The politics of Teach For America
On this week's podcast, special guest Elisa Villanueva Beard, CEO of Teach For America, joins Mike Petrilli and Alyssa Schwenk to discuss whether TFA has moved to the left politically and educationally, and why that might be a problem. During the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines the prevalence of good American jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree.
First-person perspective: Personalized learning is real—and it works
Jeff MurrayIn a recent blog post, University of Virginia cognitive scientist Dan Willingham posits three possible types of personalization in personalized learning—children learning at their own speed, pedagogical tailoring, and individualized content.
A response to Bill Honig regarding our review of California's ESSA accountability plan
Michael J. Petrilli, Brandon L. WrightBy Michael J. Petrilli and Brandon L. Wright
A plan to simplify and balance Ohio’s school report cards
Aaron ChurchillToday, Fordham released a new report suggesting changes to Ohio’s school report cards to help parents and taxpayers get the best information about the performance of their schools and districts. This is the preface to that report.
How teachers affect students' attitudes and behavior
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.By Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Three cheers for charter leaders of color
On this week's podcast, special guest Kim Smith—CEO of the National Charter Collaborative—joins Mike Petrilli and Alyssa Schwenk to discuss single-site charter school leaders of color. During the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines Raj Chetty’s new “Lost Einsteins” study, which finds that smart low-income kids are much less likely than their affluent peers to grow up to become inventors.
A deeper look at parent power
Jamie Davies O'LearyThe annual “parent power index” published by the Center for Education Reform raises worthy questions—how much power is afforded to parents, and what can they do to acquire more?
Discipline mandates are unlikely to fix tough schools' underlying issues
David Griffith, Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.By David Griffith and Amber M. Northern
NEW STUDY: The Academic and Behavioral Consequences of Discipline Policy Reform
The Education GadflyOne important question about school discipline is whether it helps or harms those being disciplined. But a second, equally important question is whether a push to reduce the number of suspensions is harmful to the rule-abiding majority.
The Academic and Behavioral Consequences of Discipline Policy Reform
Matthew P. Steinberg, Johanna LacoeOne important question about school discipline is whether it helps or harms those being disciplined. But a second, equally important question is whether a push to reduce the number of suspensions is harmful to the rule-abiding majority.
Will expanding 529 plans advance school choice? A debate
The Education GadflyThe House and Senate have now passed versions of a bill that will overhaul the U.S. tax code for the first time in decades. The GOP will soon iron out differences between the two bills in a conference committee, and then the final legislation will head to President Trump's desk for approval.
Seizing the moment to improve civics education
Robert PondiscioBy Andrew Tripodo and Robert Pondiscio
How universal preschool affects grade retention in Florida
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.By Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Why are charter schools more popular in some states than others?
Michael J. PetrilliBy Michael J. Petrilli
The charter schools popularity contest
On this week's podcast, Mike Petrilli, Alyssa Schwenk, and Brandon Wright discuss why charters enjoy more support in some states than in others. During the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines the impact of administrator and parent support on teacher retention.
Rescinding Obama-era school discipline guidance is the wrong solution to a misunderstood problem
Caprice YoungBy Caprice Young
Do ESSA plans deserve our thanks?
On this week's podcast, special guest Marc Porter Magee—founder and CEO of 50CAN—joins Mike Petrilli and Brandon Wright to discuss states’ accountability plans under ESSA. During the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines an international meta-analysis of how technology is affecting academic outcomes.
How charter authorizers in DC and Denver dealt with issues of access and equity
Nicholas Munyan-PenneyBy Nicholas Munyan-Penney