AFT-Speeches

Shanker is speaking on the issues of multicultural education in America, Student Incentives, Marketing Schools, Testing and School of Choice.

Shanker talks about the NAGB's proposed achievement goals for NAEP exams for grades 4, 8 and 12.

Shanker talks about the education in America being less and less competitive with other countries. He talks about the NAEP and how that can help assess students properly. He also touches on tuition vouchers and tax credits.

Al Shanker advocates for the establishment of national education standards and examinations. He states that without them, there is no effective way to measure students and that currently, each state has a different set of standards which makes national comparison difficult. He argues for a national system “without surrendering the freedom to make important decisions on the state and local levels.” He also argues that such standards would improve teacher training as well because there would be clear goals for what teachers should know how to teach.

In this testimony, Al Shanker addresses concerns about the United States falling behind competing nations. Shanker states that America's economic competitiveness hinges upon its ability to educate its citizens properly. Shanker suggests three areas that could be improved: education quality in high school, tightened standards of entrance into colleges and universities, and a stronger connection between school and work.  read more »