Calling for pay for performance, accountability, innovation, smaller schools, and expanded learning for a 21^st century education, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued its 2008 agenda for education and training. This powerful lobbying group also encourages comments.

"This year," writes the Chamber of Commerce "we will work to strengthen and reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act--a critical set of tools to help transform the schools so that all students are academically prepared for the 21st century workforce."

They also call for early enrollment in college-level courses for credit, the expansion of charter schools, and increased online learning programs. Only two comments have thus far been posted. One describes a culture in which teachers are expected to silently make the best of what they have, and thus explains the need for empowering classroom teachers. The second encourages the Chamber to value vocational education more highly.

Source: The Chamber Post, 2008 Agenda, Education and Training. The full agenda is within their State of American Business Report.