The public, however, raises legitimate questions concerning the purpose and attainment of these goals. This Digest addresses questions the general public may have about the six national goals and the President's plan for educational reform. Poll respondents indicated that the school readiness goal may be the most attainable. Although not directly stated as a national goal, more parental or adult intervention in children's lives is needed to improve American education.
Effective schools involve parents in their children's learning and in their school life.
Adults need to talk to children about school, stress the importance of school by providing a supportive learning environment in the home and helping students develop good study habits, and work with communities and schools in creative ways to involve parents in their children's education. The central incentive for change is competition. If families have choices in selecting schools for their children, some schools will improve to stay in the business of educating children. School choice could also benefit children who could not otherwise attend a private or parochial school, but additional resources would have to be made available for this to occur. Most of the money will go to establish 535 or more model or exemplary schools to demonstrate for other schools innovative educational techniques.