NATIONAL GOALS
Scroll down or click on "Question" to see the poll results for that question.
Accountability Measures
Question 1: If a public school in this community does not show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose withholding state or federal education funds from that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 296-NatAX-1]
Question 2: If a public school in this community does show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose awarding more state and federal education funds to that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 298-NatAX-2]
Question 3: If a public school in this community does not show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose not renewing the contracts of the principal and the teachers in that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 297-NatAX-3]
Candidate's Support
Question 4: As I read off each goal by letter again, please tell me how much influence a political candidate's support for that goal would have on your decision to vote for him or her -- a great deal, a fair amount, not very much, or almost none. A. By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. B. By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. C. By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. D. By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. E. By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. F. By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. (Asked in: 1990.)
[Code: 299-NatCX-4]
Do Standards Differ?
Question 5: As you understand it, do achievement standards and goals for the public schools differ from community to community and from state to state, or is there a single set of national achievement standards and goals that apply to all the public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 300-NatDX-5]
Do Testing Programs Differ?
Question 6: As you understand it, do testing programs to determine the academic achievement of students differ from state to state and from community to community, or are there standardized testing programs that are required in all public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 301-NatDX-6]
Does Curriculum Differ?
Question 7: As you understand it, do public school curriculum requirements -- that is, the subjects required -- differ from state to state and from community to community, or is there a standardized national curriculum that is required in all public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 302-NatDX-7]
Knowledge of Schools: Sources
Question 8: What are the sources of information you use to judge the quality of schools in your community -- that is, where do you get your information about the schools? Newspapers. Word of mouth/friends/relatives. Children/students. Television. Personal experience/observation. School employees. Media. (Asked in: 1973, 1983, 1988, 2002, 2009.)
[Code: 303-NatKS-8]
Likelihood of Reaching National Goals
Question 9: As I read each goal by letter again, would you tell me whether you think reaching that goal by the year 2000 is very likely, likely, unlikely, or very unlikely? A. By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. B. By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. C. By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. D. By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. E. By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. F. By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. (Asked in: 1990, 1991.)
[Code: 304-NatLX-9]
National Report Card
Question 10: It has been proposed that public school report cards be prepared and made public to show what progress is being made toward achievement of the national education goals. Would you favor or oppose such report cards? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 305-NatNX-10]
Prioritizing National Goals
Question 11: Now, some questions about the national education goals that have been recommended for attainment by the year 2000. How high a priority do you think each goal should have for the remainder of the decade -- very high, high, low, or very low? By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. (Asked in: 1990, 1991, 1993.)
[Code: 306-NatPX-11]
Progress
Question 12: Government officials at all levels have publicly committed themselves to improvement of the public schools by the year 2000. At this point, what grade would you give the following government officials for improving the public schools -- A, B, C, D, or FAIL? President Bush. U.S. Congress. Your state governor. Your state legislators. (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 307-NatPX-12]
Progress Toward Specific Goals
Question 13: Now, as I read off each goal, would you tell me how much progress you feel has been made toward achieving that goal -- a great deal, quite a lot, not too much, or none at all? A. By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. B. By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. C. By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. D. By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. E. By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. F. By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 308-NatPX-13]
Recognition of National Goals
Question 14: This card describes several national education goals that have been recommended for attainment by the year 2000. Would you tell me which of these goals you have heard of? A. By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. B. By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. C. By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. D. By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in mathematics and science achievement. E. By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. F. By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 309-NatRX-14]
Support for Goals/Standards
Question 15: Would you favor or oppose requiring the public schools in this community to conform to national achievement standards and goals? (Asked in: 1989, 1991.)
[Code: 310-NatSX-15]
Who Should Set Goals?
Question 16: Which one of the following groups do you think should establish these national achievement standards and goals: the President and Congress, professional educators, a consensus of state governors, or a panel of parents and other laypeople? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 311-NatWX-16]
Importance of selected initiatives
Question 17: How important are the following national educational initiatives to America's future? Please rate as very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important.
Making college affordable
Investing in early childhood
(Asked in: 2013.)
[Code: 968-NatI-17]
POLL RESULTS
Accountability Measures
Question 1: If a public school in this community does not show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose withholding state or federal education funds from that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 296-NatAX-1]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Favor % | Oppose % | Don't Know % |
| 1991 | 33 | 57 | 10 |
Question 2: If a public school in this community does show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose awarding more state and federal education funds to that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 298-NatAX-2]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Favor % | Oppose % | Don't Know % |
| 1991 | 64 | 26 | 10 |
Question 3: If a public school in this community does not show progress toward the national goals within a reasonable time, would you favor or oppose not renewing the contracts of the principal and the teachers in that school? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 297-NatAX-3]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Favor % | Oppose % | Don't Know % |
| 1991 | 57 | 32 | 11 |
Candidate's Support
Question 4: As I read off each goal by letter again, please tell me how much influence a political candidate's support for that goal would have on your decision to vote for him or her -- a great deal, a fair amount, not very much, or almost none. (Asked in: 1990.)
