Nancy Flanagan has written a fine analysis of “Reign of Error.”
She says that this is a book for teachers, school leaders, and parents.
“For them, it’s a sourcebook of key issues, solid evidence and confirmation that yes, there’s been a media-fed, policy-driven, politically instigated sea change in public perspectives around education. Plus–there’s a template for the kinds of smart investment that could make our public education system sound and vigorous for decades. A rough guide to getting back on track, preserving America’s best idea: a free, high-quality public education for every child, rich or poor.”
Diane Ravitch's blog 
America’s best idea
That’s perfect. That is exactly what the public schools have been.
Are they perfect? No. Certainly not. Perfection only in the minds of totalitarians. Think Plato’s Republic. Think the pure Aryan Reich.
We need site-based management in this country. That’s how you get autonomy and innovation. You have curriculum developers and pedagogical innovators compete for the hearts and minds of free teachers and principals and curriculum coordinators and superintendents–people who make their own decisions about what will be taught, when, and to whom. Think about what happens on juries. Ordinary men and women take this responsibility VERY seriously. Sometimes they make mistakes, but almost anyone who has every served on a jury will tell you, people step up when given the responsibility.
The deformers want top-down control. One ring to rule them all.
It’s time to tell them, “No.”
It’s time to stop collaborating with these fascists.
Free public schools with site-based management.
America’s best idea.
Don’t let them kill that idea.
Resist at every opportunity. Do not be a collaborator.
“Perfection only in the minds of totalitarians. Think Plato’s Republic. Think the pure Aryan Reich.”
Think God (with a capital G).
In other words think “religious thinking” if that isn’t an oxymoron in and of itself.
Please RT: Teachers, show you are better than Common Core #TeacherShowandTellSaturdays http://pointeviven.blogspot.com/2013/09/teacher-show-and-tell-saturdays.html
I just started reading the book last night. As a parent and a 27 year NYC veteran educator, I find the history and the analysis to be spot on. Additionally, it is accessible to non-educators. I plan I buying multiple copies to give as gifts to my local school officials and new partners in resistance. Thank you Diane! I’m so glad you’ve come over to the bright side!