There are no quick fixes or silver bullets. But we can change our expectations. We can change the conversation from one of blame, to one of, what needs to be done to succeed. Every child is different and so is every school let's set specific goals for each school. If the goal is 9 of 10 kids reading at grade level and a school is at 1, then set incremental goals for success.
Incremental change is real progress.
It's time for a fair deal. It's also time for a 'fair deal' for our teachers. I say pay teachers all you can afford to pay them because even then, it's unlikely to be what they deserve. Remember, teachers teach because they love it. But if teachers can't afford to send their own children to college, or live in the community where they teach, you will not continue to attract the best and brightest.