Profiles of Learning, the state graduation standards, once again escaped major changes Tuesday.

Wednesday, December 08, 1999

Profiles of Learning, the state graduation standards, once again escaped major changes Tuesday.

Since its inception, the grad standards have come under criticism and praise both, with vigorous attempts to amend the requirements - and vigorous defense of them.

The standards have only been in place for two years, and that’s not enough time to measure their performance.

When a new bridge is built, it is not immediately struck down because some people do not like the walkway part of it, or the way the guardrails block the view of the river. If it is safe, it will stand, and if it is proven it needs modification after time, those modifications will be made.

The standards are similar. They must stand and be measured as they are for a while before modifications can be deemed necessary. Their results are quantifiable, but not in two years.

Come back in a few more years and see the results, and then decide if a new bridge is needed.