Recent data show that a decreasing proportion of parents report satisfaction with assigned public schools, especially at the secondary level. The percentage of children who attended an assigned public school whose parents were very satisfied with the child's school, teachers, and the school's academic standards decreased between 1993 and 1999. In 1999, private schools had the highest percentages of children with parents who were very satisfied with the child's school, teachers, the school's academic standards, and discipline, followed by chosen public schools and by assigned public schools. The basis of their knowledge comes from their prior education, as signified by the degrees and certifications they earn. Teachers with three or fewer years of teaching experience were more likely than more experienced teachers to hold academic degrees.
Many teachers also participate in professional development to increase their skills and knowledge.
While there is some evidence that the Nation's teachers are educated and strive to increase their skills and learn new techniques through professional development activities, there is evidence that their salaries are not competitive with those of workers in other professions. In recent years, policymakers, educators, parents, and students increasingly have voiced concern about the incidence of school-related criminal behavior. Although concern has grown, data show that high school student reports of various victimizations and violent behaviors have not increased in recent years, use of several types of drugs at schools has decreased, and most public school teachers feel prepared to maintain order and discipline in their classrooms. Victimization rates at school for high school seniors changed little between 1976 and 1997. Between 1976 and 1998, the percentage of high school seniors who reported using alcohol, marijuana, stimulants, cocaine, or tranquilizers at school during the previous year decreased.