We All Are Education Reformers

Let’s Get Ready is an education reform idea, and as such, it is helpful to reflect on other educational reforms. In New York City, this year’s 5th graders had scores on reading and math assessments far above last year’s. How did Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City Department of Education do it? The New York Times attributed the gains to a combination of new high-stakes requirements for the students (basically, pass the test or repeat 5th grade), accountability measures for their principals (basically, improve test scores or lose your job), intensive training for teachers, targeted interventions for struggling students, workshops for parents, money for after-school and Saturday classes, and hard work by all. If the same strategies are applied in LGR, imagine how we can improve SAT and college readiness preparation.