<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> In the first decade of the 21st century, several issues are salient in debates over further education reform: </P> <Ul> <Li> Longer school day or school year </Li> <Li> After - school tutoring </Li> <Li> Charter schools, school choice, or school vouchers </Li> <Li> Smaller class sizes </Li> <Li> Improved teacher quality <Ul> <Li> Improved training </Li> <Li> Higher credential standards </Li> <Li> Generally higher pay to attract more qualified applicants </Li> <Li> Performance bonuses ("merit pay") </Li> <Li> Firing low - performing teachers </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> Internet and computer access in schools </Li> <Li> Track and reduce drop - out rate </Li> <Li> Track and reduce absenteeism </Li> <Li> English - only vs. bilingual education </Li> <Li> Mainstreaming or fully including students with special educational needs, rather than placing them in separate special schools </Li> <Li> Content of curriculum standards and textbooks <Ul> <Li> What to teach, at what age, and to which students . For example, at what age should children normally learn to read? Should all teenagers study algebra, or would it be more useful for them to take a mathematics class focused on statistics or personal finances? </Li> </Ul> </Li> <Li> Funding, neglected infrastructure, and adequacy of educational supplies </Li> <Li> Student rights </Li> </Ul> <Li> Longer school day or school year </Li>

In an attempt to improve education in america a federal