What are the secrets of success of schools reform 21 there is no one template (模板), four important themes 22 : handing power back to schools; a focus on 23 pupils; a choice of different sorts of schools; and high 24 for teachers.
Of the four chief elements of schools reform, diversity of supply is 25 the most striking. From New York to Denmark, schools free of government 26 and run by non-state providers are adding quality to the mix. To date, they seem most successful 27 the state has been unwilling or unable to 28 a difference. It is still not clear whether creating groups of Free Schools and charter schools will 29 drive improvement in other institutions, 30 whether that is wishful thinking.
What is clear, 31 , is that the shiniest new academy will 32 without decent teachers. An emphasis on better teacher quality is a common 33 of all reforms. Countries like Finland and South Korea make life easier for themselves by 34 only elite graduates, and paying them 35 . Michael Gove, British Conservative education secretary, has said that he wants to 36 the degree threshold for teachers and offer "golden hellos" in areas of 37 , like science and language teaching. America has experimented at state level 38 merit pay and payment by results, but often in the teeth of 39 from the teachers" unions.
In schools reform, structural progress—new sorts of schools, reorganised old ones, new exams—can happen very fast. Better teachers 40 much longer to form. They should be made the priority.