Founded in the civil rights era to meet the challenge of white supremacist school systems, today's activist students fan out each summer to teach an essential skill: literacy.

Civic lessons are one thing. Propaganda is another.

Within school walls, teachers make the largest difference in the life of a child. However, it is the principal who carries the greatest responsibility when it comes to school change.

Underserved students need more than just standardized tests. They need to be studying languages like Chinese and interacting with students in Latin America and Europe. To overhaul No Child Left Behind, President Obama should look to Chicago's success with globally focused schools.