Commentary
Are High Quality Schools Enough to Close the Achievement Gap? Evidence from a Social Experiment in Harlem
Will Dobbie and Roland G. Fryer, JrNational Bureau of Economic ResearchNovember 2009
Commentary
Blinded by the (green) light
The education bill that made it through the Massachusetts state senate, replete with a whopping 95 amendments, late Tuesday is being lauded as the biggest reform bill since
Commentary
Bookish homecoming
In a story that would make Detective Bookman proud, Arizona’s Camelback High School received a package this month containing two half-century-overdue library books. Though neither was by Seinfeld’s favorite Henry Miller, the school was glad if a bit baffled to retrieve its aged copie
Commentary
Short-Run Effects of Parental Job Loss on Children
Ann Huff Stevens and Jessamyn SchallerNational Bureau of Economic ResearchNovember 2009
Commentary
Considering merit in the Middle East
Rewarding teachers based on their skill and performance may be a contentious issue in the United States, but in Afghanistan it’s seen as a recruiting tool.
Commentary
Dusk
I, too, will be celebrating and giving thanks for America next week. The backward look is pretty darn impressive. But I worry when I look ahead.
Commentary
Just jealous
“Why you should hate this school.” That’s the sub-head for an article in September’s Washingtonian on what some say is America’s best high school: Thomas Jefferson in Northern Virginia.
Commentary
Unrest about a national test
If statewide content standards are political sausage, and voluntary national standards are political foot-longs, then national tests are probably a political 250-foot “Monterrey monster dog.” As we and others have pointed out, standards are only as good
Commentary
Duncan's Maryland mistake
Late last week, Secretary Duncan (and his able team) acted on what I have every reason to believe were noble intentions. Unfortunately, the secretary missed a golden opportunity and possibly did more harm than good for reform in my beloved Maryland.
Commentary
Today's Quotable and Notable
Quotable: "There is no way in the world [New Jersey Governor Elect Chris Christie] can do all of that. The money is not there to pay the bills...Before it's all over, he's going to wish he had asked for a recount." - Shirley K. Turner, Democratic chair of the New Jersey Senate education committee
Commentary
Racing to the Top in a time of fiscal peril
I've just finished reading the Race to the Top program executive summary released by the U.S.