The Paperwork Pileup: Measuring the Burden of Charter School Applications
Kathryn MullenA new AEI report raises the right questions—and promulgates some of the wrong answers. Kathryn Mullen Upton
EngageNY's ELA curriculum is uncommonly engaging
Kathleen Porter-Magee, Victoria McDougaldAdvocates hoped Common Core would incentivize good new curriculum. It’s happening. Kathleen Porter-Magee and Victoria Sears
NEW from Fordham: Is EngageNY uncommonly engaging?
The Education GadflySince we at Fordham began reviewing state academic standards in 1997, we have understood—and made clear—that standards alone are insufficient to drive improvements in student achievement.
Uncommonly Engaging? A Review of the EngageNY English Language Arts Common Core Curriculum
Elizabeth Haydel, Sheila Byrd CarmichaelThe need for standards-aligned curricula is the most cited Common Core challenge for states, districts, and schools. Yet five years into that implementation, teachers still report scrambling to find high-quality instructional materials. Despite publishers’ claims, there is a dearth of programs that are truly aligned to the demands of the Common Core for content and rigor.
Knowledge is literacy
Robert PondiscioEditor's note: This post has been updated to include the entirety of "Knowledge is literacy."
The American Dream in crisis: A conversation with Robert Putnam
The Education GadflyLast week, Fordham hosted Robert Putnam for a discussion of his new book Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, which argues that a growing opportunity gap is leaving many American children behind.
Charter law reform in Ohio: Voices from the front lines
Aaron Churchill , Jeff MurrayLeaders of high-performing schools address charter law reform efforts
Play and replay
Editor's note: This post originally appeared in a slightly different form on Sherman Dorn's blog.
Thanks to Common Core, most states will finally close the “honesty gap”
Michael J. PetrilliIn 2007, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute published what was probably the most influential study in our eighteen-year history: The Proficiency Illusion.
But, Mr. President, we have been investing in public education
Brandon L. WrightOn Tuesday, Georgetown University hosted President Obama, Harvard public policy professor Robert Putnam, and American Enterprise Institute president Arthur Brooks for a talk about poverty and opportunity.
Are parents and taxpayers being misled? The proficiency illusion strikes again
Jessica PoinerRevealing the "honesty gap"
America in miniature
Last Friday, I was sworn in as a member of the Maryland State Board of Education.
What's Math Got to Do with It?
As a former math teacher, I endorse this delightful, useful book. Dominique Coote
MNPS Expenditures and Academic Outcomes: Long Term Opportunities for the District
Kevin MahnkenFor Nashville charters, funding disparities endanger progress. Kevin Mahnken
A turnaround district for Pennsylvania's lowest-performing schools
Michael J. PetrilliOn May 13, Fordham President Michael J. Petrilli delivered testimony before a Pennsylvania State Senate committee. These were his remarks.
The State of Preschool 2014
Chester E. