A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FROM THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY

We have now moved from the planning to the implementation phase of reinventing OERI. We've come a long way over some rough terrain, but our journey is far from complete. I can now report that the federal education research enterprise stands ready to play a significant role in ensuring that the current wave of education reform will generate substantive change for all students and over the long haul. We are moving toward a new, mutually beneficial relationship with our core customers-teachers, students, parents, and school administrators. And we are laying the groundwork for a citizens' alliance for educational progress. We are listening-and we welcome your views.

This public outreach effort is an integral and indispensable part of our commitment to developing and disseminating research that is responsive to the needs of America's teachers and America's students. The legislation reauthorizing OERI mandated a major change in the business we do. What soon became clear is that meeting this charge demands a major change in the way we do business.

To democratize the education research enterprise, we must first democratize OERI. To disseminate, in good faith, the research-based conclusion that hierarchical management stymies creativity in our schools, we must first flatten our own hierarchy. OERI itself must model the organizational culture that facilitates improved instruction and school achievement.

To advance this goal, I asked our OERI staff to identify the values essential to our mission. The consensus that emerged offers a portrait of a staff determined to demonstrate fidelity to the highest standards of ideology-free scientific inquiry; to break down false barriers and give primacy to the ideal of collaboration; to make government work better and cost less; to respect and respond to a customer-oriented and demand-driven agenda; to become perpetual learners by relying on each other as mentors and coaches; and to embrace the responsibility of advancing the goal of improving the quality of instruction and elevating the level of achievement in America's schools.

I am extremely proud of our staff. They have articulated the principles necessary for organizational effectiveness. They have pinpointed the values that must guide our work if we are to transform OERI into an authentic national resource for America's $400 billion research enterprise. Now we must make the jump from theory to action must match words with deeds. Enough preparing. Enough planning. Let's get moving. It's time to "walk the talk."

Sharon P. Robinson
Former Assistant Secretary

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