What Families Want

Public opinion surveys conducted by Public Agenda confirm that parents, students, and educators from diverse ethnic groups share the same fundamental aspirations for education and agree on the basic reforms needed in schools. The author, a senior advisor for Public Agenda, describes survey findings that suggest that all groups see education as the key to success in life. Black and Hispanic parents and students, however, report greater dissatisfaction with their schools' standards and climate. The authors suggest that the key to closing achievement gaps and responding to increasing diversity is not to redesign schools, but to "work harder than ever to provide all students with strong academic programs, qualified and motivated teachers, and respectful and nurturing school climates."