Angela Gregoire
Reflection #8
EDF 1005
Three waves of Education Reform
Schools in America have gone through three waves of education reform from 1983 up until this present day. Gone are the days when America remained on top in industry, science, and technology. This trend is changing rapidly and reform is needed if we are to compete in a global economy. Education continues to be play an important part in our lives and it is that ingredient which can get us out of poverty. Intellectual training is useful in today’s world and without a sound education one suffers. School reform prepares individuals to become independent and highly competitive and in the process schools are seen as the agents to change individuals and influence society. In this millennium, the fate of schools in the United States depends on teachers’ contributions and a high level of education.
The first wave of reform began in 1983 and lasted until about 1986. The first report in 19983 highlighted a decline in test scores, weak performance in United States students in comparison to students in other parts of the world, fear of economic power, and a high percentage of illiteracy. These were indeed grave concerns for all educators, policy makers, business leaders and even parents. There was need to act, and as a result most states made necessary adjustments to curricula, the number of courses for graduation had increased and of course, more testing requirements for teachers and students. If America is to compete with countries like Japan, better schools should be created. The first wave was realized and the emphasis was on teacher qualification and high school graduation standards.
Readiness was the central focus for the second wave of reform. This reform began in 1986 and lasted up until the new decade when individuals had to be prepared thoroughly before entering schools. During the 1980s schools in the United States were in bad shape. Most of them lacked basic resources and teacher- pupil ratio was very high. The buildings were rodent infested and were in need of dire repair and as a consequence high drop-out rates and low test scores. Because of all these problems, many concerned Americans spoke out and committed financially to help develop American schools. Their concentration was on stronger curriculum, better preparation for work and school and a school structure where students are given support by teachers and counselors. The educational reform led to changes in curriculum, academic performance, better school structures and an improved learning environment.
The third wave of reform followed through the mid 1990s and is still in progress today. This reform continues to prepare American kids to compete in a highly technical and industrial world. School reform remains a top priority in this new millennium and parents are making better choices for their children as a way of improving educational quality. Today reports show that there are achievements in education. Teachers are documented success with higher student expectations and a friendlier curriculum. The third wave has given rise to more legislation in Washington. More parents are given the choices of choosing better schools and supplementary services. I am optimistic that the new administration will take education reform to the next level in the twenty first century. The Obama administration is very supportive of education reform so one can expect renewed changes in education policy. Reforms generally deal with poverty, class based inequality, and the ills of society so I hope that all these issues will be addressed. Policy makers must understand the importance of education and invest in the country’s greatest resource-its people.