Higher Education and School Reform: Creating the Partnership.

Overview & Synopsis

The State Higher Education Executive Officers' Task Force on Achieving National Education Goals found four issues of immediate concern to higher education one of which was the role of higher education in accelerating school reform. This document presents a set of recommendations on that issue. Schools and universities must establish high learning expectations and work together to implement them. Improved teacher preparation should be the responsibility of the entire higher education institution. Continuing professional education for teachers should be improved through local school input regarding the content and focus of programs and state incentives to higher education to develop programs. Colleges and universities should provide feedback on student performance to high schools. State higher education agencies should join with education and community partners to intervene early in building students' aspirations and preparation. Innovative partnerships between colleges and schools can build networks for sharing facilities, technology and faculties. State education agencies should create incentives and rewards for college and school faculties to work together on interdisciplinary approaches to curriculum development that encourage active learning. Joint planning activities at the state level can create new structures and support for colleges and schools to work together. Included are 29 references. (JB)