Why Schools Need Standards And Innovation

By Albert Shanker

Everybody is trying to "save" public education these days. Voucher and privatization supporters say that their approach will do it. The public education establishment is trying to save schools by saying that nothing's wrong, it's a manufactured crisis that can be solved by public relations. Many reformers are urging a "do your own thing" approach with charter schools, while others push "innovations" like de-tracking, interdisciplinary studies, restructured schools, and so forth.

Parents and the public aren't buying this. The American people still support public schools, and they want them fixed so they're not forced to abandon them. But parents, teachers, and the public have other ideas about what's wrong with the schools and what will fix them. They are frustrated that the schools are not delivering on their most legitimate and fundamental expectations--an orderly, disciplined environment for learning and high academic standards. Their patience and support are wearing thin, and increasing numbers are considering vouchers, because no one's listening to them.

If we really want to save public schools, we need to look at what's troubling the public and respond. In a democracy, if we think the public's right, we ought to give them what they want. If we think they're wrong, we need to convince...