The author would like to acknowledge the invaluable research assistance of Matthew Ladner and Christopher Hammons. The author also thanks the peer reviewers and commentators, as well as the Mackinac Center's Director of Education Policy Matthew J. Brouillette and staff for their suggestions, editing, and support of this project. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce also provided valuable assistance in conducting the survey of Michigan businesses. The author also would like to express gratitude to all of the educators and state officials who agreed to be interviewed and helped obtain the data for this study. Finally, the author would like to thank the W.K. Kellogg Foundation for providing the financial assistance that allowed this project to be conducted.