School reform not a success

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Updated: March 11, 2012 8:41AM

How can the Sun-Times claim that the Chicago Public Schools turnaround policy is succeeding when the evidence is mixed at best? [“CPS must learn from successful turnarounds,” Feb. 9] First of all, the cost of the turnaround program is estimated to be $20 million for next year. More important, however, the gains are tiny to nonexistent. Also, the study was funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, the federal agency that oversees education research and reports education statistics. But Rebecca Maynard, a commissioner at the agency, refused to approve the final version of the report, the Sun Times quoted. These turnaround schools get extra funding for very little gain, and it is unclear what these results even mean. I don’t see how the Sun-Times can consider this a success.

Edward Dziedzic,

Rogers Park

Protect religious freedom

The new legislation, supported by the president and Democrats, that requires Catholic institutions to provide insurance coverage for contraception, etc., is a significant breach of the constitutional separation of church and state. That breach is extremely unacceptable by many, including non-Catholics. Though it has not yet attracted significant media attention, there is a widespread grass-roots sentiment that President Obama has grossly overstepped fundamental boundaries. A sentiment that quite possibly will be the deciding factor in this election. A possible solution would be to require these institutions to clearly inform their employees, and all employees prior to hire, that the institution lacks such insurance coverage. Such a disclosure would provide individuals with accurate information, should they choose employment at that institution, while protecting religious freedom.

Barbara S. Marion,

Palos Hills

Sticker snafu just the latest

What’s in the drinking water at the office of city clerk? First we get the city clerk going to a federal prison for his role in the hired truck scandal, then we get the stickers that don’t stick and now we get the stickers that may or may not be gang symbols. If the city clerk’s office were a reality TV show, its ratings would surely surpass the Kardashians or maybe the Blago chronicles. It’s time to dump that office and hire a professional that at least could prevent the city from becoming a laughingstock. Shut off the drinking water.

Bob Angone, South Loop