I have to admit, I get a little sentimental around the Fourth of July. It's not the hamburgers, hot dogs or fireworks — although I love all of that. Seeing the American flag waving in the air is moving, but it's not that either. For me, The Fourth of July is an opportunity to remember a time when change was needed and a group of people forged ahead and made that change.

I've long been a fan of the history of the Revolutionary War. I look at the events that led to the separation from England and continue to be amazed. Let me give you my summary and let's see if we can make an educational parallel (I'm pretty good at segways).

There was something that wasn't working well (a lot of taxes and no representation). People started to notice that the system wasn't working for everybody (although it worked fine for King George). Groups started to form within the colonies, first as small groups in taverns and homes, then as large assemblies throughout Boston, New York and Philadelphia. This grassroots movement symbolized a growing need for change, for new leaders and leadership to come forward and advance a new set of ideals.

Enter George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and a host of others (although Adams is my favorite). These men worked tirelessly for something new — something not tried before and ideas not yet completely proven. They believed in the democratic experiment and risked their lives for this belief. There were certainly doubters: those who were still loyal to the Crown were adamantly opposed to a break from England. The disbelievers would argue that the democratic idea of a people's republic was foolish and silly and a waste of time. But the Founding Brothers were steadfast.

Were all of the questions answered? No. Did these men completely know how this new country would work? No. Were there concerns about being left isolated from the rest of the world? Absolutely. But there was a deep conviction from these leaders that change would work, no matter how difficult.

I'm not sure the change our education system needs is equal to a war, but I am positive it is equal to a revolution. If you have followed this blog, you have seen a regular call to action to educational leaders. We know there is a problem within our educational system and we know there is a need for systemic, authentic change. We also know there is a "crown size" list of reasons why the change can't happen (or won't happen).

Educational leaders know there is a risk to change and a chorus of people who will say no. However, we need to say YES! Say YES to student-centered approaches that make learning more engaging for students. Say YES to integrating online instruction within the traditional classroom. Say YES to leading and training teachers to accept and champion a facilitator's role within the class where students can learn to teach each other.

As we shout YES in an effort to change a system we have to say NO to those who say our system is fine. Say NO to status quo. Say NO to continually failing inner-city kids with the same failed programs. Say YES leaders! This can be done. It may not be a war, but it will be revolutionary.