The following summary describes EDIT 6100 student responses to issues about reform in education generated in class on the evening of September 27, 2000. The class was divided into teams in which the importance of several needs and approaches to educational reform were discussed. Each team presented the five most important needs for reform and five most important approaches to reform. The following is a synthesis of the team's presentations:

What needs to be reformed in K-12 education?

• Students must master basic skills at higher levels.
• Students must develop higher order thinking skills such as problem solving.
• Students must develop the skills to learn for a lifetime.
• Students must become better prepared for the school-to-work transition.
• The predicted two million teacher shortage challenge must be met.
• Diversity preparation, safety, extra curricular activities, teacher competency,
• Parent involvement, fine arts, and student support were other issues discussed.

What are some possible approaches to educational reform?

• Teacher salaries should be increased.
• Alternative schools should be provided for troublesome students.
• Stronger school-to-work programs should be established.
• Smaller class sizes are needed.
• The dominant instructivist pedagogy should be replaced by constructivist pedagogy.
• Schools should adopt a core curriculum based on basic skills.
• Social services should be provided in schools.
• Schools should adopt a curriculum based on multiple intelligences.
• Computer-based learning systems, charter school, liberal arts programs, and current events were other issues discussed.

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