Losing Weight and Reforming Schools

By Edmund Janko

Let me begin talking about the seemingly endless school reform debate with what might appear to be a far-out analogy.

Let's say that John Noshwell is overweight. He finally decides that he's got to shed a few pounds and needs some help to overcome his lack of self-discipline. So one day he goes to sign in at the Downsizing Weight Loss Clinic.

After a thorough consultation that includes a physical and an analysis of his eating habits and sedentary lifestyle, John's counselor tells him that the clinic feels confident it can guarantee that he will lose at least 20 pounds in less than four months if: (1) he will strictly follow the diet that has been prepared for him; (2) he will adhere to the recommended regimen of exercise; and (3) he will attend the weekly...