I had to read this book for a class. It was definitely interesting reading about the different school systems in the United States that tried implementing new curriculum or testing or accountability just to have it all fail miserably. Most other countries have an education system that works and continually have their students pass American students in subjects like reading, math and science because they have one thing the United States lacks. And that is patience. We are not patient. We are continuously looking for the next quick fix or magic bullet that will completely overhaul the system and make us #1. BUT it will never happen until we agree to be patient, to study what works, and to implement an effective curriculum over time. Yes, time. I think many of the examples she provided would have worked if we just gave it more time and didn't make hasty decisions that made no sense in the long run. Testing means nothing. We are just teaching kids how to fill in a score sheet. How does this prepare them for the real world? It doesn't. Our education system is a complete joke.