Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch is an American education historian, policy analyst, and author, best known for her work in the field of education reform. Born in Dallas, Texas, in 1938, Ravitch started her career in education as an advocate for standardized testing and school choice, but over time, her views evolved, and she became a leading critic of many aspects of corporate-driven education reforms. A former Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H. W. Bush, Ravitch is the author of numerous books, including her influential works "The Death and Life of the Great American School System" and "Reign of Error", where she critiques the impact of testing, charter schools, and the privatization of education.

Ravitch’s views have been influential in shaping the national conversation about education policy, especially as she shifted from advocating for certain reform measures to calling for greater investment in public education and the teaching profession. She advocates for policies that emphasize equity, teacher quality, and student-centered learning. Throughout her career, Ravitch has been an outspoken critic of efforts to undermine public schools and has promoted research-based approaches to improving education for all students.

One of Ravitch’s memorable quotes is, "Public education is the bedrock of democracy, and it is being undermined by forces that seek to profit from it." This reflects her commitment to defending public schools as essential to societal well-being. Another significant quote from her is, "If we want our schools to succeed, we must focus on helping teachers, not punishing them." This speaks to her belief in the importance of supporting teachers as the foundation for educational success, rather than focusing on punitive measures or quick-fix reforms.