[Code: 299-NatCX-4]
| 1990 National Totals | |||||
| Goal | A Great Deal % |
A Fair Amount % |
Not Very Much % |
Almost None % |
Don't Know % |
| By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. | 29 |
37 | 18 |
11 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. | 30 |
36 | 19 |
10 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. | 32 | 36 | 17 | 10 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. | 26 | 35 | 21 | 13 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. | 33 | 36 | 16 | 10 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. | 43 | 30 | 12 | 10 | 5 |
Do Standards Differ?
Question 5: As you understand it, do achievement standards and goals for the public schools differ from community to community and from state to state, or is there a single set of national achievement standards and goals that apply to all the public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 300-NatDX-5]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Different Goals % | Single Set of Goals % | Don't Know % |
| 1989 | 61 | 24 | 15 |
Do Testing Programs Differ?:
Question 6: As you understand it, do testing programs to determine the academic achievement of students differ from state to state and from community to community, or are there standardized testing programs that are required in all public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 301-NatDX-6]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Tests Differ % | Tests Are Standardized % | Don't Know % |
| 1989 | 38 | 42 | 20 |
Does Curriculum Differ?
Question 7: As you understand it, do public school curriculum requirements -- that is, the subjects required -- differ from state to state and from community to community, or is there a standardized national curriculum that is required in all public schools in the country? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 302-NatDX-7]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Curriculum Differs % | Curriculum Is Standardized % | Don't Know % |
| 1989 | 55 | 29 | 16 |
Knowledge of Schools: Sources
Question 8: What are the sources of information you use to judge the quality of schools in your community -- that is, where do you get your information about the schools? Newspapers. Word of mouth/friends/relatives. Children/students. Television. Personal experience/observation. School employees. Media. (Asked in: 1973, 1983, 1988, 2002, 2009.)
[Code: 303-NatKS-8]
National Totals |
|||||
| Sources | 1973 % |
1983 % |
1988 % |
2002 % |
2009 % |
| Newspapers | 38 |
42 |
52 |
43 |
43 |
| Word of mouth/friends/relatives | * |
* |
* |
35 |
* |
| Parents of students | 33 |
29 |
33 |
* |
11 |
| Other adults in community | 33 | 27 | 28 | * | * |
| Children/students | 43 |
36 |
36 |
17 |
11 |
| Television | * |
* |
* |
16 |
* |
| Radio and/or television | 20 | 19 | 32 | * | 17 |
| Media (not specified) | * |
* |
* |
6 |
* |
| Personal experience/observation | * |
8 |
* |
10 |
* |
| School employees | * |
* |
* |
8 |
20 |
| School board/faculty members | 33 | 24 | 25 | * | * |
| Communications from school | * |
* |
* |
10 |
* |
| Other | 12 |
4 |
13 |
* |
* |
| PTA | 3 |
* |
* |
* |
* |
| Internet | * |
* |
* |
* |
10 |
| Not designated/don't know | 4 |
7 |
3 |
* |
* |
| *Category not included for that year. Figures add up to more than 100% because of multiple answers. | |||||
Likelihood of Reaching National Goals
Question 9: As I read each goal by letter again, would you tell me whether you think reaching that goal by the year 2000 is very likely, likely, unlikely, or very unlikely? (Asked in: 1990, 1991.)
[Code: 304-NatLX-9]
National Totals |
||||||||||
Very Likely % |
Likely % |
Unlikely % |
Very Unlikely % |
Don't Know % |
||||||
| Goals | 1990 | 1991 | 1990 | 1991 | 1990 | 1991 | 1990 | 1991 | 1990 | 1991 |
| By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. | 10 |
12 | 37 |
38 | 33 | 33 | 14 | 12 | 6 |
5 |
| By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. | 6 |
10 | 36 |
35 | 39 | 37 | 14 | 12 | 5 |
6 |
| By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. | 6 | 9 | 36 | 38 | 36 | 36 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. | 4 | 6 | 22 | 23 | 45 | 41 | 23 | 24 | 6 | 6 |
| By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. | 6 | 7 | 25 | 25 | 41 | 42 | 23 | 21 | 5 | 5 |
| By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. | 4 | 5 | 14 | 14 | 38 | 40 | 39 | 36 | 5 | 5 |
National Report Card
Question 10: It has been proposed that public school report cards be prepared and made public to show what progress is being made toward achievement of the national education goals. Would you favor or oppose such report cards? (Asked in: 1991.)
[Code: 305-NatNX-10]
National Totals | |||
| Year 1991 | Favor % | Oppose % | Don't Know % |
| For Local Schools | 73 | 22 | 5 |
| For Local Districts | 76 | 19 | 5 |
| For the States | 75 | 19 | 6 |
| For the Nation | 75 | 19 | 6 |
Prioritizing National Goals
Question 11: Now, some questions about the national education goals that have been recommended for attainment by the year 2000. How high a priority do you think each goal should have for the remainder of the decade -- very high, high, low, or very low? (Asked in: 1990, 1991, 1993.)
