The Pennsylvania State Education Association wants to be leading the conversation about improving education, not reacting.

So it has pulled together what it considers the best proven ways to enhance education in a 169-page report intended to reach political candidates and the general public.

The report, released yesterday, is titled "The Power of a Great Education: PSEA's 20/20 Vision for the Future -- Strong Schools, Successful Children, Vibrant Communities." It can be found at www.psea.org/vision.

"The primary purpose is we want to get out there as we're entering the 2010 election cycle and engage politicians and policymakers," said PSEA President James Testerman.

"It's also being driven with my frustration about the PSEA being on the defensive when we're having these conversations about education reform.

"We haven't been leading the debate."

The report identifies some strategies whose effectiveness PSEA says is proven with research, including smaller classes, support tailored for students at risk of academic failure and encouragement of parental involvement.

It also notes some strategies which it calls "false promises," including merit pay, vouchers and reconstituting schools by replacing existing staff, using research to back its claim.

Among the proposals in the report is one calling for the state to create a demonstration project by designating a small number of schools as community learning centers which would not only provide classes, but also would provide after-school social services.

The report covers state funding; ways to increase student achievement; teaching and learning conditions; and recruitment and retention of quality teachers.

Mr. Testerman said the report will be given to all gubernatorial candidates and sitting legislators as well as to the local teachers unions.

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