About the book

It is no secret that K-12 public education in the United States is in crisis. Schools are plagued by poor student achievement, low graduation rates, entrenched unions, demoralized teachers and disaffected parents, when by rights U.S. schools should be the finest in the world. The troubles of the nation's schools have caught the attention of software innovator and philanthropist Scott Oki. In this thought provoking new book, Oki describes the ills facing public schools and coolly applies the same frank, no-nonsense analysis that made him one of the most successful top executives at Microsoft and a recognized leader in the technology world.

In addition to his refreshing openness about the problems of public education, Oki presents eleven "planks," foundational ideas which offer a positive vision for bringing constructive change to public education.

Oki avoids the insider jargon and heavy academic prose common to books on public education. He uses plain language to present his ideas in an accessible conversational style. Oki's fresh, forward-looking approach will have instant appeal to anyone interested in improving the education and life opportunities of our nation's school children.