I don’t often say this with such force and fervor, but… READ THIS BOOK!
The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education by Diane Ravitch.
Yes, I know I’m behind the curve on this. It has been out a while (it came out in March, 2010). I am reading the book to present it at next week’s Urban Engagement Book Club. It is a genuinely important book.
Ravitch has served in government, championed “No Child Left Behind,” and has changed her mind. Let me repeat that — she has changed her mind. She writes: “I have a right to change my mind.”
Here is just a piece of what she writes in this book:
“Our schools will not improve if we continue to focus on reading and mathematics while ignoring the other studies that are essential elements of a good education. Schools that expect nothing more of their students than mastery of basic skills will not produce graduates who are ready for college or the modern workplace.”
Page after page with compelling quotes, and compelling arguments run throughout the book.
READ THIS BOOK!
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If you are in the Dallas area, come hear my synopsis of this book at the Urban Engagement Book Club, noon, Thursday, August 4. Sponsored by CitySquare (formerly Central Dallas Ministries), the meetings are held at the Highland Park United Methodist Church, adjacent to the SMU campus. Click here for details.
First Friday Book Synopsis 
Bob, I might choose to do this.
I think you are right — there is nothing more important to the future of U. S. business than the education of the future workforce. And lots of evidence says that we have not been doing real well in that department.
The book is really excellent — and disturbing. I’m moving it into the “to schedule” list for the First Friday Book Synopsis.