Improving Education

Richard Riordan (Letters, Dec. 18) has made one of the most sensible proposals I have seen in a long time. He urges every company, organization and individual in Los Angeles to make a contribution toward improving the education system as a 1989 New Year’s gift to our community.

I would like to suggest that we take a broad view of what is needed for youngsters to be successful students. To be sure, there is an almost unlimited need for tutors and homework helpers, and many schools could use more adequate teaching materials and equipment.

However, young people fail academically for reasons other than a shortage of tutors and teaching resources in school. They may stay away from school because they do not have adequate or appropriate clothes. They can lack energy due to a faulty diet or fail in school for want of eyeglasses. They may lack motivation to pursue studies when the most prosperous role models they see are dealing drugs on the street. Many youngsters need mentors to encourage them and jobs to enable them to stay in school.

In some neighborhoods it is a foregone conclusion that a sizeable number of young people will end up in street gangs and on drugs, but we fail to provide adequate positive alternatives after school hours and on weekends.

I think it is fair to say that poor youngsters are more disadvantaged than their peers from affluent families after school than during school hours. They have fewer opportunities to join positive peer groups and expend their energies in constructive ways, less chance to experience the arts, get meaningful summer jobs and explore career options. They have fewer safe places to play and quiet spaces to do homework.

I do not suggest that it is the job of foundations, businesses and community associations to resolve all of these problems as well as meet all of the supplementary needs of the schools’ academic programs. Some of them, however, might focus on helping organizations that serve kids and families out of schools hours and on strengthening the ability of families to help their own children.

All young people are in an “educational system” that extends well beyond the physical boundaries and class hours of the schools. It includes everything that happens and fails to happen to and for children, and all of us need to find a place in that system where we can help.

BARBARA SEAVER

GARDNER

USC

Los Angeles