Education reform refers to the processes and policies that amend the legislation, standards, methods, and policy affecting a nation’s school system to reflect the needs and values of a society. Education reform efforts focus on improving student learning outcomes and preparing students for future careers.
Historically, education reforms have taken a variety of forms. The earliest motivations for educational reforms have included teaching literacy, establishing religious knowledge, developing cultural literacy, assimilating newcomers to a democratic society, producing skilled labor for the industrialized economy, and competing in a global marketplace.
The post-World War II era brought about additional changes in education as activism led to the desegregation of schools, ending segregation by race and socioeconomic status. In addition, landmark court cases such as Brown v. Board of Education and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 fueled the idea that all children deserve access to high-quality learning.
Reforms that attempt to improve student learning often focus on curriculum, teachers, and teaching methods. Curriculum reform initiatives include a move toward standards-based education, which emphasizes the importance of rigorous academic expectations. This approach, which many countries use, aims to ensure that students receive a consistent education in all subject areas by setting clear standards and creating systems for measuring those standards.
Critics of this approach point out that it can limit teacher flexibility, as well as the ability to tailor education to the unique needs and circumstances of individual students. It also requires substantial resources, especially for underfunded schools and districts.
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