Education reform is a broad term that encompasses many different initiatives, but it essentially refers to the pursuit of improving student achievement. Some of the most common education reform initiatives include curriculum standards, teacher training, school choice, and standardized testing.
The motivation for education reform often stems from a desire to address societal problems, with education considered one of the most effective tools for social change. For example, studies have shown that increased literacy rates are correlated with increases in health, wealth and social mobility.
While many of the same challenges that prompted early education reforms still exist today, educational systems have made progress in addressing these issues. For example, the development of compulsory education laws has allowed more children to get a better start on life by receiving a basic education. Meanwhile, the implementation of child labor laws has helped reduce the number of children who work in factories and fields.
Another key element of education reform is the focus on raising academic standards and establishing clear expectations for students at all levels of education. This goal of education reform has resulted in a higher emphasis on accountability and standardized tests. However, critics argue that strict adherence to curriculum standards can stifle creativity and flexibility among teachers, which could potentially harm student outcomes.
The most successful education reforms are those that are tailored to the local context. For instance, a school system in a country with limited electricity and teacher training programs would not want to begin an education reform by replicating a 21st century skills-based curriculum or project-based learning model from more developed countries. Instead, leaders need to develop innovative ways to teach their students.