The state of public education has been on the center stage of political discussion in America for years. There is widespread agreement that our school system needs a massive dose of innovation and reform. In his new book, Peter Brimelow argues that no educational reforms, however worthy, can work unless something is done about a central problem in the system: the teacher unions. Equating modern teacher unions with the monopolies and trusts that dominated headlines a century ago, The Worm in the Apple exposes teacher unions as a parasite that feeds off the school system. Brimelow paints an alarming picture of the vested interests that have damaged our nation’s schools and offers a clarion call to rescue both teachers and students from the grip of an outdated, overgrown bureaucracy. He will also outline his prescription for changing the situation. Jay Mathews will provide his perspective and critique of Brimelow’s book.