[Regarding “Education Battleground: Edwards, Republican Panel Talk ‘Leftist Agenda’ in Schools,” Aug. 24, Xpress:] I do not believe our schools are doing a good job teaching the basics, as they are overburdened with administrative duties and other mandated items.
In elementary school especially, they need to work on reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, along with study skills. It is appalling the percentage of children who struggle with basic skills. This should be the primary focus, not social issues.
— Ronald Pownall
Black Mountain