People with privileges fight to keep privileges.

It's a sign that something is wrong. It's a reason for people to ask questions whether their state standards are rigorous enough.

The news in elementary schools is very good. Achievement is up in almost every state.

They're trying to get out from under the federal law. That kind of public opposition is often interpreted by local educators as permission not to try.

It's really about where we focused for the last 10 or so years. We have approached education reform kind of like it's immunization.

That we have such problems is clear. The way to better results is less clear.