The US is falling behind in education and repeatedly ranks around 24th or so in the world on test scores. Politicians answer? We need to raise our test scores. How do we do that? We drill kids on math and reading, we teach them test taking skills, and we hold teachers accountable. If scores don't improve? We fire teachers or close schools. Never mind that schools are doing anything in their power to raise test scores, even if it means spending little to no time on science, history, civics, literature, art, music and physical education. Never mind that states are lowering standards to make it appear that test scores are improving. Never mind that some schools are even starting to cheat on test scores, out of desperation. Never mind that schools that improve their test scores get a high rating even if the overall quality of the school is low or dangerous, whereas excellent schools that don't improve test scores get a low rating. Because really what matters is that our test scores improve, right?

Except here's the thing: The nations that repeatedly score higher than us do not drill their students only on math, reading, and test taking skills. They give their students an excellent all around education on all subjects in the liberal arts and sciences. Because their students are so well educated, their test scores are higher.

And here in the US? Politicians are so distracted by test scores and data, they're forgetting the most important thing: Children need to be educated. Our nation's drive for results is reducing the quality of education and isn't even increasing test scores and graduation rates.

It is downright scary the direction our educational system is heading. We certainly don't need to get rid of testing all together, but we need to turn the focus back to inspiring a love of learning in children.

If you're at all interested in education, if you're an educator, or if you have a child in school, you need to read this book!