"The very nature of K12 teaching requires the kinds of evaluation systems that account for not only individual capability but also the collaboration and teamwork among teachers……. Not only is it virtually impossible to identify all of the sources of learning in young people’s lives, it is hard to identify objective measures of teacher effectiveness because you don’t always know what or to whom to attribute success."

"What a startling admission of truth by an educator who spent decades working in schools as a teachers union member, before she had an epiphany……. If all educators could put aside bureaucratic allegiances, hidden agendas, and political loyalties, to focus squarely on delivering a world class education to students across the learning spectrum, then we know that everything else will fall in place."

"Parental involvement in children’s education means more than merely paying attention to whether kids attend school regularly or complete their homework assignments……. Because we know that children develop and learn as a result of what they are exposed to at home and in their local communities, we can all partner with parents to close the learning gaps that exist for those children who risk falling behind through no fault of their own."

"So much of what we take for granted about public schools can actually produce a level of stability, discipline, and freedom that is very often missing from the lives of students whose time away from school is filled with very little structure and discipline. Schools can also serve as the safe haven or sanctuary that some children need…… To ensure that every child is given sufficient space to explore new ideas, learn from their classmates, and discover areas of interest to them does not require more from our schools. Instead, all we need are…. patient hearts and open arms for every child who enters a schoolhouse, regardless of circumstance."

"……….one wonders whether the vast majority of school-aged youth even recognize how blessed they are to have access to basic public education…. In parts of the world where access to local schools is scarce, we know that young people often travel for hours to attend classes…. they attend makeshift classrooms in grass huts or rundown shacks…..In America, where K12 education is free…. too many parents and students take elementary and secondary education for granted and approach it as if it could never be taken away from them."