I don't think there are many people who would argue against the need for school reform.  The trouble, however, is determining what needs to be reformed.

In my small community, it was obvious five years ago that there was a problem.  Since we are a district that merges with two other communities at the high school level, it is easy to see and compare the differences between the various districts.  While I don't remember the dividing line so clearly when I was in school, I have seen it in the last 15 years.  Just a look at the top ten students in the high school graduating class indicates that we -- the home district -- are below the other districts.  This is a big deal because the home district also has the most students.  I am no numbers person, but if we are contributing the most students, shouldn't we have the higher proportion of those at the top?

So, in this little district the academic achievement needs to be addressed.  Personally, I think it can start with discipline.  A substitute in the local school is not afforded the same level of respect noticed in the neighboring district of Garrison.  When I enter the class in Garrison, the students expect me to instruct them and they willingly participate.  That is the culture of the school.  In our district, the culture dictates that the substitute is there to manage the class.  If, every day a student has a sub that's the lesson, imagine how much instruction our home children are missing.

Inner city schools have their own issues.  Migrant students are one issue.  Kids who do not stay in the same school over a school year (say, moves from one school to another to another) cannot get the same education as a student who is present on a regular basis.  A policy can heap the load of responsibility on the teacher, but if the student does not come to school, can we really expect a teacher to get the job done?

I believe teachers need to be held accountable.  But we need to clearly define what students need before we can determine if the teacher is providing that.  If a kid needs to get to school, let's measure that first. If kids are hungry, then offer food.  If kids need medical assistance, give it to them.  The bottom line is it's not just the teachers who make a difference.  The American Educational System is failing because it wants a one-size-fits-all policy.  If it doesn't recognize that students are individuals, then the billions we dump into the system is just going to the sewer.

Reform.  One school at a time.