"I have been waiting for this book for a decade. In an age in whichthe national debate on school reform is concerned principally withtactics and process, this volume focuses on the most important ofall questions. What is the purpose of school? How do we know if aschool is working? The authors are the most highly regarded namesin education. This is an important book for anyone interested inschooling in America today." -- Arthur Levine, president, Teachers College, Columbia University