A recent survey by pollsters Peter Hart and Robert Teeter reveals that the public wants quality in the classroom and is willing to pay for it. More than two out of three Americans back higher salaries and quality continuing education for teachers, along with better working conditions. And an impressive 83 percent said they favored raising salaries for teachers--even if it means paying higher taxes.

When it comes to finding and keeping talented new teachers, "the public says, 'Get 'em in and keep 'em in," observed Hart at a Washington, D.C., news conference to release the poll, "A National Priority: Americans Speak on Teacher Quality," which was sponsored by the Educational Testing Service.

GOP pollster Teeter agreed with Hart's assessment, saying the poll shows Americans are willing to pay for higher salaries, training and better working conditions. "The public knows [these] improvements will require more funding," Teeter said. "If they're convinced the money will go to what they actually want, they will support it."

The survey makes clear that teacher quality is a top priority among Americans. In fact, 64 percent reject lowering standards for the profession as a way to hire more teachers and reduce class size.

So what does "quality" mean to the public? Pedagogy and attitude appear to be prized by many Americans. "Having the skills to design learning experiences that inspire/interest children" was selected as the benchmark of quality by 42 percent of the public, as well as 56 percent of educators surveyed. That was followed by "having a lot of enthusiasm for the job" and "having a caring attitude toward students." Coming in fourth on the list was "having a thorough understanding of subject," while "advanced degrees and classroom experience" were selected by less than 10 percent of educators and the general public.

Among the other highlights of the report:

  A majority of those polled (52 percent) say schools need either major changes or a complete overhaul. In 2001, a majority said schools either were working pretty well or only required minor changes.

 The public is at loggerheads with teachers, administrators and policymakers when it comes to evaluating school reform. Fifty-six percent of Americans believe little progress is being made, while 61 percent of educators and 78 percent of policymakers believe good progress is being made.

 Ninety-three percent favor testing teachers on knowledge of subject/teaching skills, although pollsters did not ask whether respondents favored testing beginning teachers or veteran teachers.