I have a hard time with any ideological approach to education that comes from those not participating in the system. There are competing goals that are stratified from the classroom to the federal government. Due to the diversity of the participants, literally most of the country, aligning these goals makes it a never-ending problem with new strategies and approaches and proposals being produced every few cycles. Here is my take. The most important and impactful area that you can put your collective effort is into the teacher and student relationship. The educators are the ones challenged to tactically implement this year's "flavor of instruction", but their goal remains to elevate your child. You can argue about what measure they are using, but the end-result is that they are working for the betterment of your child within the constraints of their situation. Which includes every other child in that same classroom, an ever changing curriculum, assessment goals, local, state, and federal expectations. The teachers are the ones translating all of that into effective instruction to the best of their ability. Give them your support, your understanding, your time, and your advocacy. You will see change while the rest of the country argues over the next "best idea".