Outcome Based Education hamstrings our educators

Outcome Based Education, a student-centered learning philosophy measuring performance by observation and experimentation, is fine for creating round pegs for round holes. In the global economy, however, many other shapes are needed. Since our competition learns a third language before fifth grade or trigonometry in sixth grade, OBE places future graduates at grave disadvantage. Diversity […]

Where our food comes from really does matter

MaineGeneral Health deserves credit for sponsoring the production of an insightful short film that highlights the hard work of area farmers and emphasizes the value of local farms to our communities, economy and way of life in Maine. “The Farmers’ Market: Where Your Food Comes From Matters” premiered last month to a full house at […]

How many will die because of budget cuts?

If state budget cuts remove 24,000 people from the MaineCare system, how many hundreds or thousands of those will die premature deaths? And who is responsible for those deaths? Larry Dansinger, Monroe

Governor has no excuse not to sign BPA ban

What’s the worst that can happen if you consume the plastic additive bisphenol-A? Some women “may have little beards,” Gov. Paul LePage said last year. This glib and casual dismissal has even less credibility in light of a new National Academy of Sciences study, which strengthens the link between BPA and learning disabilities, reproductive disorders […]

Mainers proud of our clean elections system

Maine citizens, along with town and city councilors around the state and across the nation, are passing resolutions asking Congress to begin the process of amending the U.S. Constitution to make it clear that states can regulate the use of money in elections. A vote on such a resolution will be held at the Vassalboro […]

Chelsea students draw, write about town’s history

Pen and ink drawings, poems, essays and pictures told the stories of bits of Chelsea’s history at an inspiring event run by the Chelsea Grange with the Chelsea Elementary School’s seventh- and eighth-graders. This is the kind of happening and exhibition of student work that we don’t hear about every day, an event that gives […]

Pedestrian safety begins with painting crosswalks

In the article, “Pedestrian fears growing in Augusta,” May 14, Councilor Darek Grant asks what can we do to make this city more community friendly regarding the safety of pedestrians crossing our streets. Many of our pedestrian crossings no longer contain visible lines to give drivers notice. The city of Augusta needs to send out […]

Article about victim tabloid journalism at its worst

Hallowell Clean-Up Day gave important lessons

Hats off to Hallowell’s children, teachers and community. Months ago, Mayor Charlotte Warren and the members of Hallowell’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee supported the request of my two 6-year-olds to hold a Clean-Up Day, which took place on May 23. The entire Hall-Dale Elementary School community was invited to join in the effort, and we […]

Hernandez understands issues the 99 percent face

Dana Hernandez is smart, politically savvy and able to bring people with differing ideas together to get things done. She understands the issues voters are struggling with and, has the passion to devote her energies to solving the problems facing this state. Hernandez has the experience we need a senator to possess. She formed Mainely […]