On December 9th, 2011, at the National Opportunity to Learn Summit, Diane Ravitch delivered a clarion wake up call to all of us. To read what she had to say in full, click here. You’ll be glad you did. In fact everyone concerned about children and schools—teachers, principals, parents, policymakers—should read and discuss why this distinguished person has changed her mind about testing, accountability, and school choice.
Diane Ravitch was Assistant Secretary of Education in the George H.W. Bush administration from 1991–1993 and was appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board by the Clinton administration and served there from 1997–2004. She was a leader in the federal effort for voluntary state and national academic standards. She has long been a respected national leader in education. And she has had a radical change of heart about the direction of American public education, as she spells out in her address.

It’s no small thing that such a distinguished writer, educator, and recipient of multiple awards should have the courage to change course and speak out so boldly on behalf of the millions of children being left behind by current education law and policy. It should embolden the rest of us who teach and work in the field to raise our voices, too.