States have taken a "standards-based" approach to education during the past two decades; however, as reported in the Hunt Institute-sponsored study by the National Research Council, that approach has fallen short of its lofty and admirable goals. A comprehensive and integrated system of standards, assessments, curriculum, instructional materials,…

This first issue of "Blueprint" focuses on standards that states have adopted to delineate what students should know at each grade level of the K-12 system. Textbooks, teacher training, professional development, and assessments are built upon education standards. To generate information that will help state leaders improve their standards and…

The previous issue of "Blueprint" reported significant variability among state standards for education. Such variability means that depending where a student attends school, he might not cover the same material in a course called Algebra I, or Algebra II, or Grade 4, or Grade 6. Many citizens and leaders understand that having a single set of…

In order to be competitive in today's world, it is necessary for North Carolina to have a well-educated workforce. Quality schools, including effective leadership, excellent teachers, and improved academic standards and rigor, are a significant factor in these endeavors. However, good schooling starts well before a student ever steps foot into a…