Abstract
This article examines the impact of the National Commission on Excellence in Education’s report on the perceived decline in American educational quality. It begins by noting the unusual public visibility achieved by the report and reviews the indicators of national risk identified by the Commission, including declining achievement scores, functional illiteracy among adolescents, and widespread remedial instruction across higher education, the military, and industry. The article then surveys potential causes of this decline, ranging from weak graduation and admissions requirements to inadequate teacher preparation, poor instructional materials, insufficient parental support, and diminished professional morale. The discussion shifts to the responsibilities of the speech communication field, arguing that while the discipline has historically held little influence in precollege curricula, it has also made limited effort to assert leadership. The article proposes roles for communication administrators and faculty, including strengthening teacher education, contributing to state certification and curriculum development, improving admission communication, and advancing assessment in speaking and listening. It concludes by urging sustained involvement in educational reform and closer integration between colleges and schools.
Recommended Citation
Allen, R. R.
(1985)
"A Nation at Risk: One Year After,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 52, Article 22.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol52/iss1/22
