I was half aware of this fresh focus for deeper public understanding of education but now here it is — the film, “Race to Nowhere,” the wide response to it, and the filmmakers’ invitation to hear teachers’ and parents’ stories (Thanks to my TSU partner, Marilyn Hollman, for calling this to my attention). So we’re seeing more and more forums for teachers and parents speaking up and focusing on the positive opportunities for kids in school.

Now we need a way for this growing chorus to coalesce somehow, and have some real impact. Diane Ravitch’s new network seems like one possibility. Still, there’s so much negativity about public education out there. We need more and more voices if we are to effectively counter it.