Academic standards and testing must also conform to the knowledge-based economy. Testing should be relevant to what students need to be able to do and should demonstrate knowledge and the ability to use that knowledge. Changes in standards and assessment require changes for our staff. We must invest in our teachers, equipping them to teach in this changing environment. Today's students learn and react differently than students of the past.
Teachers are the most powerful force in the educational system.
They have tremendous impact on student achievement. Research shows that highly qualified teachers affect student achievement more than class size, state education spending, teacher salaries, student poverty levels and minority status. We must make sure our teachers understand the needs of today's students and are trained in current pedagogy and methodology. They should also be able to relate to and inspire our students. I agree that our licensing procedures need to be upgraded.