Minnesota students in both fourth and eighth grades are among the nation's best in math, according to the 2009 "Nation's Report Card" ("Minnesota math scores: good but not best," Oct. 15). Yet the Minnesota Business Partnership's Jim Bartholomew seems to dismiss this result, saying "we're amongst the best of a mediocre country."

Bartholomew should take a closer look. In the same article, we are reminded that last year, "Minnesota's fourth- and eighth-graders were found to be near the top of the world in math and science on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. Students in only four of 36 countries outperformed Minnesotans in fourth-grade math, and only five of 49 countries did better in eighth-grade math."

And we should note, Minnesota, like the rest of America and unlike much of the rest of the world, takes in and tests all students.

Yes, there is room for improvement in Minnesota schools. Yes, there is an achievement gap that must be addressed. But it will take all of us -- educators, parents, students and members of the community (including business leaders) -- to help make every student's education a great one. As always, we invite business leaders to spend at least a day in our classrooms to get a greater sense of the real issues facing our schools.

I congratulate Minnesota's students and educators on a job well done!

TOM DOOHER, ST. PAUL; PRESIDENT, EDUCATION MINNESOTA