Christopher Emdin, 02/22/12

Urban Education Expert

In the latest iteration of the "cult of accountability," a state court allowed New York City to release performance reports for thousands of teachers and share them with the public.

Kenzo Shibata, 02/22/12

Editor, Chicago Union Teacher

Last year CPS made 930 layoffs and teachers at schools with a higher-than-average percentage of African-American or low-income students were twice as likely to lose their jobs.

Dennis Van Roekel, 02/22/12

President of the National Education Association

The only way to turn around struggling schools is to work together -- by demanding concrete changes that make low student achievement totally unacceptable for any group of students.

Nan Aron, 02/22/12

President, Alliance for Justice

Regrettably, the record shows that even though justices have asserted that they abide voluntarily by the Code, the recent behavior by several of them demonstrates that either they don't understand its provisions or they are willing to ignore them.

Dylan Ratigan, 02/22/12

Host, MSNBC's 'The Dylan Ratigan Show'; Author, 'Greedy Bastards'; Founder, Get Money Out Foundation

I've found myself more enthusiastic than I've been in years as I've shifted my attention from D.C./NYC to cities both burgeoning with ideas and struggling with the excruciating pain that Washington and New York have inflicted on them.

Sarah Carr, 02/22/12

Education reporter, New Orleans Times-Picayune

Ultimately, success in both China and the United States will depend on their leaders' interest and fortitude in addressing the opportunity gaps that persist throughout their schools.

John M. Eger, 02/22/12

Professor of Communications and Public Policy and Director of the Creative Economy Initiative at San Diego State University

Many parents want their child to have a different experience in school where they can be assured that the "whole child" is educated. In Silicon Valley, this is worth $20,000 to $25,000 in education costs.

Sarah Butrymowicz, 02/22/12

Staff writer at The Hechinger Report

Last week, the Greek government passed new austerity measures, making even deeper cuts to the country's public sector. Thousands of Greek citizens have taken to the streets to protest the plans.

Tom Vander Ark, 02/21/12

Blogger, GettingSmart.com

Your history teacher probably told you the printing press was a turning point in human history. Just watch what the shift to digital learning will do.

Jon Soltz, 02/21/12

Co-Founder of VoteVets.org, Iraq War Veteran

A better way to show the thanks of a grateful nation -- more than any parade or handshake or embrace -- is to make certain that all veterans have a fair shot at building an America worthy of our service.

Adam Goldstein, 02/22/12

Attorney, Student Press Law Center

Asserting that a bill extending state authority to punish students with no limits whatsoever is a victory for student rights bends reality to the breaking point.

Alan Elsner, 02/21/12

Author, 'Gates of Injustice: The Crisis in America’s Prisons'

Sorry Pimsleur. Sorry Rosetta Stone and all the others. The bad news is that it takes hard work and concerted effort for adults to learn a foreign language.

Michael J. Hunt, 02/21/12

Political observer trained in Oakland, based in the Heartland

The Iowa Federation of College Republicans are offering cupcakes during lunchtime today, Tuesday, at the Iowa state capitol. With just one caveat: tasty treats will only be provided to those who present a valid photo ID.

Marlo Thomas, 02/20/12

Award-winning actress, author, and activist

For many of us, Presidents Day means an extra day off work and the chance to hit up the holiday sales. But, as we recall from our school days, it's actually more than that.

Dean Baker, 02/21/12

Co-Director of CEPR; Author, 'The End of Loser Liberalism: Making Markets Progressive'

The United States continues to be at the forefront in innovation, but this likely will not always be the case. It is worth asking whether we should care.

Ellen Galinsky, 02/21/12

President, Families and Work Institute, Author, "Mind in the Making"

How do we promote self control? Here are a few ideas from research that show it's not how we might think.

Andrew S. Doctoroff, 02/21/12

Former journalist; Detroit lawyer

I've been conducting Harvard interviews for many years. What do I look for? Qualities that are hard to spot on admissions applications, but ones that scream out during probing conversation: passion, intellect, curiosity and mettle.