NCJ Number
142718
Date Published
1993
Length
72 pages
Annotation
The National Commission on Children views quality education as a prerequisite for economic self-sufficiency, personal growth and development, and responsible citizenship and offers recommendations on how to increase educational achievement.
Abstract
Effective schools set high expectations based on rigorous academic standards, receive strong leadership from principals, employ competent and enthusiastic teachers, encourage parental support and cooperation, maintain order and discipline, monitor student achievement, and implement a concentrated instructional focus. Nonetheless, many American schools lack these characteristics and need more support from families, communities, businesses, and government to educationally prepare children. Five related strategies are proposed to ensure that every child receives a quality education: (1) help children start school ready to learn; (2) promote quality education for all children through fundamental reforms; (3) explore school choice, provided that accountability measures are specified and the special needs of educationally disadvantaged students are addressed; (4) design creative, multidisciplinary initiatives to help children with serious and multiple needs reach their academic potential; and (5) emphasize to young people the personal rewards and long-term benefits of academic and intellectual achievement. Ways of implementing these strategies are discussed. An appendix lists members of the National Commission on Children's Implementation Working Group on Increasing Educational Achievement. 92 notes