It's difficult to imagine that Mr. Obama could have uttered these words, because in numerous speeches and writings he has acknowledged the family as the most important factor in a child's education. In an interview published in Essence magazine in March, for example, he is quoted as saying: "I know in my own life it's only because I was pushed and prodded by my folks that I was able to succeed." Elsewhere in the article he says that you can have the "fanciest classrooms," the "best computers," and everything else, but a child is not likely to succeed without the support of his or her parents.
There is a mountain of evidence to back up that statement. In regard to teachers, the research tells us they are the most important factor in the schooling of a child. Yes, the teacher is definitely important, but he or she does not compare with mom and dad.
Is Race to the Top built on a false premise?