ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a synopsis of Retreat participants' views, especially on the topic of improving American education and offers an analytic profile of recipients of the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award. Retreat keynoters provided contrasting perspectives on American education and education reform. Dropout rates remain high for all, and especially high for African-American and Latino students, and colleges, universities, and employers continue to lament the lack of preparation of high school graduates. Retreat speakers illuminated at least three important realities of American education. Award recipients also have demonstrated both ingenuity and expertise in the area of curriculum development across the disciplines. Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award recipients are also making important contributions in the area of school restructuring and school-site reform. A number of Award recipients are literally extending the reach of their schools by means of technological innovations.
