I'm replying today in response to David Fletcher's letter to the editor about Oregon City High School's 94% graduation rate ("Earned Fs," Feb. 5). He took issue with OCHS's principal, Tom Lovell, when he told his staff that they had "given" over 1000 F's to their failing students.
Mr. Fletcher made the point that the students "earned" the 1000 F's. Actually, I think he missed the point. Mr. Lovell's choice of words was intended to get his educational community to take more responsibility for the failure of their students. The principal was asking his school professionals to create a new culture whereby students are not alone with their struggles.
The OCHS staff rose to the challenge and instead of simply giving "passing" grades to students that were failing (as Mr. Fletcher implied), the teachers have chosen to tutor students during their lunch and prep time, counselors are identifying failing students for early intervention and the OCHS administration has created programs that will remediate the skills of struggling students.
OCHS is recognized for its successful community school and it is clear they truly care about the kids in that community. Success breeds success, and as OCHS continues to change the "culture of failure" and work on refining and improving what they do, a 94% graduation rate will be a floor, not a ceiling as they move forward.
Bravo OCHS! Now, get back to work....
Terry Egan, Oregon City
Government control not the answer: If Tina Kotek believes she can control market forces by instituting rent control, she needs to study some economic history. Any time the rate of return in a market sector is fixed by government fiat, money moves to markets with higher, unregulated returns. We are currently in an inflated real estate market that has affected many cities. But the market will adjust and create housing faster if the rental returns are not constrained by government interference. What we need is more money building rental housing, not less. Government control always creates shortages.
Bryan Gilham, North Portland
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