Inspiration in the classroom

In the song "New York, New York," Frank Sinatra sings, "If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere." What Rafe Esquith and his students have accomplished in the inner-city of Los Angeles is an inspiration and a challenge to schools everywhere. They have shown how kids, in the most difficult of conditions, can not only become only great students, but great people as well. They raise the bar far beyond any standarized test.

Rafe Esquith's book (There Are No Shortcuts) and the documentary on his class (the Hobart Shakespeareans) should be required reading and viewing for all parents, teachers, and school administrators.