Changing demographics

• growth in school-age minority population
• increased numbers of immigrant students and those not proficient in English
• ongoing achievement gaps for minority and economically disadvantaged students

New accountability demands

• standards-based approach to learning, disconnected from how teachers are trained
• demand for better qualified teachers, without corresponding financial support or incentives
• college preparation needs misaligned with high school curricula and assessment

Changing educational policies and practices

• requirements for evidence-based instructional practices
• insufficient political will for adequate funding
• vouchers, charter schools, and other alternatives to public education

Over-reliance on educational traditions

• credit awarded for seat time rather than demonstrated competence
• ongoing use of “social promotion”
• school year based on an agrarian economy
• assessments uncoupled from instructional changes to improve learning

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