TONI CASEY DEMANDS EDUCATION REFORM

By Toni C. Casey

Accountability, Transparency & Choice

Twenty years later, the Koret Task Force assembled by the Hoover Institute at Stanford University has found that our educational systems continue to be entrenched with mediocrity and that any reforms made in the last20 years have been more symbolic than substantive.

Our strength as a nation depends upon the educated intelligence of our citizens. Systemic change in the structure of our school systems is essential. These fundamental changes must hold schools accountable, provide citizens with a transparent system, and give parents more choices.

Accountability

School boards, administrations and teachers must be held accountable for teaching all children the basic skills of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and computer sciences so that every child has the tools to succeed in the 21st century and to share in the American dream of ownership and independence.

Clear goals of academic achievement must be set and clear consequences must be stated that failing schools will not be funded from public funds. Moreover, federal and state policy should be aligned to support local decisions on how these academic goals should be reached.

Transparency

Parents, teachers, students, school boards, and administrators need to know exactly how their school measures up to academic achievement and where the funds are being spent. This information must be on a web site with easy access to all. The Federal government needs to capture comparative data and best practices and to publish the information on a national website so ideas and knowledge can be shared throughout America.

Choice

With the right information, parents can chose which school is best for their child. Choice brings freedom, innovation, and competition. Vouchers or tax credits should be provided to parents who are in a failing school system and there should be no limit for the number of charter schools.