Aiming too high?

I saw David Steiner as a very visionary Commissioner of Education, perhaps the best that New York State ever appointed. When he stepped down in 2011, I wrote a sad farewell praising his efforts to focus on the contents of our K12 students are taught.

So it was with some delight that I looked forward to the publication of his book, A Nation At Thought, earlier this year. Besides leading New York’s school efforts, Steiner had served as Dean of the Hunter College School of Education and in several other high profile roles. Knowing him, there would be no juicy gossip or score-settling, but given his efforts, he’s entitled to look back and teach us some lessons.

Alas I was disappointed. There’s lots to be inspired by in his vision, but he offers no insights from his storied career to guide policy makers towards a more productive path. And his treatment of E.D. Hirsch, a curriculum giant on whose Board Steiner served, was unkind.

My review in Education Next is here. As ever, I welcome your response.