The Virtual Library:
Parent Satisfaction

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The Near-Myth of Our Failing Schools: There is a bright side to the status of our educational system, although longstanding criticisms may obscure any good news. After all, doomsayers have been raising the alarm for decades, and the shout is growing. Here, Peter Schrag eloquently attacks the negative myths perpetuated by all sides of the education debate in an effort to paint a more realistic picture of our nation's educational successes — as well as its failures.

Reality Check: The Status of Standards Reform: Public Agenda has set out to study the success (or possibly the lack thereof) of improved education standards by polling the groups most directly involved with public schools: parents, students, and educators on one side, and colleges and employers on the other. The results of its second annual survey, Reality Check, point out that, despite a common goal, the gap between these different perspectives is widening. Click on the link above to find out where you stand in relation to others with a stake in the education debate.

The 31st Annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools: The public has reiterated its strong preference for public schools over any alternative system, according to this telephone poll published in the Phi Beta Kappan journal. The method and results of the organization's 31st annual poll, done by the Gallup Organization, are presented here in straightforward detail. Information on conducting your own poll is also included.