We need to continue to analyze what causes this drop-off after the fourth grade. In reading, our students scored very well compared to other countries. A lot of these comparisons between our children and those of other nations do not take this diversity into consideration. The challenge for us is to sustain a high level of achievement not just between the fourth and eighth grades, but throughout the entire K-12 spectrum. Another big challenge is convincing the public, especially people who don't have children in our schools, that we're on the way to having the best schools in the world.
Population statistics show a decreasing number of adults with children in schools.
Unless we're successful in making all people feel they are part of their neighborhood schools, future support for those schools and the resources needed to run them are going to be lacking. And the second thing is that the principal must be committed to the importance of his or her position. Principals are looked upon in the community as leaders and they must demonstrate that leadership if the school is to become a center for the community.