We live in a rapidly changing world, and meeting the needs of our students in this new environment is one of the key challenges facing our schools. As educators, we are working to meet the increased demands of higher standards and greater accountability while adapting to the changing student population. To do that successfully requires more support and involvement from the entire community.

• More students with diverse backgrounds today require public schools equipped to meet their needs. These include more minority students, urban and rural students, students with disabilities, non-native speakers, immigrant students, GLBT students, and children being raised in non-traditional homes by single parents, grandparents, or foster parents.
• Technology is rapidly changing how students learn and function in the world, and so schools must change to meet their needs.
• Teachers and support staff need proper training to meet students' special needs and use changing technology, including access to the latest research on cognitive development and learning styles.

Ensuring that every child has the opportunity to attend a great public school means rising to the challenges of our changing world and adapting to our students' evolving education needs.