L.A. Schools in Need of Effective Planning

Dwight Eisenhower once stated: “Plans are nothing. Planning is everything.” It appears from Sam Hall Kaplan’s column (Aug. 2) that the Los Angeles Unified District has succeeded in developing arbitrary plans to satisfy the needs of local bureaucrats while avoiding the public outcry for effective planning.

I applaud Mr. Kaplan’s criticism of the Criterion Inc. study. The casual observer places a high degree of credibility in sophisticated statistical studies, especially if the statistics verify previously held claims. Yet statistics are frequently manipulated and quoted out of context to support the conclusions of the researcher.

With effective long-term planning and objective, uni-dimensional research studies, Los Angeles Unified can shape a strategy that will better meet the needs of the district.

REED MARKHAM

Alta Loma