Children across America are filing into hallways and classrooms this week as another school year begins. Summer has faded, vacations are over, lunches are packed, supplies are stocked, and buses are running. Old friendships reunite while new students try to find their way. Teachers are anxious to begin their lessons while children dread the assigned homework that awaits. It is always an anxious, excitable, refreshing time of year. Before long, things settle down, and normalcy settles in. Such is the cycle of education.

As teachers, students, and parents prepare themselves for another quarter, be certain, there are other forces that …