Report on Overhaul of US Education System

 

 

The report that Bloomberg refers to, Tough Choices or Tough Times, can be ordered for $19.95 at http://www.skillscommission.org/.  When I get it and read it, I'll share my thoughts.  In the meantime, here is a WSJ article about it:

To preserve its living standard, the U.S. must undertake a radical overhaul of its education system, according to a new report that is spurring debate among policy makers, legislators and teacher unions.

The report, by a group known as the Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, which includes former governors and cabinet secretaries from both political parties, proposes eliminating local control and funding of public schools and turning their management over to private contractors. It would end high school after 10th grade for some students who opt for two-year colleges.

The report endorses mandatory entrance exams for public colleges and universities, and calls for attracting talented young teachers by increasing salaries, while cutting pensions for retirees.

Though these proposals aren't likely to be adopted wholesale in the short run, U.S. Rep. George Miller, chairman-designate of the House Education and Workforce Committee, said some of them should get serious attention in the next Congress.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116615058086151028-search.html

Report Calls for Overhaul Of U.S. Education System

By ROBERT TOMSHO
December 15, 2006; Page A4

To preserve its living standard, the U.S. must undertake a radical overhaul of its education system, according to a new report that is spurring debate among policy makers, legislators and teacher unions.