Submitted by Debbie Smith, Jan 14, 2008 12:21

Mr. Stern is correct in his analysis that a market approach based upon competition alone will not lead to the kinds of reforms that the U.S. public school system desperately needs - we need strong legislation as well, like the upcoming renewal/revision of NCLB. In addition, real reform of our public schools should include:

1. Establish a national test to measure student progress more accurately;

2. Raise compensation levels for high-quality teachers, especially in the areas of science, math and Special Education;

3. Provide better information on school performance to parents;

4. Eliminate district boundaries between schools allowing parents to choose the right school for their children, regardless of where they live;

5. Allow greater flexibility for schools to hire and fire teachers;

6. Make school funding more transparent by attaching education dollars to the student instead of the school district.

Mr. Stern is correct in determing the prominence of "curriculum and pedagogy" in the consideration of any reform, and following these 6 strategies will recognize that prominence as well as lead to an overall reform of our educational system. For more information, visit www.paths2choice.com.

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