Public education is the single most important public institution in a democratic society. It is our ultimate department of
defense against poverty, ignorance, hatred and intolerance…To one degree or another, every generation of Americans has had to wrestle with the challenge of educating its youth. We know it takes qualified teachers, capable school leaders, supportive learning environments,adequate resources, a rigorous curriculum, high expectations linked to standards….But one vital ingredient has been missing in this formula for education excellence, and that ingredient is public responsibility. We as a nation cannot afford to stand by and allow our public schools tobecome wastelands of mediocrity.