Education Task Force: Commissioned Papers

August 23, 2005

The Renewing Our Schools, Securing Our Future National Task Force on Public Education has commissioned five papers by leading education researchers and practitioners. The information contained in these papers has served to inform the work of the Task Force in developing an agenda to improve public education in America.

Investing in Early Childhood Education in Ohio: An Economic Appraisal (PDF)
by Clive R. Belfield, August 2004

The paper describes and calculates the economic benefits to Ohio that would result from expanding pre-kindergarten educational opportunities. According to Belfield, the net present value to the state of Ohio from expanding the provision is estimated at $372 million.

Why Do High-Poverty Schools Have Difficulty Staffing Their Classrooms with Qualified Teachers? (PDF)
by Richard Ingersoll, November 2004

This paper addresses the reasons why the nation’s schools, particularly those that are high-poverty, are unable to provide each classroom with a highly qualified teacher. The paper concluded that teacher turnover is a major contributor to this problem.

Fast Track to College: Increasing Post-secondary Success for All Students (PDF)
by Hilary Pennington, December 2004

This paper offers a number of ways to create stronger links between high school and post-secondary education. Pennington proposes three innovative alternatives to the traditional high-school senior year: an academic head start on college; an accelerated career/technical college; and a gap year, or college in the community.

Affordability of Post-secondary Education: Equity and Adequacy Across the 50 States (PDF)
by Edward P. St. John, January 2005

This report examines trends and research evidence related to two persistent patterns—inequality in financial access to post-secondary education for low-income students in the U.S. and disparities in financial access across states—and considers the implications for policy in higher education.

Evidence-Based Reform: Advancing the Education of Students at Risk (PDF)
by Robert E. Slavin, March 2005

This paper argues that genuine reform in American education depends on a movement toward evidence-based practice, using the findings of rigorous research to guide educational practices and policies.

School Improvement Under No Child Left Behind (PDF)
by Phyllis McClure, March 2005

This paper looks at state practices in carrying out the school improvement provisions of NCLB and proposes ways in which school improvement might be more effectively implemented.