Note: Holly Edwards is commenting on an article posted some time ago on this website, Is Public Education Failing? Are We Failing the Public Schools?, by Dave Sagarin

George,

I believe home environment and parental involvement make a significant difference, especially in the earlier years.

However, what I have become more concerned about over time is what I feel like is a radical change in trajectory for individuals without sufficient support systems in place.

At every grade level, thought needs to be given to those which follow. It is laudatory that we put significant resources into early childhood education.But it is criminal that this is often not followed up with in later grades.

I happen to agree with Joy Johnson that the often downward academic trajactory of students moving through middle school is a very important, albeit complicated, problem.

I don't know of any one solution (though I would be the first to admit that front-loading young kids with an appreciation for knowledge is a necessary but not sufficient condition).

Creating a school environment which is safe and positive and creative for students in their teen years is no small task. And I believe it will take people like you working with the community at large to make it happen.

Holly Edwards (Electronic mail, May 3, 2007)