Time and money. None of us has enough of either, and the state’s school systems are no exception. But that’s not a good reason to postpone the state’s Learning Results requirements.

A proposal by Education Commissioner Susan Gendron would delay some requirements by a year. This year’s freshman class would have been the first required to meet Learning Results standards in English and math to graduate.

Gendron cites the state’s lackluster performance in meeting its financial obligation to local school systems as the motivation behind the delay. The state currently pays about 44 percent of education costs, even though it is required by law to pay 55 percent.

That gap, the commissioner maintains, makes it too difficult for schools to effectively implement Learning Results and local assessments. Difficult, sure. But not impossible.

The superintendent of SAD 39 in Buckfield, Hartford and Sumner told the Sun Journal that it cost the district $200,000 to meet the Learning Results deadlines. Clearly, money is a consideration when we talk about school performance and developing new programs.

But like SAD 39, Lewiston and Auburn say they are prepared to meet the standards on schedule. Sure, another year would give them breathing room, but they are ready to go. Auburn, in fact, is two years ahead of the deadline on graduation requirements.

Other districts aren’t ready, but it’s difficult to lay all the blame on a cash crunch.

The Learning Results were established in 1997 and implementation of the new requirements was to be spread between 2001 and 2011. After six years in the works, nobody in education should be surprised by the timeline.

The state’s efforts to increase accountability and performance in education are noble. High standards, such as those included in Learning Results, are a key component for providing Maine’s students with the top-notch education they deserve. The standards, once fully implemented, would allow multiple layers of assessment and protect students from a system that places too much emphasis on standardized tests that students will have to take.

Gendron is expected to make her recommendation to the Education Committee, but it must be approved by the full Legislature before Learning Results can be delayed.

If a delay is approved, districts that lollygagged on the deadline would be given a reprieve, and those that don’t fully support the program will be given more time to undermine its implementation.

When a teacher postpones a difficult exam, students – even ones who have prepared and feel confident – enjoy some sense of relief. But just like students who get more time to prepare, some school districts may well utilize the extra time, while others will waste their good fortune without making progress.

The state has not lived up to its responsibilities to fund education, but that does not excuse schools from their own homework assignments.

It’s time to move forward. Learning Results should not be put off.
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