Only 8 percent say that very little has changed. Areas for improvement Teachers surveyed were also adamant about steps that could be taken to make standards-based reform more effective. In fact, about seven out of 10 teachers, and two-thirds of principals, say states and schools need to improve the way they implement standards. Some 36 percent of teachers say that standards are being implemented too quickly. And even educators supportive of high standards express concern that tests tied to those standards remain too narrowly focused and require preparation that diverts student attention from mastering rich academic content.
Time is also a problem.
Four in five favor more paid professional development time to meet with other faculty members to discuss curriculum, lessons, tests and how to best help students, even when this means lengthening the school day or school year. The polls also asked educators which other reforms would be most effective in addition to standards. Drake has been working directly with Syracuse public school teachers as they strive to align the curriculum with state standards and assessments. The frontline commitment to help all students achieve at higher levels remains strong, she says. Teachers want higher standards.