To the editor: We are writing to express our enthusiastic support for Miranda Turner to receive the Democratic endorsement for the Arlington School Board election.
We have been elementary-school tutors for disadvantaged Arlington and D.C. students. We have witnessed the severe extent that the last few years have significantly diminished literacy and widened equity gaps. Our current reality is that Arlington has kids in fourth and fifth grade who are functionally illiterate. Instead of reading to learn, they are still struggling with learning to read.
Turner’s No. 1 priority is rightly on instruction. She advocates for an all-hands-on-deck approach to support classroom educators in their effort to reverse this trend. She supports increased instructional time, interventionists, tutoring and after-school and summer programs to counter the attainment gaps in literacy and numeracy.
Turner supports both equity and excellence. She recognizes that we must address achievement gaps and ensure that Arlington maintains high standards. Every student should be given the opportunity, access and support to reach his or her highest potential with advanced/accelerated classes.
Turner is a longtime Arlington resident and ardent APS volunteer, serving in several roles. She has a personal stake in school-system performance with three children. She is a successful attorney and community advocate. We are lucky she enthusiastically wants to serve on the School Board to help our community.
If you are an Arlington Democrat, please join us in supporting Miranda in the upcoming caucus.
Sam and Debbie Kirzner, Arlington
