One of those opinions confirms the conventional wisdom that U.S. higher education, especially at our elite research universities, is world class while primary and secondary education, especially in our big city school systems, are lagging badly.

FORBES: Why Fixing America's Schools Means Increasing Teacher Productivity

Our research showed that had there been no uncertainty about the future of the school, had pre and post-school care been available in the village and had the school been reverted back to P1 to P7 this academic year, the roll would have been 26, not seven.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Edinburgh and East | 'It's wrong to close our school'

Our research finds that people who are engaged with their communities tend to fare much better in school, jobs and life.

CNN: Citizenship isn't about passing a civics test

After many meetings, strained nerves, research and late or sleepless nights, the opportunity came when, on behalf of our group, I petitioned our school board to not only fully renovate our building, but enhance it with a Career Technology wing and a first class auditorium.

WHITEHOUSE: Bright Futures for All Children