UNIVERSITY PARK Campus School deserves praise for its graduation rate with disadvantaged students, but James R. Gomes's explanation omits the role of parental involvement. ("Worcester's turn-around school," op-ed, April 21). When parents choose to enter their children's names in a lottery for admission, their decision is clear evidence of their values about education. Studies have consistently underscored the importance of this factor in academic achievement. Only by randomly assigning students to either University Park or another neighborhood school and then comparing graduation rates over a stipulated period of time can a compelling case be made one way or another.
WALT GARDNER
Los Angeles
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