In the article “Romney faces tough questions on education proposals” (Page A11, May 25) one aspect stood out: Mitt Romney’s assertion that smaller class size doesn’t matter because a consulting firm noted that in foreign countries it doesn’t seem to make a difference. The reason for this is that in those countries students are highly selected. Those who have learning disabilities or who present other challenges are essentially discarded (much as in the United States prior to legislation in the 1970s).
In the United States schools are required to teach ALL students, regardless of ability, social background, and other factors. The role of public education here is to provide all children with the opportunities that education affords and to prepare them to become good citizens who can contribute to society.
What’s more, as a school committee member during Romney’s time as governor of Massachusetts, I found him to be no supporter of education. Each year we had cuts, from reading teachers to the gifted program. This put our schools in a vulnerable position when the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recession struck.
The writer is chairman of the town’s school committee.