The status of  education is vital to the growth and welfare of America. The issues are incredibly complex because some schools are outstanding,others are mediocre and unfortunately some are dismal failures. In the search for solutions my gut feeling is that teaching to merely raising test scores misses the mark. Also defining one approach that fits all is equally short of the goal.Every child deserves a quality education, but in order to make progress there must be flexibility and openness to change without polarizing positions.As a former teacher, I believe I know something about quality education ,but the process must include the entire community in developing new models. In this quest we must keep the children first while respecting the imput of teachers,parents ,children and all of the stakeholders.

The challenges are mammoth but so are the opportunities. With dedication,technology and reverence for the value of children we can and must provide each child with the wonder of learning. To repeat an old but treasured phrase” a mind is a terrible thing to waste.”