Rest of the story

I want to commend this newspaper for its insightful editorial “Meeting the tests” on March 4. The point that any more delay in the dates of Learning Results implementation will not help Maine students is right on target. Thank you for understanding and believing in the importance of moving forward.

However, I am a bit confused after reading Ruth-Ellen Cohen’s article, “Educators wary of Learning Results impact,” on March 7. I was present at the public hearing on LD 2136 and disappointed that the reporter’s article did not reflect the majority of testimony in support of holding firm on the LR implementation dates.

Support was broad, representing a range of educators, school board and business and should have been included in the story to provide a balanced view for the readers. In addition to the cursory mention of Ron Barker and Patrick Phillips as supporters, the others providing statements in support of the implementation dates were Jack McKee, school board chair in SAD 58; Leon Levesque, Robert Kautz and Pam Fisher, all superintendents in school districts around the state. Marge Medd, former chair of the State Board of Education and member of the Task Force on Learning Results when it was formed in early 1993, and Ron Bancroft, Portland businessman and former MCEE chair, also presented supportive testimony.

Learning Results are not going away. This legislation provides the impetus to move ahead with determination for the benefit of students.

Dolly Sullivan

Maine Coalition for

Excellence in Education

Andover