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Raising Standards, Lifting Children

Everyone who spends time with children learns a vivid lesson: children tend to perform to meet the expectations of adults. If expectations are low, children can miss their true potential. When expectations are high, progress can be amazing. Teachers should challenge children to read well, do difficult math, and excel in all subjects.

Under President Bush's plan, states will set high standards in the core subjects. Well-crafted and thoughtful standards will explain in plain language exactly what students are expected to know and be able to do by the end of each grade. Setting clear expectations for what teachers should accomplish each year can prevent misunderstandings and recriminations that arise when teachers, principals, and parents start with different expectations. Standards leave plenty of room for creativity, because they do not dictate teaching practice. In excellent schools, teachers work together to update their lesson plans and their teaching methods to meet the new standards and help their students achieve them.

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Last updated—December 17, 2004 (jer)