Pew Forum on Standards-Based Reform
2002
This volume represents the final work of the Pew Forum on Standards-Based Reform, which after twelve years in existence held its final meeting in June 2002. Here, the Forum presents a collection of short essays on standards-based reform topics written by a diverse set of authors. From Sandra Feldman of the AFT to Deborah McGriff of Edison, and from Stanford's Linda Darling-Hammond to our own Checker Finn, these writers each tackle a unique aspect of standards-based reform. In fact, the essays generally stray from discussing standards themselves to delve into topics such as public engagement, parental involvement, and union contracts. However, in doing so the authors make clear that in fact all aspects of our education system are impacted in one way or another by the movement toward more rigorous and well-defined standards. Their basic message is that simply imposing standards from above will not be sufficient; rather, those inside the system need the training, leadership, resources and curricula to meet these standards. The variety of viewpoints presented here lends credence to the basic message that there is still a long way to go before standards-based reform can be declared a success. Informative and easy to read, this work provides a neat summary of some of the challenges facing American education today as well as a varied set of viewpoints on the ideal solutions. The Education Week Press is the publisher and copies are available by calling (800) 346-1834 (singles copies are $9.99 including shipping and handling).
