Describe future issues and trends in American education

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The most important educational reform will deal with Obama's response to No Child Left Behind legislation. In 2010, the Obama administration issued "A Blueprint for Reform" in an effort to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This act will increase the role of the federal government in raising standards for all students and providing them with a well-rounded education so that they can contribute as citizens to the process of democracy and learn to thrive in a global economy. Equalizing opportunities for students with disabilities—disability is regarded as any physical and/or mental condition that limits students' access to, or full involvement in, school life. Many schools have attempted to mainstream children with disabilities by providing inclusion programs, under which the special education curriculum is integrated with the regular education program and each child receives an individualized education plan that provides annual educational goals. Some are advocating school voucher programs, which give parents the choice of what school their child will attend. Critics believe that such programs undermine public education and might cause the public school system to collapse. Supporters believe that fairness is a central issue. The poor should have the same chance for a quality education as the more affluent. Charter schools and "for profit" schools create public schools that operate under a contract negotiated by the school's organizers and a sponsor that oversees the provisions of the contract (which may provide more autonomy for individual students and teachers. Home schooling, a final alternative, has been chosen by some parents who hope to avoid the problems of public schools while providing a quality education for their children.