SRI International
SRI International conducted a study on standards-based reform finding that: 1) High-stakes accountability systems do motivate educators, but only when the assessments require written work and application of skills do researchers find evidence of better teaching; 2) Standards and tests alone do not change what teachers do in the classroom. Teachers need models of effective instruction as well as professional development; 3) Though most of the districts developed rigorous standards with aligned assessments, those that produced student achievement gains also had specific instructional expectations, supported by extensive professional development over several years. These findings suggest an important lesson for standards-based reform: "...clear expectations for instruction are as critical as clear expectations for student learning." To read a summary of the findings, go to http://www.sri.com/policy/cehs/edpolicy/reform/pew.html. For a copy of the complete report, contact SRI at 650-859-2000.
