We are far from the ideal of public schools that are open and equal for all. This book is a guide for policymakers, and, as important, the larger public--to help leverage a strong voice in support of a cohesive, excellent, and fair system of K-12 public education. The authors offer data explaining why dramatic changes are needed in public education and rally support for such reform. They then explore myriad opportunities to learn and illuminate the nuances of what we mean by an adequate system of education.