America’s secondary schools are failing far too many of their students. Although intensive education reforms directed toward younger children have resulted in higher test scores and a narrowing achievement gap in the early grades, students in their middle and high school years are registering stagnant achievement and mediocre attainment on every national and international measure.

The Minneapolis Foundation and the Itasca Project co-sponsored a Minnesota Meeting on education reform. Alex Johnston, the guest speaker, as well as panelists and the audience, provoked a stimulating discussion about what Minnesota needs to do to succeed in transforming our education system to ensure that our state remains a prosperous and vital region for all of our citizens.