79% were using curriculums that were not listed by a national nonprofit organization called EdReports as meeting quality expectations.

Alan Borsuk:

Changes in how some higher education institutions in the state train teachers are a major concern of some advocates, too.

And a sticky controversy could develop over how to deal with students who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade, with some calling for retaining them in that grade until their reading improves. But some say retention is generally more harmful than helpful.

Reading issues have brought out strong advocacy in opposing directions for many years. Kitchens said winning support across the spectrum of opinion in the Legislature and among education leaders statewide will not be easy. But he was hopeful.