I read a copy of Mary Adams’ guest column (BDN, Jan. 22). She makes a fervent plea to the people served by SAD 46 schools to protest the significant fall-off of reading achievement in these schools.

I have learned that these schools have been invaded by the so-called “whole language” approach to reading instruction. In my view, the cause of the decline in reading scores in the SAD 46 schools is due to the use of this latest revival of the thoroughly discredited “look-say” anti-phonics method.

Mrs. Adams is quite correct in observing that local school officials have adopted the whole language scheme merely on a faith that it would work. The evidence Mrs. Adams presents in her column demonstrates this faith has not been justified.

I am as puzzled as Mrs. Adams at why the public continues to allow school officials, who seemingly ignore the scientific facts about reading instruction, to submit children’s educational health to the dangers of unproved projects like whole language. We obviously should honor and respect our public schools when they serve us well. On the other hand, when school officials make egregious mistakes, such as the adoption of whole language, they should be openly and forcefully criticized just like any other of our public servants. Patrick Groff, Professor School of Teacher Education College of Education San Diego (Calif.) State University