Californians Speak on Education and Reform Options

Cantankerous debates over the quality of public education—for nearly two centuries—have recurrently preoccupied parents, civic activists, and political leaders. Today the future of public schooling is the issue that most worries voters in California and nationwide, according to recent polls.

In tum, political leaders and candidates have put forward a variety of school reform proposals. A new election season is underway. Politicians and civic activists are eagerly responding to the public's concern over how schools can be effectively improved.

In February, PACE and the Field Institute completed a statewide School Reform Poll to assess (1) how Californians view the quality of public education, (2) who they most trust as architects of reform, and (3) how they are evaluating major reform proposals being advanced.

This report details major findings stemming from a statewide survey of 1,003 Californians.