Having to take one brush-up course is not a big deal. But students who have to take two or three end up never completing anything in college, so it's something you want to fix. |
It used to be that the requirements for college were really quite different than for getting a decent job. But with all the changes in the workplace, that's no longer the case. The core reading, writing and math skills are about the same for both. |
It's a sign that something is wrong. It's a reason for people to ask questions whether their state standards are rigorous enough. |
It's really about where we focused for the last 10 or so years. We have approached education reform kind of like it's immunization. |
People with privileges fight to keep privileges. |
That we have such problems is clear. The way to better results is less clear. |
The news in elementary schools is very good. Achievement is up in almost every state. |
The overwhelming message ... is we need to be asking more of our kids. |
They're trying to get out from under the federal law. That kind of public opposition is often interpreted by local educators as permission not to try. |