Meggie Noel reflects on her struggles -- and triumphs -- at Boston Latin School at a time when racial tensions...

In first grade, Catherine Drennan couldn't make sense of books. She was later diagnosed with dyslexia.

David Jones says an experience in elementary school taught him that not all the necessary resources can be bought.

Reading and a chance encounter helped Dan Wise through what he called the scariest time in his life.

A clear majority of the state's voters believe Massachusetts public schools need improvement.

Tests show wide achievement gaps between white students and low-income and minority students.

They hope tests will remain just as rigorous — and tell teachers and administrators more about how schools are doing.

Some charters have narrowed the gap between white students and students of color, but often with strict "no excuses" discipline.