School Play

Everyday we hear and read of the failures of our schools. I have just witnessed a dramatic success. At an inner-city school--Hobart Elementary--I saw a remarkable performance of “Twelve Angry People.” The students almost all have accents, Spanish, various Asian languages, but they understand and convey the meaning of the speeches.

A gifted and dedicated young teacher, Rafe Esquith, each year produces remarkable plays. The audience is as mixed as the performers. I don’t know any of the students at the school, but I go to the performances each year for the pure joy of seeing students excel. How do we lure more dedicated young men and women into the teaching profession?

ROSLYN B. SHAPIRO

Los Angeles