Teachers concede the system doesn't reward excellence. Standards matter only when they count. A variety of learning opportunities for children are needed. Schools must be free to select programs, approaches and personnel. Parents must have choices so they can find the best environment to challenge their unique child.
Variety is important for teachers, too.
They want choices, which is why they're flocking to charter schools. Proposals such as raising teacher-certification requirements or reducing class size won't result in excellence. We must enact structural changes that give each school the flexibility and authority to raise the bar for all participants, and require schools to then demonstrate success in exchange for being open. Their focus should be on making laws that invite ingenuity and breed successful schools.