Under Vallas, elementary school reading and math test scores, though still low, are at seven-year highs.

FORBES: Chain Saw Paul

Lest you scoff at my predilection for elementary-level reading (the book is rated for ages four to eight), I beg you to look past the pastel illustrations and sing-songy cadence of the writing and see this book for what it is: a beautiful script about parenthood, a poignant parable about life and death, a testimony to when the roles of child and parent become blurry.

FORBES: A Mother's Day Reading List

Only about 45% of elementary students passed state reading exams last year, and 33% passed the math test.

WSJ: Segregation Fear Sinks Charter School

For me, the idea of summer reading began in elementary school.

FORBES: Beachside Bookworm: Extra Sun and Lazy Days Beg for Books

"It's hard when an elementary schedule is math- and reading-based, with little time devoted to science, " said Jay Farnsworth, a sixth-grade teacher in Waunakee, Wisconsin.

CNN: Subject Matters: Science has an image problem

For example, earlier this year the University of Minnesota found that charters in the twin cities of Minneapolis-St Paul lagged behind public elementary schools, ranking 7.5% lower for maths and 4.4% lower for reading.

ECONOMIST: Education

An elementary school in Maryland recently replaced homework with a standing order for 30 minutes a day of after-school reading.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: France to Ban Homework. Really.

Imagine if, when you were in elementary school, you tried to learn how to write essays by dictating one to your English teacher and never reading the transcript.

FORBES: Should I rehearse, and for how long? -Presentation Training