For the last 25 years, American education has been trying to reform itself. This effort has been noble but only partially successful, and too often defined by an "either-or" dichotomy that has led to publicly defined "wars" over reading and math instruction, and even the very existence of the U.S. Department of Education. All…

The Secretary of Education, in his State of American Education Address, suggests that the nation is no longer at risk, but on the move. He indicates that Goals 2000 is the force behind the effort to raise standards, to get technology into the classroom, and to set high expectations for everyone. (JOW)

The Secretary of Education urges principals to read "America Goes Back to School: Get Involved," produced by the Partnership for Family Involvement in Education. This publication encourages parents, grandparents, community and religious leaders, employers, college students, and other caring citizens to work together to improve schools…

Outlines the activities of the United States Department of Education and of Secretary Richard W. Riley to increase input from teachers to help revitalize education in America. Riley appointed Therese Knecht Dozier, a former teacher, to serve as a special advisor for teaching and as a liaison to and a voice for classroom teachers. (MDM)

Claims that rigorous standards in schools will help children in navigating in the changing economy. Explains that Goals 2000 legislation, passed in 1994, can energize and expand local efforts to strengthen schools and reach high standards. Claims that teachers are the heart of educational improvement, while parents and business partners can…

Discusses the concept of charter schools. Highlights basics of the concept of charter schools, legislation helpful to the movement, encouraging results of charter schools now in existence, and a research publication on charter schools. (JW)

Discusses classroom visitations and legislative initiatives undertaken by the Department of Education and explains the Goals 2000 Teacher Forum to be held in Washington, DC, in November 1993. Notes that this forum will be a major step in forging teacher-policymaker partnerships for planning education reforms that will enable the nation to achieve…

The governor of South Carolina provides information about that state's Education Improvement Act of l984 and explains how it brought about educational reform. (FL)

Discusses the development of content and student performance standards in 8 core curriculum areas (math, science, civics, history, geography, the arts, English, and foreign languages) to help meet goal 3 of the national education goals, which states that by the year 2000 students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having mastered challenging subject…

Lessons learned from school reform are the foundation for Goals 2000: Educate America Act. It offers the framework and support for states and communities to reach goals designed to help schools create and achieve their own vision of what they want for their children. The U. S. Department of Education wants to be a partner in the efforts to bring…

The speech opens with an overview of current conditions in American education. It provides a synopsis of gains in education made in the American South, such as the fact that college enrollment in the region approached national norms. The Secretary of Education describes the changing context of American education and the need for skilled teachers…

Examines how citizens' concern for education can be used to encourage family and community involvement in improving learning. Highlights "America Goes Back to School" program as an opportunity for parent and community involvement in schools. Gives examples of school-family-community partnerships. Lists seven challenges to American…

The United States Secretary of Education explains how the Goals 2000 Act provides a framework for encouraging systemic education reform under the leadership of state and local education agencies. Discusses the nature of the federal government's role in education, its constitutional origins, and its development and expansion. (295 references) (MLF)

In the course of developing and passing the South Carolina Education Improvement Act of 1984, those behind the legislative effort observed that several factors affect successful educational reform. First, reform must be comprehensive. The 1984 act has provisions relating to academic standards, basic skills, instructional improvement,…

Goals 2000 defines the federal role as one of support and facilitation to improve all schools for all children while maintaining state and local control. The article discusses Goals 2000, looking at the beginning, the legislation, the national agenda, the state and local agenda, its passage into law, budgetary constraints, and the future. (SM)