On May 4, 2010, the Obama administration released College- and Career-Ready Students, one of six research summaries supporting its proposals for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This research summary addresses three key areas: common core standards, rewarding progress and success, and turning around low-performing schools. The proposed goals are laudable and the summary of the problems in American education is generally accurate. But the research foundation it provides is superficial and inadequate. Some of the significant proposals, such as the accountability system and "rewarding progress and success" are not addressed; and for two major issues, national standards and school turn-arounds, the research cited does not support the document’s conclusions. Fewer than 15% of the report’s references rely on independent, peer-reviewed research. The document advances rhetorical ends and political goals rather than providing a sound research base for the proposed policies. Overall, the document is of little or no value for those who seek evidence of the soundness of the Obama administration’s proposed legislation.

Suggested Citation: Ravitch, D. & Mathis, W. (2010). Review of “College- and Career-Ready Students.” Boulder, CO: National Education Policy Center. Retrieved [date] from http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/college-and-career