The conversation about school reform in Washington State has matured to the point where progressives can have a mature conversation about charter schools, graduation standards, school accountability and testing. Witness the programs championed by the Obama administration’s Race to the Top. Dawn McCravey wants to have this discussion in the Washington State Senate.

Unfortunately Christy Steckler’s letter (Oct. 19) does not contribute to this intelligent and important debate. Imputing a whole host of nasty conservative hobgoblins from one remark is way over the top.

If the legislature is allowed consider and discuss school reforms, any new program or policy no doubt will provide a uniquely Washington state solution to the problem of underperforming schools and teachers. At this point Washington is one of a very few states which have not allowed some of the new experimental programs which may improve student outcomes.

Washington students need to be smarter and better educated to compete in today’s world economy. State taxpayers pay too much money for public schools not to expect a full examination of student, teacher and school performance. Due to pressure from special interests, Sen. Rosemarie McAuliffe has blocked that conversation.

Lytton Smith, Bothell