Why has school reform been so difficult to achieve, despite decades of well-intentioned efforts, endless rhetoric, and billions of dollars of investment? Why do most U.S. schools continue to produce disappointing results? Founder and former editor of Education Week, Teacher Magazine, and Quality Counts, Ron Wolk drew on his 30 years of experience in education to write this book and share his opinions on these complex questions.

In this interview, Wolk acknowledges that his views have evolved over the last two decades; simply put, he realized that we cannot get the schools we need by reforming the schools we have. He discusses his provocative proposal for teachers, administrators, policymakers, parents, and others to consider as they contemplate the future of public education in the United States.

This interview was conducted by ASCD Communications Director Barbara Michelman.