A Gallup poll, conducted for Phi Delta Kappa, indicates broad support
for America's education goals.
The American public supports a broad range of measures to improve student
achievement, according to the latest Gallup survey conducted for Phi Delta
Kappa. (Source: Daily Report Card.)
Placing a computer in every classroom (81 percent), establishing national
standards for measuring the academic performance of the public schools
(77 percent), moving chronic "troublemakers" into alternative programs
(77 percent), and allowing students to attend the public school of their
choice (73 percent) are some of the specific ideas approved by the public
in the 29th annual PDK poll.
Other measures to improve student achievement that won broad approval
include: using standardized national tests to measure the academic achievement
of students (67 percent), ability-level grouping (66 percent), establishing
a national curriculum (66 percent), and providing health-care services
in schools (61 percent).
The public attributes three factors to the success of some public schools
over others: parental support (97 percent), the amount of money spent
(91 percent), and the kinds of students enrolled (67 percent).
Americans surveyed approved all three of President Clinton's proposals
to improve public schools, enhance student achievement, and provide incentives
for students to succeed in school. Specifically, 82 percent of respondents
approved Clinton's proposed tax credit for parents of first-year college
students; two-thirds of respondents favor the proposal for placing a computer
with Internet access in every public school classroom; and, in the least
supported proposal, 57 percent support Clinton's plan to test student
achievement at the fourth-grade and eighth-grade levels.
The survey also found that, while satisfied with their community schools,
respondents appear to be more willing than in previous years to approve
government financial support for students who wish to attend nonpublic
schools. To counter charges that past questions on private-school choice
were tainted by using the phrase "public expense," this year's poll used
a split-sample design to study the question. While 44 percent of Americans
support allowing students to attend private schools at "public expense,"
a majority (52 percent) opposed it. When the phrase "government expense"
is used, the public is evenly divided, with 48 percent in favor and 48
percent opposed.
The survey also found that support for private-school choice has been
growing since 1993, when just 24 percent were in favor.
Other findings from the report: 43 percent of respondents said state
takeovers would not have much effect on the academic achievement of students
in a public school; 52 percent said gifted students should be placed in
separate classes; and 63 percent said extracurricular activities are very
important.
According to the survey, the biggest problems facing local schools are:
lack of discipline (15 percent); lack of financial support (15 percent);
use of drugs (14 percent); and fighting/violence/gangs (12 percent).
In a press release, U.S. Education Secretary Richard W. Riley indicated
his pleasure over the support given to voluntary national tests. (Click
here
for his complete statement.)
Sandra Feldman, president of the American Federation of Teachers noted
Americans' support for public schools. "Elected officials, take note:
the public wants public schools fixed, not abandoned, and they're not
afraid of national standards and national tests for students," Feldman
said.
U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey (R-Texas) also issued a press
release, commenting on the private-school choice response that found 55
percent of public school parents supporting school choice. "Too many of
our nation's children are trapped in failing public schools that consign
children to a life of limited opportunities, hopelessness and despair."
Armey said. "These kids need a way out, and they need it now. The time
for school choice has come." Armey is the sponsor of school-choice legislation
for disadvantaged children in the District of Columbia.
Reprints of the published report are available from Phi Delta Kappa.
The minimum order for reprints of the 1997 Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup education
poll is 25 copies for $10, with additional copies available at 25 cents
each. The 664-page document that is the basis for the published report,
including both the figures for the total sample and for the public school
parent oversample, is available at $95 per copy. Prices include postage
for delivery at the library rate. To place an order, write to Phi Delta
Kappa, P.O. Box 789, Bloomington, IN 47402; or call (800)766-1156.
