Thanks to readers of this column

This column originally appeared in a number of APG of East Central Minnesota newspapers during November, 2024, including the Sun Post, Sun Sailor and Sun Current.

Thanks to readers of this column

As we move toward Thanksgiving, I want to thank you—feisty, insightful readers. Some of you write to me each week. Here are four examples of readers who’ve responded in the last month. Each has given me a better understanding of how to be more useful.

Kevin, who reads the Dakota County Tribune pointed out: “There is, of course, no such thing as free public or private education. While it might be provided at no cost to the recipient, any service provided by another entity is paid for by someone else somewhere. Perhaps an Econ 101 program should be included.” He agreed that education has value. But he also convinced me that it’s more accurate to describe public education as taxpayer-supported, rather than free.

Paula, from a small town, wrote: “I would love to see future articles on bullying in schools. I’ve heard from many parents regarding their child being bullied and the schools not dealing with it or turning their heads. Teachers, administration and counselors need more training on bullying! This is very serious & personal to me. Students are so stressed, anxious and have many more challenges today than ever!”

Minnesota’s recent statewide survey of students affirms what Paula wrote. This is an important issue. I’ll be discussing what families and educators can do in an upcoming column. Incidentally, if you’ve seen progress on this issue in a school where you work, or where your children or teen attend, please write and share what was done.

A third reader from the Elk River area disagreed with my use of the word “angry” to describe someone who had disagreed with what I wrote about Minnesota test scores. Jan wrote, “When a heading says angry it sends a totally different message than concerned.” We had an email discussion about how we react to the two words, “concerned” and “angry.” She felt “concerned” was much more appropriate. She offered several statistics to show Minnesotans should be concerned.

I agree with her that I could have used the word “concerned.” I could also have used words like “troubled, disturbed, uneasy, or upset,” given the seriousness of the situation.

It appears that this reader thinks the word “angry” implies criticism. That’s not how I meant it. I think it’s OK to be angry about some things happening in Minnesota and in the U.S. But I understand that this reader, and probably others, felt a different word would have been more respectful.

Another person who reads the Burnsville-Eagan Sun Thisweek wrote, “We enjoyed your article titled ‘Important messages from families and students’. It was so refreshing to see the positives and benefits of school choice and charter options included in a newspaper article.”

The column this reader mentions shared some family insights. Many families are looking for much more from schools than improving test scores. This was a column that shared parents’ explanations of why they had chosen a particular school.

Broadly, what I’m trying to do is be useful, constructive and supportive of many wonderful things happening in this state. Sometimes I’ll raise concerns. I also hope readers will find information here that’s not available elsewhere.

Where people respond to columns, whether agreeing or disagreeing, you’re helping me be a better writer. Even more important, your responses help me understand what you see and what you’re seeking.

So, to all who’ve written, my deep thanks.

Joe Nathan, PhD has been a Minnesota public school educator, researcher and PTA president. He founded and currently is a senior fellow at the Center for School Change.  Reactions welcome, joe@centerforschoolchange.org