Nice editorial Andy!

So, when he enters office in January, Mr. O'Malley will face a confluence of problems: serious education challenges, federal and state rules requiring that real progress be made, and a political and policy environment that makes "just spend more money" a nonstarter.

As the incoming administration develops its education agenda, it should consider four high-impact, low-cost reforms. Doing so will improve the educational opportunities of Maryland students and fulfill his promise of independence and innovation.

A chance for school reforms

By Andy Smarick

Originally published November 26, 2006, Baltimore Sun

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.education26nov26,0,3401335.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

Over the next two months, as Governor-elect Martin O'Malley develops his administration's education agenda, the independent streak and bent for innovation that he cultivated as mayor and placed at the center of his campaign will be fully tested.