Some kids' reading and math scores are going up, but it's because some of their teachers and school principals are cheating for them, and for their own benefit.
Some local high schools have dramatically improved graduation rates, and they've done it without the big structural changes grabbing attention around the country.
Ott, from Puyallup, will be featured along with Beethoven by the young American quartet, the Chiara, which will also play a date the next night at Chop Suey.
The program for the festival, which runs Jan. 27-30, is an interesting mix, and there's special interest in the short concerts that precede three of the main events.