National Commission Releases "A Nation at Risk" Indicting U.S. Schools

The National Commission on Excellence in Education delivered "A Nation at Risk" to Education Secretary Terrel Bell, warning that "a rising tide of mediocrity" in U.S. schools threatened economic competitiveness. The 18-member commission, chaired by David Pierpont Gardner, recommended longer school years, stiffer graduation requirements, and merit pay for teachers. Reagan used the report to advocate prayer in schools and tuition tax credits while simultaneously pressing to abolish the Education Department his administration had inherited.