This installment reporting on the 47th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of American's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools focuses on American's views of the value of a high school and a college education and the affordability of college. It is the first year the poll included enough respondents to be able to break out sentiments of specific demographic…

The 46th Annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes toward the Public Schools reveals that Americans say they know a lot more this year about the Common Core State Standards than they indicated a year ago, and they like it a lot less. Americans also say local school boards should have the greatest influence in deciding what is taught in the…

Interviews with 204 students in seven secondary schools concerning the activities in school that gave them a sense of accomplishment revealed that 21 percent of the respondents could think of none. Moreover, another 31 percent could think of nothing related to the curriculum that gave them a sense of accomplishment. (Author/WD)

A questionnaire distributed to 25 school systems across the U.S. reveals that a majority of secondary school students have positive feelings about their schools and their teachers. Building administrators drew the most negative responses. (Author/WD)

The five teaching techniques most often cited as effective by secondary students surveyed in Little Rock (Arkansas) were: (1) provision of clear, complete explanations and concrete examples; (2) a positive, relaxed learning environment; (3) individualized instruction; (4) adequate academic learning time; and (5) teacher enthusiasm and ability to…

School District 126 in Cook County (Illinois) conducts its own opinion polls to stay in touch with its constituents--and then puts the results to use. (Author)

Describes the successful Alternative Learning Program for the High School Age (ALPHA), an optional program for 40 high school students disaffected by the traditional educational system in the Livonia (Michigan) School District. ALPHA involves communication workshops, community service, and dedicated teachers and is well supported by the central…

In the light of the uncertain benefits and the understated but escalating costs of public services, it is hardly irrational for taxpayers to attack the problem through the cost side. (Author)

Research suggests that children should be kept at home until 8 to 12 years old, then begin attending school. Attitudes toward parents, peers, and school can be improved and children can learn more effectively when taught physically, academically, and socially at home in their early years. (PGD)

Rather than being merely a component of the generalized distrust of authority, decline in public satisfaction with the schools may be one of the leading contributors to sustaining or even exacerbating the crisis of confidence in the state. (Author/JM)

In his era, John Dewey led those who sought to interpret, reform, and protect public education. With no leader of Dewey's stature now in sight, the author urges us to turn to Dewey's words and actions for guidance. (Author/JM)

The author of "A Study of Schooling," following up an article in the March "Phi Delta Kappan," notes the noncorrelation of school satisfaction with teaching methods or curriculum; discusses educational goals; examines schools' concentration on noneducational factors; and recommends changes in goal-setting, school-level…

A study of the statistics on enrollment trends, popular attitudes, school effectiveness, standardized test scores, and educational reforms convinces the author that the American educational system is strong, effective, and beginning to gain the popular support it deserves. (PGD)

Reports the full results of the 1982 Gallup Poll of the public's attitude toward education. Topics covered include major problems confronting the schools, rating of the schools, federal funds, budget cutting, curriculum changes, special education, and federal control. (JM)