Displaying 1-7 of 7 results
Commentary
12.11.2019
Curriculum & Instruction, Teachers & School Leaders

Dear teachers, most of the popular lessons you found online aren't worth using

Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., Michael J. Petrilli

Amazon unveiled a new online “storefront” called Amazon Ignite that will allow educators to earn money by publishing—online, of course—their original lesson plans, worksheets, games, and more. The entry into the curricular marketplace is obviously motivated by a perceived market opportunity—and that’s not wrong. The vast majority of teachers are supplementing their core curriculum or don’t have one to start with. Yet we know almost nothing about the quality of such supplementary materials. Our new study helps fill that void.

Commentary
12.11.2019
Curriculum & Instruction, Teachers & School Leaders

Reading between the lines: What states can do about America’s literacy challenge

Joanne Weiss

In her compelling new book, The Knowledge Gap, Natalie Wexler relates a story about a young girl in an elementary school in Washington, D.C., who, for over ten minutes during reading class, is busy drawing a picture on her reading worksheet. When Wexler asks what she’s doing, the little girl replies that she’s drawing clowns. “Why are you drawing clowns?” Wexler asks.

Commentary
12.11.2019
Curriculum & Instruction, Teachers & School Leaders

A heroic effort to right the civics ship

Chester E. Finn, Jr.

Civics education has been a problem forever, or so it seems, and if that problem feels more urgent today it’s because so many are dismayed by the erosion of civility and good citizenship in today’s America, as well as mounting evidence that younger generations are both woefully ignorant in this realm—check out

Commentary
12.11.2019
Evidence-Based Learning, Charter Schools

The coming KIPP referendum

Robert Pondiscio

Hard as it may be to believe, the Knowledge is Power Program, better known as KIPP, is now older than a lot of the people who teach in its schools.

Commentary
12.11.2019

Does helicopter parenting help or cause harm?

Jeff Murray

A new study aims to describe the effects zealous parents can have on their children—behaviors popularly known as “helicoptering” or “snowplowing.” While some potentially troubling association

Commentary
12.11.2019

Early college: The little reform bundle that could

Tom Vander Ark

Ten years ago I called early college high schools the best philanthropic initiative in education that never scaled. But the idea keeps chugging along gaining steam with policy and practice innovations. It’s now big enough to call the demonstration project a resounding success and expansive enough to provide an attractive and accelerated education option to millions of families.