(And to note something, just by mentioning Alfie Kohn doesn't mean I agree with everything he says just because it's in a book... I believe in the things that I've experienced/seen as well...)
Good teachers wasting their talent in bad neighborhoods? If we sent all the good teachers to schools where they could "actually make an impact," we'd have a serious problem. You can't just give up on a third grader because their parent is working several jobs, or maybe just doesn't care about education. Kids whose parents don't care can still become great students and amazing citizens- unfortunately, sometimes you have to work around the parents instead of punishing the kids for their parents priorities.
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I think the education system in Finland is pretty interesting (NOTE: UNICEF ranked them as third). Teachers are required to have master's degrees, students are given the same schooling for the first nine years (not separated by abilities), there are no private schools, and no standardized tests other than their final exams and international testing. Education is also free. The author of the article seemed to think this would not translate well to America- maybe our obsession with testing/competition and rankings is actually hurting our education system. I also sort of have my doubts... Waaaay too socialist for the majority of America, but it's working for them! I don't know, parts could definitely be borrowed.
(Note: Erm, I am also not completely bashing standardized testing and No Child Left Behind and all that in the note about less standardized testing- NCLB does some good things, but it also has its problems.)
Article:
In Finland's Footsteps
(Finland ranked third:
CNN.com - UNICEF ranks countries on academics - Nov. 26, 2002 )