The Oct. 10 article, “Maine education officials going ‘back to basics’ on reading and math,” misses the important point. When looking at the graph comparing reading and math testing scores there is a very interesting piece of data. One state, Louisiana, has improved greatly in reading and significantly in math. All other states had decreased their scores.

Shouldn’t Maine and all the other states be studying how Louisiana has accomplished this? Rep. Kelly Murphy of Scarborough says we need to focus on evidence-based practices and provide teachers with better access to high quality instructional resources. Louisiana is succeeding at this.

For over 10 years, Louisiana had developed a strategy to improve student learning by prioritizing evidence-backed curricula and providing teachers with ample support. Instead of mandates, Louisiana used free professional development, state-negotiated contracts and funding supports. Research shows when teachers receive curriculum-based training student learning improves. Isn’t this what we all want?

Maine should be sending some teachers and lawmakers to Louisiana to study what they have done and how they are doing it. I have great confidence in Maine teachers. Given this opportunity they can help our children be readers and mathematicians.

Valerie Razsa
Gray