There's no such thing as public education. Education happens to exactly one person at a time. There are some things that you just have to do by yourself. And there’s no such thing as compulsory education. Education is something that each of us gives to ourselves or allows others to give us. [1]

We need a culture of intrinsic ambition and excellence - among students, among teachers, and among professionals. Focusing on fake heuristics - grades, standardized tests, gold stars - only teaches one to cheat, not to personally excel.

1. http://www.fff.org/freedom/fd0208f.asp