Doug Noon argues that "what works" education research--on which NCLB achievement goals are predicated--simply entrenches a status quo conception of schooling that, in his view, avoids the big picture. He notes:
Critical thinking and innovation in the classroom can, and should, include activity besides what might work in our present - broken - policy environment.
There is a great new book out, The Talent Code, that addresses this exact issue. The author, Daniel Coyle, looks at KIPP schools,which are using innovative methods to produce great progress in their schools.
http://thetalentcode.com/