Bad reading

Local authorities employ highly paid directors of education responsible for the schools in their area and they must be called to account. It would appear that some schools can do as they like and if they cannot meet targets, so what?

It is disturbing that the Education Institute of Scotland's (EIS) response is to talk about strike action. Perhaps the EIS would better serve its members if it used its energy to move forward the pace of change rather than engage in political jousting.

Parents are entitled to know where the problems are and what is being done to resolve them. It would also be illuminating to know if the local authorities furthest behind in their preparations are those controlled by political parties of a different political persuasion from that of the Scottish Government.

THOMAS L INGLIS

Menzies Avenue

Fintry

I read you r article on investment in education (3 May) with great interest. I have spent my career working in further education and trying to promote its importance through political activity.

As we come out of this recession we need to invest heavily in further and higher education to produce a workforce with the skills needed to grow the economy. This is the best investment any party can make right now, even though money is limited.

One answer will be to look outside public funding to forge partnerships with industry and commerce. Students must also recognise the opportunities being provided by and, while enjoying the experience, need to see it as the start of a journey and not an end in itself.

CHRISTINE RICHARD OBE

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh