"The prevailing culture of education in many New York City communities is counterintuitive to the purpose of public education. Just passing classes or graduating from high school without the skills to succeed in the job market, community college or four-year college has become an acceptable definition of academic success."

"School reform must be built on a foundation of inclusion that reflects the diversity of our city. New programs should be designed with maximum flexibility to serve a wide range of students – including students with disabilities and English Language Learners."

"… I don't see how we can maintain a decent society if we have a world split into haves and have-nots… It is a disgrace that in a country like the U.S., 30 percent of youngsters never graduate from high school… That leads … to a divisive society …to a stratified society rather than one of general cooperation and… understanding. "

"Failing Schools = Successful Prisons"

"Our high schools were designed fifty years ago to meet the needs of another age. Until we design them to meet the needs of the 21st century, we will keep limiting--even ruining--the lives of millions of Americans every year."