Some Speculations and Extensions

Abstract

In this final chapter, we go beyond the specific results of the research reported in earlier chapters. Public debate about the condition of our schools proceeds at a pace that exceeds the pace at which careful research can contribute knowledge, and it often makes little use of the knowledge that is available. Some of the research reported earlier in this book bears on this debate, as does other research that has accumulated in recent years. Accordingly, in this chapter we offer our speculations and best guesses about useful public policies that will affect education and the safety of America’s schools. As far as is possible, we will base these speculations and extensions on other recent research and on the research reported in earlier chapters.

Education is perhaps the most important function of state and local governments.

—Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483, 493 (1954)

American schools don’t need vast new sums of money as much as they need a few fundamental reforms.

—Ronald Reagan, December 8, 1983

We do not believe that a public commitment to excellence and educational reform must be made at the expense of a strong public commitment to the equitable treatment of our diverse population.

—National Commission on Excellence in Education, April 1983