Standards-Based Reform

Reality Check 2002: Continued Support for Higher Academic Standards

On March 5, Public Agenda and Education Week announced the results of the fifth annual Reality Check survey of attitudes toward raising academic standards. Reality Check 2002 indicates continued widespread support for the standards movement among teachers, parents, employers and professors, and many middle and high school students said they could work harder.

Even standardized testing, arguably the most controversial aspect of the standards-based movement, was viewed positively by a majority of those surveyed. Nonetheless, large majorities rejected the use of single test scores to make promotion or graduation decisions, saying that "schools should use standardized-test scores along with teacher evaluations" to make these decisions.

Parents and teachers reported, with approval, that higher standards and increased accountability are beginning to take root in their local public schools. However, for the fifth year in a row, professors and employers said recent high school graduates lack basic skills, especially in writing and math. They rated graduates highly in only one of the basic-skills categories: their ability to use computers.

For more on Reality Check 2002 and the earlier Reality Check surveys, go to www.publicagenda.org and www.edweek.org.