Arkansas teachers face basic skills test controversy
Editorial argues testing reveals real competence issues among Arkansas teachers. It notes current pass marks and retake options, critiques unions for protests, and asserts mandated testing may be necessary to prevent widespread instructional inadequacy. The piece denounces unions and defends reforms as essential for student learning.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Arkansas
American Federation of Teachers
National Education Association
Twain funding black student at Yale cited in defense of Huckleberry Finn
Archive records show Mark Twain quietly funded Warner T. McGuinn’s study at Yale from 1885 to 1887. Critics in Chicago urged banning the novel over frequent use of a racial slur, but proponents argue the book portrays Black characters as capable and condemns racism.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mark Twain
Twain
Yale University
Warner T. McGuinn
Chicago
Huck
Jim
John H. Wallace
Dr. Wallace
Sex hormone trout aim for faster plump dinner fish
British scientists plan to give male hormones to female trout to curb sexual frenzy and spur growth. The approach targets a sex free fish that they say could reach 30 pounds in four years, doubling normal growth while avoiding affection. The remark about worms adds a light note to the research narrative.
We cannot reorder apartheid realities in South Africa
A New York Times Service critique argues the United States must confront apartheid truths, not euphemize them. It notes ABC Nightline’s cautious questions to Botha and Viljoen reveal official evasions and stresses political power as the core issue. The piece assesses Reagan’s constructive engagement as ineffective and calls for a clear US stance rejecting apartheid.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
United States
South Africa
ABC News Nightline
Ted Koppel
Koppel
Nightline
Reagan
New York Times
Letters to the Gazette Praise for Home Makers Service
A reader urges transparency about bids for the Home Makers Service, noting it supports elderly and handicapped clients with home visits, transportation to appointments, light chores, and social contact. The letter praises the workers and asks bidders to meet full needs, not just the bedridden.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Home Makers
City Forester Urges Caution on Tree Topping
A reader lists 25 years in tree work and challenges City Forester Eric Faaborg over his March Gazette remarks on tree topping calling them unprofessional. The letter also condemns DeVere Hirt’s writings as blasphemous and urges readers to reconsider beliefs in light of biblical scripture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Gazette
Eric Faaborg
Faaborg
Cedar Rapids
Fanborg
DeVere Hirt
God
Not paternity but teachings are the test fallout
A reader denounces a March 15 Outlooks column by DeVere Hirt arguing Jesus was not God. The letter defends Christ's deity citing biblical verses and argues the columnist misinterprets Matthew 19 17 and Isaiah 7 14 while urging readers to rely on scripture.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paul
Mr. Hirt
Hirt
Christ
DeVere Hirt
Jesus
The
Gazette
Jesus Christ
God
Newspaper unit thanks Jerry Elsen for school visit
Newell Hills Elementary editors in first and second grade thank Jerry Elsen for visiting during the newspaper unit. He taught about the paper and its opinion page and helped students craft stories focusing on the five Ws.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Our Hills
Jerry Elsen
Elsen
Taking the guff editorial supporter letter
Richard J. Marshall of 1721 Blake Blvd SE endorses Reagan and Grassley for 1986 elections in a March 22 letter to the editor. The note reflects party alignment and civic engagement from a local reader.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Reagan
Grassley
Richard J. Marshall
Blake Blvd
Also Mentioned on This Page
J.P. Hladky, Jr
Board of
Joe Hladky LT
John Donnelly
John Robertson
Art Heusinkveld
Sharpeville
R.F. Botha
Anthony Lewis
Gerrit Viljoen
Viljoen
Desmond Tutu
Botha
Pretoria
the Gazette
D.E. Meyers
Center Point
Ars
Pentagon
Heidi Schrock
Susan Cozine
Shawana Jones
Bud Wahl
Jamie Jean
Meranda Hayft
Greg Smith
Matt Persinger
Brian McConnell
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