The idea of school choice is spreading like wildfire around the country, because it's the one education reform that puts real choices and real opportunities in the hands of families who desperately need them,

The new program for children in failing schools will be the largest statewide school choice program in the nation. The creation of that program plus the expansion of two others illustrates that states with the greatest experience with school choice are the most likely to expand it.

In 2006, the number of children in targeted school choice programs nationwide will reach six digits for the first time, representing a 40 percent increase in the number of children in targeted school choice programs and an even bigger increase in the amount of public funding.

There is a growing acceptance and interest in publicly funded school choice as a catalyst for education reform in general and a way to empower parents to be education reformers.

[So far, the Republicans see no real downside to picking on the third branch of government.] Some of these rulings have inflamed mainstream America, ... So when the G.O.P. elevates this issue, it is seen as a winner.

The next step is to recognize that public schools all across urban America are in serious crisis, and we need to enlist every educator who can help the children, in both public and private schools.