I didn't see it, but I would have been interested. I've read about the DC Superintendent, and also about the program instituted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. My children are long out of school, but I still have strong opinions on the problems inherent in our educational system. I hope some positive change will come around in time for my grandchildren.

Here in the New York metro area, ABC re-runs Oprah during the overnight hours.

I don't usually watch Oprah -- but when I hear I missed a good episode, then I am able to DVR it overnight and watch the next morning.

I was sitting in a waiting room and saw most of the show. It was very interesting. One item that I did object to was the emphasis on preparing every high school student for college. One school in particular - the Aspire public school - has as it's goal that every graduate will attend college.

While that is a noble ideal college is certainly not for everyone. I've seen first hand the unfair pressure that can be put on a child who simply isn't interested, qualified or destined for a college degree. I believe that one of the problems with our school system is the fact that many of the non-academic programs have been dropped.

Instead of stating that college is the goal for every student I think schools should prepare students for a future that's suited to their particular talents and interests and that could be technical training, trade school, apprentice programs, military careers etc.

It was wonderful to see how enthused Bill Gates is about his educational initiatives and his willingness to utilize his fortune to achieve that goal.

Very interesting topic...sadly this is the first Oprah show I've missed of her final season. I've seen a few previews and am aware of the DC school superindent...I like her.

For a long time now, I've praised Bill and Melissa Gates for all they do and will continue to do...no better way to "pay it forward" and then some, right?

Marie Cate--I don't think a parent of a child who absolutely has no interest in school would sign his/her child up for one of these academically focused schools. (Most of them are charter schools which are still considered "public," but they can be difficult to get a spot in.) Aren't there some vocational-type high schools available in most cities? I really should find out whether that is so or not. I understand France tracks their kids; the grade a child receives in the middle school years (can't remember exactly when--maybe at the end of 8th grade?) determines whether s/he goes to an academic high school or a vocational school. The downside is that all is based on this score, not what the child wants to do and there is no recourse. I wonder how many other countries have their schools set up this way?

Teaching school is not the same as it used to be. I have a daughter and daughter-in-law that teach grade 4 in the public schools. You can no longer hold a child back if the parents say no. Our daughter had a girl that was so low and she had been passed on every year because mom didn't want her picked on. This poor child will be picked on forever because mom didn't care if she was taught anything. Teacher's hands are tied these days. So many restrictions these days. I could give you a list a mile long that is just common sense things. Parents don't want to be told their darlings don't behave. If it doesn't start at home the child has a slim chance of making it.

So much is wrong these days and it has nothing to do with most teachers. Yes, there are some that should have never went into the profession. Our kids had a few of these but we made it work. We have to all do our part...

Did not see the program; however, if you are impressed by the head of DC schools, she is under a lot of pressure and may lose her job due to the recent election in DC.

I wasn't having a good day. It sure made my day to see the Million Dollar Donations from Oprah's Angels Network. A school in Houston got One Million for a Prep School.

I agree not everyone is made for College. But, there are great Certificate Progams at Community Colleges.

Aspire is a charter school, as Sjerin notes. It has only one track: It's a college prep school. You don't get into that school just because it's in your district.

As I see it, we now have a dual educational system, with the public charter schools or the private charter schools versus the traditional public schools, and we are already seeing it break down to the haves and have-nots. Not necessarily just in funding, tho there is some of that, but in attention.

In D.C., despite Ms. Rhee's changes since she's been schools chancellor, there are still schools that get short shrift. Probably the worst thing we can say about her is that she pushed through "reforms" without really listening to the community. Yes, she's the boss, but you can't expect success without the community buying into it.

For an alternative opinion of what was said on the show, scan this blog from the Washington Post:

Here is a link that might be useful: washington post

Pammyfay, Yes, that is a different opinion. I dunno, it's mighty easy to criticize efforts but oh-so-hard to enact a positive change. I say, more power to anyone who is trying their darndest to improve education, especially for those whose families have the least, which is what charter schools generally do. If your son or daughter were in the worst school in the city, wouldn't you move Heaven and Earth to try to get your child into the only school that gives him/her a shot in life? Any effort is commendable.

I can't believe I'm saying it, but I do wish the teachers' union would be less obdurate, as it is holding back some of the real change that is needed.