Dear Editor,

First, let me say this letter is not directed to the teachers in the Itawamba County School system, but an attempt to show how liberal/progressive policies influence education. For example, the past several years, my children have been taught in school that global warming is real. In 2009, published emails proved that "global warming scientists" were lying about the Earth warming up. Why has this been added to the education curriculum? I believe it's the influence the National Education Association, a liberal/progressive organization, has with the Federal Department of Education.

I also don't believe the federal government should set national education standards such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative (CCSSI). The government claims that participating in CCSSI is voluntary, but federal funding is linked to this program. In the stimulus bill, $4.35 billion in discretionary funding has been given to the Secretary of Education for a program known as Race to the Top. However, in order to receive some of the $4.35 billion, the school must participate in CCSSI which is one more step toward the federal government takeover of the education system.

I believe that the state, local school board, teachers and parents should set testing standards free from the federal government influence. In my opinion, federal national standards will only lead to mediocrity not excellence in our educational system. The liberal/progressive policy of throwing money at a problem is not the solution. Empowering our teachers to set standards of excellence is the first step in ensuring our children receive a quality education.

Richard Comer

Fulton