, more emphasis in those areas. (Notice I put arts and philosophy first, because I often feel we push the sciences rather than the arts, remember the degrees are bachelor of arts or bachelor of science).

While I like the idea of charter schools, I see problems as to how to assure consistency if entire communities or states converted to having charter schools. I am truly for any program that emphasizes our children learning in a way that benefits them, nurturing their intellect, talents and their ability to enjoy learning, care about each other and give back productively to the world around them.

-- Sandra Smith, Kennewick