In a commencement speech, Richard Rothstein challenged the reform narrative. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/the-fantasies-driving-school-reform-a-primer-for-education-graduates/2012/05/13/gIQA5vwzLU_blog.html
First, he demonstrated that the central thesis of “reform” is wrong: American public education is not failing.
Second, he demonstrated the dramatic progress made in recent years especially by African American students.
Third, he challenged the “reform” claim that scores are influenced solely by teachers.
Fourth, he demonstrated that social and economic conditions have a strong influence on test scores.
As he shows, and as should be obvious to all but those with hardened hearts, children have more trouble learning if they are hungry and homeless.
For reformers to treat social and economic conditions as excuses, rather than as brutal facts that must be addressed, is just plain wrong.
Of course, we won’t vanquish poverty or close the glaring income gaps in our generation.
But, shame on us if we don’t even try.
Diane
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Unfortunately the big lie pervades the media, spearheaded by Mayor Bloomberg, Governor Cuomo, and faux-Democrat President Barack Obama. It’s very tough to get the word out with folks like that spouting nonsense that’s echoed on every editorial page of MSM. But of course we’ll keep trying. Thanks for speaking the truth on such a regular basis.
I read the address. The new teachers entering the classrooms have a huge challenge ahead of them. Those of us who have been there or are still in the classroom must do everything we can to give them not only professional support but moral support as well. You, Diane, like your associates are a big help. Thanks!
I find what is going on education “reform” today to be sickening! I have spent the past 24 years of my life committed to teaching children. Unfortunately, I am as demoralized as I have ever been. It is a horrible time to be a teacher. I fear that the only solution to stop this insanity is for the profession to dry up. When we can’t find people to teach anymore they will wonder why. That time can’t come soon enough.