"Randomized experimentation" in education is merely leading to
a generation that can truly be called "lost."


Recent articles in you paper have begun to show why school reforms of the
last 10 years are failing.  One spoke of a principal being punished for
being too strict a disciplinarian.  Another spoke of the risks involved in
basing education policy on hunches.  But the one describing research by a
Cornell sociologist showing why teens are alienated from school cops the
cake.  Among the reason given were:  the students' perception that
teachers do not treat them with respect; students not feeling safe in
school; students not being connected to either school or community
activities; and the use of alcohol.  Not one word about student attitudes
toward academic subject matter - especially having to learn to read and
write.  Recent studies of youthful prisoners who have dropped out of
school indicate instead that the primary reason for feeling alienated was
that they had never learned to read or write.  They felt that school was
useless, and thus proceeded to drop out and turn to crime.

The study about basing educational policy on hunches talked about
"randomized experiments in education."  While the Cornell project did
interview students, it really was a fine example of such "experiments."
What is needed is thorough experimentation on what really works in helping
students achieve a sense of accomplishment by realizing that they are able
to master essential knowledge.  As a respected thinker recently wrote,
"Alienation is to be isolated and imprisoned in the tiny dark dungeon of
the ego..." "Randomized experimentation" in education is merely leading to
a generation that can truly be called "lost."

Aldo S. Bernardo
25 Third St
Johnson City, NY 13790
7971346