I particularly enjoyed Bill Bennett's suggestion that, since this isn't an "arcane part of human existence" that we should have solved all the problems of education. Definitely with you on the "gross over simplification" part...
The "Talking Heads", are just that talking. They don't have a clue as to who is or is not a good teacher.
One mentioned pilots and doctors who by the way have much more training,status and financial rewards than teachers. Yes, our educational system is in trouble. What is a revolution? A revolution is a tragedy gone wrong. We need thoughtful change that is centered on the learner, not business or politics.