ABSTRACT
When one is through parsing NCLB, with all its erroneous assumptions and failure to provide resources, all one is left with is an aching emptiness.
While there are many reasons to propose an agenda that might replace NCLB, Th omas Sobol’s reference to “erroneous assumptions” captures the essence of why this reform paradigm cannot be tinkered with in its details, but must be replaced rather than reformed. Th e “aching emptiness” comes upon realizing that the wellmeaning equity rhetoric is betrayed not only by its narrow, social engineering assumptions, but also its failure to link school reform with the kinds of social reforms required to make eff orts to achieve greater social equality authentic.
