Joe DiSalvo's column ("Report cards are overrated as an indicator of progress," Nov. 23) in The Willow Glen Resident questions the importance of report cards. I liked DiSalvo's idea of specific feedback, but why aren't teachers doing that now in addition to the letter grades?

The example of the student who scored 100 percent on tests but gets an F because of a lack of participation in class and homework doesn't make DiSalvo's case. In fact it is an example of where the grade helps the high school or college admissions gate keeper decide against this student.

While the specific feedback on this student might say the child has a perfect grasp of the subject, the disrespect for the class in general results in a failed grade. This is why we need a system like grades, so that others may judge a student against the larger group they will compete against. Ah, there it is, "competition."

We do our children a disservice if we insulate them from the real world of competition. Many teachers, especially in union-controlled public schools, don't get this because they live in the competition void and meritless union system.

Let us not forget we also need student grades as a way to grade the school curriculum and teachers. Public education in California is broken and change, big change, is needed.

Students, and the grades they make, change every school session. What remains the same are the administration, teachers and methods. The taxpayers have no way to know who the ineffective, or apathetic, teachers are due to the road blocks the elephantine school system administrations and the teachers unions impose.

It's pretty obvious to those of us sending our kids to private schools what needs changing.

Steve Yankovich

Willow Glen