Highlights of the 2012 PDK/Gallup Poll: What Americans said about the public schools - This report presents the results from the 44th annual PDK/Gallup Poll of the public’s attitudes toward public schools. Results show that Americans have a number of conflicting and hardening viewpoints in their appraisal of and preferences for directing, managing, and investing in the schools. For example, we are divided on whether teachers should be evaluated based on student standardized test scores and on which political party and which presidential candidate can more positively influence public education in America. (Phi Delta Kappan International, Sept 2012)...

How Americans Would Slim Down Public Education - According to a nationally representative survey of American adults, many Americans support dramatic changes to how school districts do business. From cutting central-office staff to reforming retirement benefits, this report outlines how voters think spending should be reduced—and what programs must be protected. (Thomas B. Fordham Institute, August 2012)...

2011 MetLife Survey of the American Teacher - Conducted annually, this survey examines the views of teachers, parents and students about the teaching profession, parent and community engagement, and effects of the economy on teaching and learning in schools. Notable findings include parent and community engagement with schools has increased, and there are constructive practices to be shared. The survey raises concerns, however, especially around teacher satisfaction. (Metlife, Inc. March 2012)...

Don't Count Us Out: How An Overreliance on Accountability Could Undermine the Public's Confidence in Schools, Business, Government, and More - This report describes a potentially corrosive gap between the way leaders in government, business, education, health care and other sectors define accountability and the way typical Americans think about it. (Kettering Foundation and Public Agenda, August 2011)...