Slower kids to get more help in OPUSD

Slower kids to get more help in OPUSD

Criticism of public schools in this area is pretty rare. Complaints occasionally arise, but they’re usually isolated. Generally speaking, most residents are satisfied that local schools, administrators and teachers are doing a good job.

That confidence is reflected in the generosity of taxpayers. Conjeo Valley-Las Virgenes voters usually approve school bond issues. The electorate needed to be convinced a couple of times in previous years, but the bond measures eventually passed.

Investing in public schools usually pays dividends, too, in higher property values. There are lots of nice places to live in Southern California, but not many communities have schools that can match Conejo Valley, Las Virgenes and Oak Park unified school districts. All three have earned excellent reputations.

Many people live here just because of our schools.

One gripe we’ve heard, however, is that local schools put too much emphasis on the top or upper academic achievers. The most needy students—those with academic problems—are sometimes overlooked (or so the theory goes).

The same criticism is probably heard everywhere.

What teacher wouldn’t prefer students who want to learn and have the tools to do it? Add responsible and educated parents who encourage and enhance the process, and it’s a teacher’s dream.

But what about the slower children, the ones who didn’t get all the advantages? Are they being neglected?

Oak Park Unified School District is trying to lift up the slower kids in elementary schools while not de-emphasizing its middle, above average and gifted children.The new program is called "Supporting Every Student." We think it’s a great idea. OPUSD deserves praise for not giving up on kids who deserve every advantage they can get.

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