Action Opportunities for Community Leaders

The development of state education standards and assessments is critical to the success of standards-based reform, but has been created in many cases without the involvement or knowledge of the community or parents. If standards-based reform is to increase student achievement, it is essential that the community and parents are informed about the standards, know what students should be expected to know and do academically, understand the testing system, provide the support necessary for all students to succeed, and hold policy makers accountable for providing the resources and tools necessary for all students to meet state expectations.

Major strategic opportunities are provided in this section for community-based organizations and parent leaders to engage in discussions, town meetings and conversations about the most effective ways of holding public schools accountable.