The author makes great points: "failing" schools are a symptom, not the cause; attempts at reform should not be different versions of the same old thing, but instead radical changes; teachers are blamed when in fact the problem is more about reforming education for the disadvantaged and closing the gap between the "haves" and "have nots"; emphasis on testing places the focus where it needs not be, sucking the joy out of teaching and learning. I think changes need to start with the colleges and universities. As I help my last of four prepare for college I am amazed by how much the grades and scores DO matter. Just talking to a friend today whose senior called MIT to ask about attending : gave the MIT counselor his ACT scores; GPA and times in swimming. The counselor told him to retake the ACT and to call him back if he gets a 32 !