“In this extraordinary and deeply disturbing book, Buzzy Hettleman, a long-time warrior for struggling learners in our schools, tells us about the children trapped in the flawed systems we provide for them. He lays out in painstaking and shocking detail the enormity of this crime, and what needs to be done to remedy this broken system. Everyone who cares about the education of all of our children should read this book.”

Robert E. Slavin, Director, Center for Research and Reform in Education, Johns Hopkins University (from the Introduction)

“Kalman R. Hettleman is a marvel, an experienced policymaker and political activist with an unrivaled understanding of how and why some schools work and others don’t. In this book, he reveals what is actually going on in our nation’s special education programs and why we can’t seem to give struggling students the help they need and deserve.”

Jay Mathews, Washington Post education columnist

“Kalman (Buzzy) Hettleman’s book is a masterpiece. Based on his own experience in the field as well as policy research, it brilliantly analyzes the policies and politics that have contributed to the failure of educational reform efforts on behalf of students with disabilities and other struggling learners. Frontline practitioners, parents and policymakers should embrace his proposals for reform.”

Donald D. Deshler, University of Kansas Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Special Education and Founder, Center for Research on Learning

“Some will be uncomfortable with Hettleman’s premise for the book. But none can quibble with his unflinching and dogged commitment to students identified with a disability, and his fierce passion and insights in fighting battles for all struggling learners who deserve the best instruction possible.”

Edward J. Kame’enui, Professor Emeritus, University of Oregon and Founding Director, National Center for Special Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education

“Kalman Hettleman has written a much-needed book for parents, educators and policymakers. His analyses are groundbreaking and answer many questions about why so many students struggle to learn and don’t succeed. Most important, his recommendations for reform are do-able if we summon the national will.”

Ulrich Boser, Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress and founder of the Learning Agency

“Parents of children with dyslexia will be informed and aroused by this book. All of us connected with the Dyslexia Tutoring Program recognize Kalman ‘Buzzy’ Hettleman as a consummate advocate for all students with learning challenges, particularly those from low-income families.”

Marcy K. Kolodny, CEO, Dyslexia Tutoring Program, Baltimore, MD

“Hettleman makes waves and not all will agree with him. But his stark portrayals of the failures of present day special education are undeniable. And his recommendations for addressing these failures are grounded in evidence.”

Candace Cortiella, Director, The Advocacy Institute