| Voluntary National Testing Then Supported by a still-popular 2nd term President (Clinton). Debated as part of the annual approps process (FY97-98). Supported by a popular EdSec (Riley). Proposed right after a big Democratic win (’96). Supported by business (Biz Roundtable & US Chamber). Supported by several states & districts (7 or so, as I recall). Voluntary National Standards Now Supported by a long-shot Presidential candidate (Dodd). Proposed as part of reauthorization of an unpopular law (NCLB). Proposed by a group not in favor with their own party (Fordham). Opposed by an unpopular EdSec (Spellings). Proposed right after a big Republican loss (’06). Supported by the NEA & Others (to scuttle NCLB). Not supported by any states or districts. |
For those of you who may not have been there, here are some helpful EdWeek archives from that period:
Readers may be surprised to learn that the administration of first President Bush, George Herbert Walker, began the push to create national standards. The feds awarded grants to scholars to craft the standards. When the standards for history were unveiled in 1994, they were assailed for political correctness. Some details may be found here:
"National Education Standards...They're Back!" http://hnn.us/articles/22591.html
More information may be found in Diane Ravitch's book, "National Standards in American Education A Citizen's Guide," http://www.brook.edu/press/books/NATLSTDS2.HTM
and in my book, "Failing Grades: The Federal Politics of Education Standards," http://www.kevinrkosar.com/Failing-Grades.html.
Readers may be surprised to learn that the administration of first President Bush, George Herbert Walker, began the push to create national standards. The feds awarded grants to scholars to craft the standards. When the standards for history were unveiled in 1994, they were assailed for political correctness. Some details may be found here:
"National Education Standards...They're Back!" http://hnn.us/articles/22591.html .
More information may be found in Diane Ravitch's book, "National Standards in American Education A Citizen's Guide," http://www.brook.edu/press/books/NATLSTDS2.HTM
and in my book, "Failing Grades: The Federal Politics of Education Standards," http://www.kevinrkosar.com/Failing-Grades.html .