Years later, 2,000 city kids attend 28 suburban districts. Student Reggie McBee said, “I would be in a [lower] economic class, social class, had I stayed in Hartford schools."

The cuts are an "example of the continued destruction and decimation of neighborhood schools," said Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.

Textbooks were scrapped in favor of novels and plays, and students were encouraged to tell personal stories.

The term continues to generate controversy. “It’s very bothersome when I see someone wearing a T-shirt with that word on it," said one community member.

"My concern is that the so-called reforms are discouraging people from becoming administrators — even educators," said Rosemary Pitruzzella, president of the South Orangetown Board of Education.

"What they're doing here is unprecedented –we're proud to have such great friends join our mission, and we're incredibly honored to be in the company of these amazing campaigns in the Top 5," said Burton.

Providing helpful, detailed, encouraging feedback and appreciation requires paying attention to what kids are doing, and listening to what they're saying.

"It appears that the exemplar schools are fueled by five essential and interacting ingredients...[representing] the essential conditions for transformation into a 21st Century School," said a Partnership for 21st Century Skills report.

Teachers get full course creation capabilities, and students enrolled in private iTunes U courses can now fully collaborate with classmates and teachers.