Money on the list but it's not alone

As a public school teacher who earned an "Exemplary Teacher" award I'd like to add to Christine Boreland's list of ideas for school success ("Money isn't answer to school failures," Aug. 11). Students require intrinsic motivation, continuous effort, personal responsibility, unwavering dedication to schoolwork, enthusiasm for learning, curiosity and interest, consistent attendance, attentiveness to the lessons, proper classroom behavior, acceptance and adherence to schoolwide culture and rules, strong work ethic, long-term goals and a positive, literate adult role model at home who insists that school be the primary focus in the student's life. Frustratingly, teachers and policy makers have little or no control over these requirements.

It is an extensive and some would say overwhelming list indeed. Yet, without these essential ingredients, student success on a large scale will be difficult to achieve with money alone. As an educator and parent I believe that these intangible, crucial requirements would have more impact in stopping the cycle of student failure than all the tax dollars in the world.

I implore lawmakers to think carefully, critically and realistically before allocating more hard earned tax dollars into failing schools. Money alone isn't the answer.

Valerie Goranson

Libertyville