The new PDK poll provides plenty of food for thought in its analysis of Americans' views toward public education. A few highlights:

• Presidential Candidates — Americans view Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama as much more supportive of public schools than Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
   
• Assessment — In a change from nine years ago, Americans believe written observations by teachers, as opposed to scores on standardized tests, are a superior way to document student academic progress.
   
• Teacher Pay — Almost three of four Americans believe teachers should be paid higher salaries as an incentive to teach in schools identified as "in need of improvement."
   
• Federal Funding — Lack of funding for schools tops the list of “biggest problems facing schools” for the sixth year in a row. Americans support an increased use of federal funds to maintain local public schools.
   
• International Comparisons — Americans like the schools in their local community, but they perceive schools in Europe and Asia as superior, and they worry that our students will not be able to compete.

Among the half-dozen commentators highlighted in the report, TLN Forum member and prominent edublogger Bill Ferriter was the only featured teacher. Read more about Ferriter's contributions to the poll at Teacher Leadership Today.