Use Peer Counselors

Re “Stakes Get Personal in School Reform,” Sept. 4: I have taught elementary school in Southern California for 30 years, 13 of them in a largely minority school. I applaud the efforts of Charles Jones Junior High to do whatever it takes to get students to learn.

They have noted “paltry parent involvement” and have proposed sending “teams of administrators and a guidance counselor to visit parents at home.” May I suggest: It might be much more effective to send a minority parent who has become involved in his or her children’s education and has seen them achieve and go on to success. In my experience, many minority parents are frightened or hesitant to confer with “authorities” and would be more apt to take suggestions from a peer.

ALDA DONOHUE

Westlake Village