Center for American Progress Report: Do Schools Challenge Our Students?

The Center for American Progress recently examined a federal survey of students in elementary and high schools around the country and found that many students are not being challenged in school.

Among the findings in the report:

• Many schools are not challenging students and large percentages of students report that their school work is “too easy.”
• Many students are not engaged in rigorous learning activities.
• Many students do not have access to key science and technology learning opportunities.
• Too many students don’t understand their teacher’s questions and report that they are not learning during class.
• Students from disadvantaged background are less likely to have access to more rigorous learning opportunities.

Recommendations from the analysts who prepared the report:

• Policymakers must continue to push for higher, more challenging standards. To ensure that all students are ready for the global economy, we need to expect more of our students and schools they attend. The Common Core standards are one way to help states and districts make progress on this issue, but far more needs to be done.
• Students need more rigorous learning opportunities, and our nation needs to figure out ways to provide all students with the education that they deserve.

To access the complete report, please visit:

Center for American Progress: Do Schools Challenge Our Students? (10 JUL 12)

Background information:

Center for American Progress