Abstract
In this, the second installment of a two-part report of the 46th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public's Attitudes Toward the Public Schools, the report unveils what Americans are thinking about public schools — in particular their views of teachers and the classrooms where they work. Some findings were surprising, others were not. For example, for the first time in five years Americans’ trust and confidence in teachers declined; six of 10 Americans said entrance requirements into teacher preparation programs should be more rigorous; most Americans (61%) oppose using student standardized test scores to evaluate teachers; a majority of Americans (58%) said the curriculum used in their community’s schools needs to change; more Americans agree than disagree that students should have shorter summer breaks and longer breaks at other times of year — akin to a year-round school scenario; fewer Americans said a college education is very important.
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