Doubts about Common Core are well justified
To Mr. Joe Teeter (“The core problem,” Monday) I have to say, “Right on — been there done that.” I was around in the dark ages when the “new math” was introduced. The Common Core is essentially the same thing for all subjects but really much more complex.
I have seen some of the math problems and to be honest they involve ridiculously complex thinking. When I began teaching I was lucky in that I had been introduced to the terminology at the University of North Carolina getting my math degree and was able to adjust much easier than most teachers to the new math. I remember that there was no training.
Parents complained that they could not help their children with their homework. Rowan Tech (as it was called then) asked if I would teach a class for parents to help them bridge the gap. I agreed to try and I was met at the first class with more than 40 participants. When checking the class I found two parents, an instructor at Rowan Tech and around 40 elementary teachers who were unprepared to teach the new concepts. We spent 30 hours trying to help everybody feel better about the new concepts. Change doesn’t come easily.
The Common Core is geared to the higher level thinking skills but is not grasped very easily by the middle- and lower-level students. I consider Phil Kirk a friend and understand his wish for everyone to achieve at this high level. This was also expressed by Ms. Bullard. I know that much time and money has been spent trying to train the teachers, but in talking to many teachers they don’t feel very comfortable.
Sorry, Phil, but I think this will be another of Mr. Teeter’s here-today-and-gone-tomorrow plans. A lot of money, time, effort and frustration will pass on to the next big idea.

— Ralph Walton
Salisbury

A visit to Woodleaf
I had the opportunity to visit Woodleaf Elementary school recently. As with Cleveland Elementary, I was impressed with the dedication of Woodleaf’s staff and the mutual respect between students and teacher.
Although the concrete-block walls have some cracks, they are cheerfully painted. Overhead, previously added electrical and tech wiring are not enclosed within the ceilings, some of which were lowered sometime in the past. However, this does not seem to be a major distraction for staff or students.
The school proper is spread out more than one would like and is landlocked between houses, roads and a cemetery. This would likely compromise any significant school expansion. The location of the gymnasium is inconveniently separated from the main building, making student access uncomfortable in inclement weather. Despite the school’s capital needs, the maintenance crew has been diligent in keeping the aged building safe and functional.
Most of the limited parking options are unpaved. Some are located at the edge of a hillside sloop that makes getting in or out of the vehicle from the passenger side difficult.
One of the school’s major issues is its dependence on well water. However, septic system issues trump this concern.
As I was leaving, students rotated to the one-line cafeteria for lunch. As they passed, some stepped out of line to give me a high-five and to hug their principal. It was obvious to me that they were in competent, loving hands.
— Chuck Hughes
Salisbury

A Food Lion contest?
I agree with Mr. Wayne Fowler’s letter regarding Food Lion (“A strategy for Food Lion,” May 17). We don’t need cosmetic changes for their stores such as a new slogan or a different color lion. I propose they stand in one of their long lines and wait for an often less than friendly cashier to ring them up.
To be truly responsive to the needs of the public, why don’t they have a contest? Rowan County residents could submit one idea for improvement. The winning idea(s) could receive gift cards.
I think this is the best chance of them saving their business, especially in light of Publix move into North Carolina. Food Lion is a big employer in this area. I’d hate to see them go under.
— Joanne Bryla
China Grove