National Standards

Hebrew Union College-University of Cincinnati (HUC-UC): “Preparing Teachers for the Twenty-First Century Schools”

jruss — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 14:21:18 -0500

In this speech, toward the end of Al Shanker's life, he retreats somewhat from his earlier rousing calls to innovation and reform. He believes educational experimentation should continue, but since a new model has not been determined, he argues that we should revisit the old model and examine how we can improve it. He suggests looking at educational systems in other countries which operate basically in the same way in terms of having classrooms with teachers largely lecturing students. read more »

Testimony before the Committee on Labor & Human Resources, Subcommittee on Education, Arts & Humanities, United States Senate

jruss — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:50:47 -0500

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.

Testimony before the Committee on Ways and Means, U.S. House of Representatives

jruss — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:07:00 -0500

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 »

Testimony on Goals 2000 Education Standards to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Economic and Educa

jruss — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:55:31 -0400

Shanker testifies to the subcommittee about the importance of keeping a federal role in academic standards. He sites that it will keep the US educational system competitive globally and that there are signs that the tougher national standards are working in raising test scores. He ends by stating that Goals 2000 should stay intact.