Commitment and Common Sense: Leading Education Reform in Massachusetts - Softcover

David P. Driscoll is a former commissioner of education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, past president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, and a Fordham Institute board member.
 

Commitment and Common Sense tells the inside story of how Massachusetts became a national model for education. Full of lively anecdotes, the book describes how state leaders were able to raise student achievement and bring Massachusetts to the top of state rankings in reading and math. David P. Driscoll offers unique insights for education leaders interested in learning more about the power of state policy to effect change.
 
“In Commitment and Common Sense, Driscoll shares important insights into the fundamentals of Massachusetts’s success. It’s a must-read for those seeking education progress in the United States.”
—Rod Paige, US Secretary of Education, 2001–2005
 
“Progress in our nation’s schools has never been more dependent on the quality of state leadership than it is today, in the era of ESSA. At the same time, our polarized politics has made thoughtful leadership in government a rare commodity. David Driscoll uses the story of his extraordinary career to affirm that, given high expectations set by leaders willing to stand up for those expectations, American students can achieve at the highest levels.”
—John White, state superintendent of education, Louisiana
 
“Commitment and Common Sense guides readers along the Herculean path to thoughtful education reform. This is an essential primer for leaders looking to address the challenges of sustained success in teacher development and student learning.”
—Lillian M. Lowery, vice president for P–12 policy, research, and practice at The Education Trust, and former secretary of education, Delaware
 
“I am excited that David Driscoll is sharing his story—I know other states can learn from his experience. A must-read for all policy leaders.”
—Chris Minnich, executive director, Council of Chief State School Officers
 
David P. Driscoll is a former commissioner of education for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, past president of the Council of Chief State School Officers, and is a Fordham Institute board member.