Kati Haycock, director of The Education Trust, on Education Secretary Rod Paige

Rod Paige and I do not agree on everything.  But he has brought to his office enormous integrity, deep insights into what it takes to turn around urban districts, and a passionate commitment to helping American schools work more effectively for all students.  Through thick and thin, he has been a tireless advocate for poor and minority children.

Despite what the armchair critics say, he did not simply “defend the President’s education agenda.”  He did something vastly more important: He helped the American people understand that low-income and minority children absolutely can achieve at high levels, when we’re willing to teach them at high levels.

The nation was lucky to have Rod Paige at the helm for four very important years.  And I, for one, will miss him.