We have certain standards that are mandated that students have to reach certain levels of achievement to go on to the next grade.

When you begin to do things that raise the achievement of the poorest and disenfranchised students, you may not always get applause. You need to be ready for that.

The growth model system is going to have to ensure that those students who are very far behind are going to make more than one year's progress in one year's schooling. We are not sure states are prepared to ask that of their teachers.

'No Child Left Behind' requires states and school districts to ensure that all students are learning and are reaching their highest potential. Special education students should not be left out of these accountability mechanisms.

That's driven by the recognition that research says that the most important factor in students' achievement is the effectiveness of the teacher.

Historically, we've always had students thinking bigger and bigger. It's gone from radio to television to the movie screen, to the era of blockbuster films. All of a sudden, things have reversed and everything is getting smaller.