According to 'A Nation at Risk', the American education system has declined due to a '
rising tide of mediocrity' in our schools. States such as New York have responded to the
findings and recommendations of the report by implementing such strategies as the
'Regents Action Plan' and the 'New Compact for Learning'.
In the early 1980's, President Regan ordered a national commission to study our
education system. The findings of this commission were that, compared with other
industrialized nations, our education system is grossly inadequate in meeting the
standards of education that many other countries have developed. At one time, America
was the world leader in technology, service, and industry, but overconfidence based on
a historical belief in our superiority has caused our nation to fall behind the rapidly
growing competitive market in the world with regard to education. …
