Education reform is the process of changing educational laws, standards, methodologies and policies in order to improve the quality of a nation’s school system. While the motivations for education reform have shifted over time, many of these changes have been driven by a desire to address socio-economic problems that can be linked to low levels of education.
While there is no doubt that schools should be held accountable for their performance, a policy of high-stakes testing and punitive measures can create a cycle of stress and failure that harms students, educators and school communities. Instead, effective accountability systems pair accountability with targeted support — professional development and resources — to ensure that schools have the tools they need to drive meaningful improvement.
Standardization is one of the most consistent drivers of reform, and it is one that has remained in place throughout history. The first educational reforms were based on the idea that standardizing curriculum, instruction and texts would improve teaching and learning by eliminating inconsistencies across classrooms. In recent decades, some high-performing countries have shifted away from these strict standards by devolving authority to local schools, while others maintain them to promote consistency and accountability.
Voucher programs, education savings accounts and specialized charter schools offer new ways for families to access tailored education options that align with their values and goals. These innovations, which can include both public and private schools, are lowering financial and structural barriers that previously kept families from choosing education paths that best suited their children.