No doubt some teachers in Calhoun County have downloaded the exceptional educational lectures by Salman Khan, who not only thoroughly understands the subjects he teaches but also gets them across with a personable inspiration. The download is free thanks to Bill Gates. Grades 1 through 12 are covered for math, the sciences and many other subjects.

One computer with a projector and a blackboard-sized screen will serve a class with the teacher sitting at the rear operating the computer. Every teacher in the county should take a few days this summer to familiarize themselves with those Khan lectures pertinent to the courses they teach.

Help is available in the download for testing and grading. Preparing next-day classes is easier. We can expect many improvements in the quality of life for both teachers and students besides a quantum leap in student achievement.

Lack of innovative thinking by the hierarchy of the National Education Association will soon be responsible for the demise of our public schools by charter schools, many of which will use the Khan lectures with great effect. We must act quickly.

Tom Hutchinson
Anniston