Why New Day for Learning is Critical and Urgent A growing body of public opinion research shows that our education system is not measuring up to expectations: 86% of the general public—not just parents—believe the quality of the country’s education system has a large or very large impact on the overall economic prosperity. Associated Press poll (June 2008) 68% of students feel that updating high school classes to better match the skills employers want will improve their high school education. Public Agenda survey, Reality Check 2006 40 to 45% of recent high school graduates report significant gaps in their skills, both in college and the workplace. Closing the Expectations Gap 2008 Employers rate high school graduate skills "deficient" in critical basic and applied skills including: writing (72%), mathematics (53.5%), professionalism/work ethic (70.3%) and problem-solving/critical thinking (69.6%). Are They Really Ready to Work?: Employers’ Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills of New Entrants to the 21st Century U.S. Workforce (2007) 91% of parents say the education system should make problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking as high a priority as reading, writing, math and science. However, 54% said programs that build these 21st century skills are either not available or difficult to afford. Key Findings On Attitudes Toward Education and Learning (May 2008) 88% of voters say they believe that schools can and should incorporate 21st century skills into their curriculum. Beyond the Three Rs: Voter Attitudes Toward 21st Century Skills (2007) Now we must work together to transform public awareness of the problem to public and political will for change. Research and Tools Research Study of Promising Afterschool Programs High-quality afterschool programs are one good example of many programs/initiatives that incorporate New Day for Learning concepts. This two-year national study of students in elementary and middle school afterschool programs found gains in one or both of the groups in academics, social skills, reductions in aggression and misconduct as well as a reduced use of drugs and alcohol. Key Findings On Attitudes Toward Education and Learning In 2007, Peter Hart Research and Associates conducted public opinion research, which included both qualitative and quantitative components, and found significant support for reforming how, when and what students learn. Measuring Skills for the 21st Century This report by Education Sector highlights models that defy the popular belief that in order to measure advanced skills we must incorporate more tests. Rather, the report says that we need better tests that accurately measure the skills that really matter for the 21st century — the ability to think creatively and to evaluate and analyze information. Tools New Day for Learning Report The nation's steady progress as an economy and as a society will end "unless we profoundly change our thinking and policies about when, where and how children learn and develop" contends "A New Day for Learning," an urgent report from the Time, Learning, and Afterschool Task Force funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. The 41-page report includes five elements of a new learning system. New Day for Learning Overview One-page document that states the case for New Day for Learning as well as explains its five key elements. New Day for Learning State Overview and Recovery Act Recommendations Three-page document that provides an overview of New Day for Learning as well as specific information on how state leaders, advocates and policymakers can guide policy to create a New Day for Learning for the young people of their state. New Day for Learning Executive Summary Four-page document that provides a brief summary of the New Day for Learning. Making the Case The New Day for Learning Advisory Board issued Making the Case for New Day for Learning to provide the research that demonstrates that parents, opinion leaders, the business community and educators are all concerned that young people are not being prepared to be successful in school, work and life. Making the Case leverages research from a variety of different groups (business groups, think tanks, government, etc.), which points to the need to look critically at how we educate our young people and potentially a public and political will to approach things differently. New Day for Learning Talking Points Looking for a way to discuss what American education should be with parents, business leaders and others? The New Day for Learning Talking Points provide a framework for individuals to discuss how all of us can work together to re-imagine how, when and where young people learn. Superintendents’ Perspectives on the New Day for Learning Report American Association of School Administrators report that provides real-world perspectives of five superintendents from Kentucky, New Jersey, Minnesota, Oregon and Illinois on New Day for Learning.