1 week Ago
TextbooksRe “Norfolk School Board divided on textbooks” (A1, April 4): Having taught at Old Dominion University and having been on the York County School Board, I ask you to first ask why teachers are not using textbooks.The answer is their existing texts are 10-to-12 years old, out of date or damaged, and there are not enough of them for all students. In some cases, teachers are afraid that they may get in trouble because someone doesn’t like a word problem in a math book or how the Civil War is portrayed in the textbook.
So teachers have gone to using Power Point presentations in hopes of covering the high points in a course. This leaves a great deal out of a course. Because courses such as math are additive, if you miss a concept in one year, the next year you are behind.
You cannot adequately teach math without a textbook. The same is true a foreign language, history or even English without a text. And we wonder why students are behind in math and English and why standardized test scores are down, well it can be traced to a lack of books.
Books are the foundation. Lectures are to explain what students don’t understand in the text and to augment information. No book, poor education.
Talbot N. Vivian, YorktownAnimal testingRe “USDA issues warning to Norfolk-based medical school over animal testing” (A1, April 7): Monkeys who suffered and even died because of science experiments gone wrong; chinchillas who were forced to lose 30% of their body weight. The USDA is absolutely right to issue a warning for abuses to animals in the laboratories at Eastern Virginia Medical School, now part of Old Dominion University’s Macon and Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences center.
The USDA warning — its second recently to the facility — reveals Dean Alfred Abuhamad’s comments about “vital research” with animals who are treated with “utmost reverence and care” for what they are: a transparent attempt at soothing Virginia citizens’ and taxpayers’ distress about outdated science that causes great harm to thinking, feeling animals.Our concerns remain valid and the bottom line is clear: ODU’s Health Sciences facility should pledge to close, now and for the future, its animal laboratories.Barbara J.
King, William & Mary emerita professor of anthropology, GloucesterPat HerrityAs a resident of Virginia Beach, I proudly support Pat Herrity for lieutenant governor.Virginia needs a leader who not only has a proven record of winning but also the experience to keep Virginia moving forward. Gov.
Glenn Youngkin has set a strong foundation of leadership, and we must elect candidates who will continue that success. Herrity is endorsed by state Sen. Bill DeSteph, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer and former Congresswoman Thelma Drake.
He is the best choice to hold the lieutenant governor’s seat and ensure Virginia remains the best place to live, work and raise a family.As the only Republican on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Herrity has been a relentless advocate for conservative values. He has fought to protect taxpayers, preserve the Second Amendment, support law enforcement and defend life.
He will continue this effort in Richmond by working to strengthen our economy, restore excellence in our schools and fight to lower the cost of living.Herrity has consistently secured re-election in a district where Youngkin won about 38% of the vote. He has the ability to bring in additional voters, which makes him the strongest candidate for the ticket.
By strengthening GOP margins, he will help secure victories for the entire Republican ticket — ensuring that Winsome Earle-Sears becomes governor and Jason Miyares remains attorney general.John Cannestro, Virginia BeachSign up for Viewpoints, an opinion newsletter.
