there is nothing better I can suggest than you go right now and read Problem vs. Solution: A Response. It was written by Deborah Meier as part of the Bridging Differences blog at Education Week / Teacher, that she used to share with Diane Ravitch, then with Pedro Noguero, and now with Mike Petrilli of the Fordham Foundation. If I may, let me quote what Diane Ravitch wrote about this post:
I won't begin to summarize what she said. Let me just say that she is at her best and what she wrote about children, about the shrinking middle class, and about what schools can and cannot do. Please take the time to read what she wrote.
Deborah has rightly been recognized for her dedication to children with among other things being a recipient of one of the Genius Awards from the MacArthur Foundation.
I am not going to quote anything. I am simply going to join Diane Ravitch and say
Please take the time to read what she wrote.
You will be glad that you did.
Peace.