No Fawn Left Behind

To the Editor:

It is time someone sets the record straight regarding the deer. You know, the ones that are getting hit by cars. I think I have the solution. The answer lies in addressing the root of the problem. And the problem is this: I believe that there is a segment of the deer population that has reading problems.

Yes, we put up signs alongside the road where we know the deer will cross. But what happens? Some of the deer have difficulty reading them. Why? There are many factors. Low-income habitats. Instinct disabilities. Lack of parental imprinting. Sure, they might be able to read, but their comprehension skills are low. Toss in weak word decoding strategies, and you have a recipe for disaster.So what do we do?

I have a plan. I call it No Deer Left Behind. What we do is identify the deer that are lagging behind. We intensify efforts to boost basic skills. We initiate a standardized testing format. We hold conservation districts accountable, punishable by funding reductions, re-quired implementation of supplemental deer tutorial services, and staff restructuring. And voilà, problem solved.

No Deer Left Behind. Finally a program where you can really get a bang for your buck.

Michael Penkava
Crystal Lake