Hunt Institute Sets Stage for Discourse on World-Class Education Standards
October 21, 2008
Durham, N.C.—In response to the need for fewer, clearer, and higher standards in American schools, the James B. Hunt, Jr., Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy has commissioned a series of studies by the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies to take an objective look at the available evidence regarding the ways in which standards are currently functioning, the strategies that might be used to pursue a single set of standards, and the issues doing so might present.
“Having a single set of high, world-class expectations for all students is a crucial first step to improving both student achievement and equity,” said Dr. Judith Rizzo, Hunt Institute Executive Director. “Standards are not sufficient on their own, but policymakers should take a long, hard look at what this kind of movement would mean for American students and America’s economy.”
As a result of the studies with these national experts, The NRC Report entitled “Common Standards for K-12 Education? Considering the Evidence,” was produced. Some of the concluded findings from these highly respected scholars noted that state standards had too many topics, which leads to a lack of prioritization and a large number of repetitive standards between grades. An examination of state proficiency scores revealed that a student deemed proficient in one state could be placed in a remedial class, in the same subject, upon moving to another state.
Findings also showed standards are critical, but need to be supported by strong leadership at all levels and be a part of an integrated system that includes effective curriculum, assessment, instruction, teacher preparation, and professional development. Currently, test items provide a more reliable roadmap than the often unwieldy standards documents. The lack of a clearly defined curriculum contributes to the fact that many U. S. students in middle grades are never exposed to algebra. Yet, there are 286 different math courses and nearly 50 varieties of algebra available.
For a more in-depth examination of the findings, go to www.hunt-institute.org to access the first two issues of Blueprint – the Hunt Institute’s policy primer created to deeply explore critical issues in education policy. The NRC’s full report is available from the National Academies Press at http://www.nap.edu/.