A new survey by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International found that the American public wants
schools to teach their children career skills and to limit standardized
testing. A majority of Americans also oppose using public funds to send
students to private schools.
According to the 2017 Poll of the Public’s AttitudeToward the Public Schools,
82% of respondents support job or career skill classes, even if it means
spending less time on traditional academics. More than 85% said schools should
offer certificate or licensing programs that help students land jobs after
graduation, while 82% said technology and engineering classes should be part of
the curriculum.
However, just 42% said standardized testing was important
and 52% oppose school voucher programs. That figure rises to 61% when religious
schools are mentioned.
“These and other results suggest that some of the most
prominent ideas that dominate current policy debates—from supporting vouchers
to emphasizing high-stakes tests—are out of step with parents’ main concerns,”
said Joshua P. Starr, CEO of PDK International, which has conducted the survey
since 1969. “They want their children prepared for life and career after they
complete high school.”