[Code: 306-NatPX-11]
National Totals |
|||||||||||||||
Very High % |
High % |
Low % |
Very Low % |
Don't Know % |
|||||||||||
| Goals | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 | 1990 | 1991 | 1993 |
| By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. | 44 |
52 | 41 | 44 |
38 | 48 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
3 | 2 |
| By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. | 45 |
54 | 54 | 42 |
37 | 38 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
3 | 1 |
| By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. | 46 | 55 | 59 | 42 | 35 | 33 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. | 34 | 43 | 45 | 42 | 41 | 43 | 16 | 11 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. | 45 | 50 | 54 | 37 | 36 | 37 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. | 55 | 63 | 71 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 |
Progress
Question 12: Government officials at all levels have publicly committed themselves to improvement of the public schools by the year 2000. At this point, what grade would you give the following government officials for improving the public schools -- A, B, C, D, or FAIL? (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 307-NatPX-12]
1992 National Totals | ||||||
A % |
B % |
C % |
D % |
Fail | Don't Know % | |
| President Bush | 3 |
12 | 30 | 25 | 21 | 9 |
| U.S. Congress | 1 |
6 | 30 | 30 | 22 | 11 |
| Your state governor | 4 | 15 | 30 | 22 | 19 | 10 |
| Your state legislators | 2 | 12 | 33 | 24 | 16 | 13 |
Progress Toward Specific Goals
Question 13: Now, as I read off each goal, would you tell me how much progress you feel has been made toward achieving that goal -- a great deal, quite a lot, not too much, or none at all? (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 308-NatPX-13]
1992 National Totals |
|||||
| Goals | A Great Deal % |
Quite a Lot % |
Not Too Much % |
None at All % |
Don't Know % |
| By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. | 5 |
15 |
45 | 13 | 22 |
| By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. | 3 |
13 |
46 | 15 | 23 |
| By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. | 3 | 13 | 41 | 18 | 25 |
| By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. | 2 | 9 | 36 | 28 | 25 |
| By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. | 3 | 13 | 40 | 21 | 23 |
| By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. | 4 | 10 | 34 | 31 | 21 |
Recognition of National Goals
Question 14: This card describes several national education goals that have been recommended for attainment by the year 2000. Would you tell me which of these goals you have heard of? (Asked in: 1992.)
[Code: 309-NatRX-14]
| 1992 National Totals |
|
| Goals | Aware of Goal % |
| By the year 2000, all children in America will start school ready to learn. | 28 |
| By the year 2000, the high school graduation rate will increase to at least 90%. | 27 |
| By the year 2000, American students will leave grades 4, 8, and 12 having demonstrated competency in challenging subject matter, including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography. In addition, every school will insure that all students will learn to use their minds well so that they may be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in a modern economy. | 26 |
| By the year 2000, American students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement. | 23 |
| By the year 2000, every adult American will be literate and will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to compete in a global economy and to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship. | 25 |
| By the year 2000, every school in America will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. | 24 |
Support for Goals/Standards
Question 15: Would you favor or oppose requiring the public schools in this community to conform to national achievement standards and goals? (Asked in: 1989, 1991.)
[Code: 310-NatSX-15]
National Totals | |||
| Year | Favor % | Oppose % | Don't Know % |
| 1991 | 81 | 12 | 7 |
| 1989 | 70 | 19 | 11 |
Who Should Set Goals?
Question 16: Which one of the following groups do you think should establish these national achievement standards and goals: the President and Congress, professional educators, a consensus of state governors, or a panel of parents and other laypeople? (Asked in: 1989.)
[Code: 311-NatWX-16]
| Group that should establish standards and goals | 1989 National Totals |
| Professional Educators | 61% |
| Panel of parents and other lay people | 20% |
| The President and Congress | 5% |
| A consensus of state governors | 3% |
| Other | 3% |
| None | 1% |
| Don't know | 7% |
Importance of selected initiatives
Question 17: How important are the following national educational initiatives to America's future? Please rate as very important, somewhat important, not too important, or not at all important.
Making college affordable
Investing in early childhood
Redesigning high school
(Asked in: 2013.)
[Code: 968-NatI-17]
National Totals | |||||
| Year | Very Important % |
Somewhat Important % |
Not too Important % |
Not at all Important % |
Don't know/ refused % |
Making college affordable | |||||
| 2013 | 76 |
17 |
5 |
2 |
0 |
Investing in early childhood | |||||
| 2013 | 61 |
23 |
10 |
6 |
0 |
Redesigning high school | |||||
| 2013 | 42 |
39 |
15 |
3 |
2 |
Last modified
August 21, 2013
k_q_national_1.htm