For fear of blaming the victims, educators have been reluctant to endorse strategies requiring hard work from students as a condition for learning. U.S. students are working far below their potential because they experience no reason to do otherwise. The United States one of the rare developed nations without a high-stakes exit examination for…

The high failure rate of Black prospective teachers in the southern states raises the challenge to change the quality of education for all Americans. (MLF)

Research findings suggest that methods used to improve teaching are as important as the goals. Solutions sought should be those that professionalize the practice of teaching and make education sufficiently attractive to recruit and retain talented people as teachers. (MLF)

Current conflicts over test bias and "truth-in-testing" reflect differing aims of education and the increasingly important social role of testing in our society. (Author)

Discusses seven important issues that should be considered by educators in developing a minimal competency testing policy. (JG)

Classroom instruction is aligned with grade level basic objectives and a yearly survey of these skills. Methods and resources that elementary school principals and teachers can use to teach essential skills are being developed. (Author/MLF)