The Backpack Drop Zone: One Sixth-Grade Truth That Exposed Our Quiet Crisis

at a microphone.

A room full of adults forced to pick a side.

Not political sides.

Human sides.

Do we want schools that produce high scores?

Or do we want schools that keep children alive long enough to take the test?

Tommy stepped back from the mic.

His hands were shaking now.

His bravado finally spent.

He looked over the crowd and landed on me.

Our eyes met.continue reading …