Kids in urban public school systems fall behind in alarming numbers and are handicapped for a lifetime as a result.  All involved are happy to say “the system” failed.  The majority who work in “the system” (in other words, teachers) easily find fault with management and the disadvantages students suffer at home.  But apparently what teachers’ unions see as the real threat to education today are meaningful measures that distinguish good teachers from bad.  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/18/nyregion/new-york-city-talks-on-teacher-evaluations.html?smid=pl-share  Update: State gets involved. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/31/nyregion/gov-andrew-m-cuomo-issues-ultimatum-in-teacher-evaluation-fight.html?smid=pl-share