As a young teacher beginning my career, I was overjoyed to hear Gov. John Baldacci address the issue of education in his recent State of the State address. Finally, a politician who understands that taking standardized tests is not the same thing as learning.

Assessments are important, but the governor is right when he says that we can meet assessment goals in new ways that don’t just add more and more layers of testing. I applaud his interest in addressing this growing problem.

The governor also proposed a significant hike in starting teacher salaries. This will give college kids a good incentive to consider teaching as a career. If we really want to attract the best and the brightest to this often challenging profession, increasing salaries is an important step.

Baldacci has already demonstrated a huge commitment to Maine’s young people by opening up access to higher education through the community college system. During his speech, he announced another program to help Mainers save money for college.

I am very heartened by these steps and urge the Legislature to make good on the promise of these proposals.

Christopher Rheault,

New Gloucester