A recent report concludes that the top 12 progressive cities have larger educational achievement gaps between whites and minorities than the top 12 conservative cities. It is apparent from the data that progressives have to shift their focus.

If we want sustainable change at the state level, reform must begin with the passage of new laws. Because of the size and complexity of our education system, these changes should be made in stages. This will also minimize resistance from those who like the present system  and mitigate disruption to those industries that have benefited from our present system.

One could make the case that the “public education system” has two dimensions: government schools and independent schools. This distinction is helpful because correctly characterizing these schools clarifies who should be held accountable.

Isn’t it time to think about doing something different? Isn’t it time we had a school system that focuses on the child, not the adults, not the curriculum, and certainly not the test! Isn’t it time to decide what our children need to know and be able to do as they enter adulthood?