And they ignore the history of what has worked. In the '40s and '50s, millions of immigrants learned English and other subjects in city schools without the benefit of special language classes. They learned because they had to. There was one standard, and everyone had to meet it. There has to be a way to preserve what is working and fix what isn't without throwing the whole thing away.
Reform happens when people are willing to do the tough thing, even the radical thing.
Reform should make a difference. And that's why the board should be abolished. It stands in the way of reform. And it won't be Giuliani. If this plan is approved, the earliest it would go into effect is 2002, when a new mayor will occupy City Hall.