More than 80 percent of the 700-plus readers who responded to our blog poll this week strongly objected to the proposal, advanced by the Mayor and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, tolay off thousands of city teachers. Much smaller segments expressed cautious concern (10 percent) or weren't much threatened by a "forced purge" (6 percent). DOE, if you're listening, the city's parents are speaking loud and clear: Find other ways to save money without punishing the city's students. Look here for the results.

This week, we're asking readers to think about how the DOE shares important news with young students. Parents of 8th-graders, you will have wrestled with this question already -- and even if your child's still in the sandbox, you, and she, may confront the issue eventually. We welcome your responses.