Despite low opinions of the nation's schools, Americans rate public school teachers more highly now than they have in the past, according to the 2011 Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK)/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. More than 70% say they have trust and confidence in the men and women who teach in public schools. Sixty-nine percent give public school teachers in their community a grade of A or B, compared with only 50% in 1984. This year's PDK/Gallup poll shows that Americans believe the key to good schools is high-quality teachers. Interestingly, they have mixed opinions whether state governors or education leaders are the ones who can better ensure that schools provide the quality they expect. The 2011 poll also reveals that Americans' opinions of President Obama's national education efforts have improved, increasing seven points from last year. Forty-one percent give the president an A or a B for his support of public schools, close to what he received his first year in office. The public also continues to approve of Obama's support of charter schools; 70% favor the idea--the highest level of approval in the past 10 years. Other key findings: (1) Funding is the biggest problem facing schools; (2) Teacher salaries and layoffs should be based on multiple factors; (3) Americans are conflicted over whether standardized test scores should be published; and (4) College is important but doesn't guarantee readiness.