** “… These days, any school with low test scores is called a ‘failing school’ without any inquiry into the circumstances of the school. Instead of closing the school or privatizing it, the responsible officials should act to improve the school. … Firing the staff does not turn around a low-performing school. Nor does handing it over to a charter chain. Nor does mayoral control. Most of the time, what we call a ‘failing school’ is a school that lacks the personnel and resources to meet the needs of its students.” ~ Diane Ravitch, education historian
** “Instead of focusing on renewal of the ESEA (aka No Child Left Behind law), Mr. Duncan has been tending to waivers and putting considerable energy into selling the administration’s plan to substantially expand pre-kindergarten programs to the tune of $75 billion over 10 years.” ~ Michele McNeil, assistant editor, Education Week
** “We have to expect the very best from our students and tell the truth about student performance, to prepare them for college and career. That means no longer allowing the achievement of students with disabilities to be measured by these alternate assessments aligned to modified achievement standards. This prevents these students from meeting their full potential and prevents our country from benefiting from that potential.” ~ Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Education