This book has me all kinds of lit up! 🔥 I probably highlighted close to half of it (jk) that I definitely plan on rereading and using in future research.

Too many circular arguments to be compelling -- testing is bad because we teach to the test, charter schools are bad because they don't get high enough test scores.

Fantastic and informed assessment of what is wrong with current national education policy. Review of the failures of NCLB and the dangers of privatization of public ed. A must read for all educators and those interested in preserving equity in American education and informed democracy.

While there were some good and valid points made, I felt the book was either an apology for how the author thought in the past or justification for changing her views 180%.

Diane Ravitch is so inspiring in this book. I love how she embraced her change of heart and explained why she felt compelled to speak against her former allies. Ravitch explains the missteps of our school system in focusing so narrowly on testing and school choice and in simplistic terms reminds us to focus on what is really important, a well rounded education that is supported by family and community.

Extremely illuminating, but it also relied on anecdotal evidence to make points, didn't really offer an example of a solution, and moved in a fashion that I found muddy. I understand why all of these limitations existed, and there probably is no way to fix them, but they took away from my enjoyment and learning. I still learned quite a bit from reading this and was moved to continue reading. Furthermore, the book fairly and understandably describes the state of education in America today, and does demonstrate the folly of many spurious solutions towards improving it.

As much as I disagree with most of Diane Ravitch's opinions, it is very interesting to hear thoughts regarding ed reform and public education from a different perspective. And, there are certain points she makes that are the same points made from the "ed reform" side - too bad there is so much villainization of both sides of the issue which takes away from the focus on students.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhAZu3B6vtk

Very reminiscent of this Dr. Suess classic..