Author of Horace's Compromise: the Dilemma of the American High School, Sizer sets us several standards that would make schools work better.  He lists five imperatives to make better schools: give room to teachers/students to work and learn in their own way, master school work, get incentives right (increase teacher pay), focus students' minds on their work, keep structure simple and flexible.

Some parts of Sizer's plans seem really good, like budget increases, and decreasing teacher/student workloads.  These parts, of course, are the ones that still require reworking.  Some of the parts of Sizer's essentialist philosophies have manifested themselves in the schools, with less than positive results. For example, schools have begun to award diplomas by merit.  Although there is nothing wrong with this rule in isolation, many current schools use high-stakes tests to measure mastery and merit.  I also disagree with a "student-as-worker" metaphor.  First, workers are paid, and students are not.  Second, adults have a choice on where and when and if they work, while students are forced to attend school until a particular age.  Many rules in school (no eating, bring your own supplies) are real-life rules; they exist only in the school.  Sizer's essential subjects, Math, Language Arts, Social studies, science, and foreign language miss the "arts," which are often the most joyful for students.

I agree with Sizer that we should work to make schools more manageable, smoother functioning institutions.  Teachers deserve to be paid a decent wage, and students should be included in the process of their education.  Perhaps it is necessary for teachers to band together to institute the changes they desire.