Teachers said they spent four to six hours a week in after-school meetings, in addition to their normal lesson planning. They found preparation of assessments particularly challenging and expressed the need for more resource materials, including examples and guides for developing assessments. They cited personal and social development and citizenship as areas where assessing student progress was particularly difficult. In some districts, schools were asked to take on far more than in other districts. Teachers and administrators repeatedly stated that schools needed the flexibility to establish Goal 3 priorities based on local needs.
Recommendations Improve the teaching of social studies.
Increase the use of computers in classrooms and provide more help to teachers in using computers and solving network problems. Restore citizenship courses to improve social skills and develop responsible citizens. Provide more access to electives and Advanced Placement courses through distance learning or the Internet. Identify strategies and resources to assist all students who cannot meet academic standards, with particular emphasis on closing the achievement gap between white, Asian, African American, and Hispanic students. Allow schools the flexibility to establish priorities according to local needs.