When we unnecessarily elongate the process of "learning to read," we postpone "reading to learn learning itself - by years.

What gets measured (and clearly defined) does get done.

Learning, without any opportunities to share what we've learned, is a little like cooking for ourselves; we do it, but we probably won't do it as well.

Reforms often fail because politics favors symbols over substance.

Things get done only if the data we gather can inform and inspire those in a position to make a difference.

School improvement is not a mystery. Incremental, even dramatic improvement is not only possible but probable under the right conditions.

In a healthy system, there is no blame.