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Education should highlight academics

In the Sept. 10 Guest View, Kurt Laakso, former principal of Prospect High School, wrote, "What an EDUCATOR can do to make America great." He talks of universal empathy and equity, diversity, social justice, civic mission, common good, etc. This all sounded very sweet and full of emotion and liberal thinking. But, mind you, he doesn't want to be controversial.

He never once mentions academics, the importance of working hard to make good grades, to study and excel independently, to be honest, patriotic, and teaching young people integrity. This kind of learning would improve on America's greatness and keep it great.

I would like to offer my own acronym in support of all educators out there who are entrusted with our children's golden opportunity to learn, learn learn:

Enlighten young minds

Discourage group think, promote independent study

Unlock individual strengths

Create questioning and curiosity

Accept no prejudice or bullying

Teach academics, not emotions

Obscure partisan biases in the classroom

Respect differences.

We need strong, critically thinking, intelligent, decision making leaders for our country.

Sara Schmidt

Des Plaines

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