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AEP Online |
Study Reveals Disconnect in Perceived Progress on NCLB GoalsAs the Feds continue to measure state progress on NCLB goals, superintendents, principals, and teachers gave voice to what they see as the real issues facing public education in Reality Check 2006, an Educational Insights report from Public Agenda. "The Insiders: How Principals and Superintendents see Education Today" is the fourth in the series of tracking reports on education issues. This installment highlights the disparity between how much more needs to be done for public schools and the crush of federal regulations designed for more change. Regardless of concerns expressed by the lawmakers and business community, the majority of superintendents (93%) and principals (80%) believe that children today receive a better education than they did. Most of the two when combined (84%) believe that school is also harder than when they were in school. One of the most interesting contrasts is the perception of teacher quality. Earlier this summer USED released its findings that not a single state had managed to meet the benchmark on teacher quality. However, large majorities of superintendents and principals rate their teaching staff with high marks. Ninety-five percent of superintendents and 94 percent of principals are confident that their teachers know a lot about the subjects that they teach. On the other hand, schools that are more likely to have poor and minority students - those that NCLB was originally intended to serve - are not as optimistic about the state of education. A majority of superintendents (78%) and principals (67%) believe that too many kids lack respect for teachers and use bad language. Large majorities also reported that too many students drop out of school, and they are also significantly less satisfied with their teaching staffs. When it comes to their opinion about what might help improve the condition of schools, there is not much support for NCLB regulation. Two-thirds of those surveyed want fewer mandates and the bureaucracy and red tape associated with them, and only a few (11% of superintendents and 16% of principals) believe that using business practices would improve the school leadership. Only four percent believe that alternate certification will help schools meet their literacy goals. Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 856-241-7772. |
Click here to download the report. |
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2008 The Association of Educational
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