Steve Perry's Top 10 Principles

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Editor's Note: CNN Education Contributor Steve Perry has a blueprint for America’s teachers, parents, decision makers and anyone who cares about the education of America’s children. In our series ‘Perry's Principles,’ Steve identifies a challenge and highlights successful examples of how the challenge was solved by introducing you to the passionate people behind each approach. Every Thursday, AC360° will illustrate one of Perry's Principles and tell you how you can be involved in educating America's youth.

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/LIVING/07/22/bia.education.success/art.steve.perry.cnn.jpg caption="CNN Education Contributor Steve Perry."]

Steve Perry
CNN Education Contributor

Steve Perry's Top 10 Principles.

1. Everyone should care about the state of public education because everyone can do something to improve it.

2. Take an inventory of your time and talents to see how you can help to improve your public schools.

3. Race, income, gender and parents' level of education do not determine a student's ability.

4.Great educators produce inspiration that lasts a lifetime.

5. Educators must believe that all children can learn.

6. When educators love students they take their success personally.

7. Students need structure and respect people who have high expectations.

8. Parents matter.

9. All children can attend great schools when we put children's needs first.

10. We know what works in education, now we just need to do it.