I asked middle schoolers how they would evaluate school success. Here are their top 7 answers.

America's diverse population, where each individual is like a thread that when woven together creates the fabric of our democracy, is best supported by public schools.

Everyone can share favorite memories of summer vacations, but is an extended summer vacation really in the best interest of students?

Grit and perseverance are true markers of success in young people - and all of us. Flexible Evening High School is an example of that.

Joining the FCPS Golf League was a big step for me, yet it actually reflects everything we talk about when we endorse a “growth mindset.”

More than any other factor, community poverty impacts school and student achievement. We need to recognize the impacts of poverty and design policies to address them.

So often people look fondly back on “days gone by,” but was it really better then? Do we really want to keep doing things like we did back then—especially when we think of schools?

For 2 decades, educational reform policy has used the same strategy but achievement gaps persist. Let’s spend our resources on transforming our schools instead of constantly trying to reform them!

When it comes to public education, it’s easier to simply blame schools than it is to seek root causes and solve problems through strategic public policy.

Americans used to view public education as a gift and a responsibility. Do we still believe that?