Dick Elmore guides us to a clear, common sense strategy for linking educational policy and instructional change. He wants standards, incentives and professional supports that add up to a coherent system because '. . . teachers have to feel that there is some compelling reason for them to practice differently, with the best direct evidence being that students learn better. . .'Now that’s the heart of the matter.       — Sandra Feldman, President Emeritus, American Federation of Teachers

Professor Elmore takes on many of the toughest education issues: improving teaching, taking programs to scale, managing performance accountability. His thoughtful analyses offer deep understanding and some hope for our future.       — Marshall S. Smith, Director, Education Program, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and Former Undersecretary of Education

In my work with policymakers and practitioners over the past decade I've drawn repeatedly upon these Elmore essays. This volume will now find its way into my courses on education policy.       — Robert B. Schwartz, Former President, Achieve, Inc. and Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education