RE: Question 1: Attracting and Retaining Teachers

Charles said, "I think the state should say clearly that we have a common expectation of what students should be taught in public schools and at what level students should demonstrate mastery and then leave the details about how to achieve this expectation to the education professionals who work directly with students and parents."  This can be tricky.  Should the State be defining this in detail, a specific body of knowledge, for example?  Or should the State be outlining broad areas of learning?  Take a look at the standards for California and other states.  They are written in very detailed ways.  

I think many in the general public would be surprised at what kids are expected to know at certain grade levels.  This kind of standardization can lead not to a rigorous curriuclum, but rigor mortis. (credit this thought to Susan Ohanian, in her book, What Happened to Recess and Why are our Children Struggling in Kindergarten? p. 48---a must read)