EDITORIAL: Our agenda for Regent Tilles

There's no question that Roger Tilles merits another five-year term representing Long Island on the state Board of Regents. But what should his agenda be? Our list: Fixing teacher certification and rescuing failing schools.

In March, the Senate and the Assembly together will elect Regents, and there's no opposition to Tilles. Nor should there be. His hard work, high visibility and presence in individual districts are all commendable. He also had deep experience in education in Michigan before his election here.

Now, the agenda. As Tilles knows, the revitalization of the Wyandanch community can't happen without a revolution in the school district. It can't seem to emerge from an endless loop of nepotism and internecine warfare on the school board - a struggle that's not helping the children at all.

A full takeover isn't the answer. But the State Education Department's rocky experience in taking over Roosevelt schools must not make him shy away from any other strategy that will help, such as a charter school, or contracting with a university education school or some other entity to help run the district. Whatever it is, the state has to do something.

Tilles is also a major proponent of a more rigorous certification process for teachers, and he has real expertise on that.

True, Tilles is just one player. But improving teacher certification and schools like Roosevelt and Wyandanch will weigh heavily on his final grade. Call it his Regent's exam. hN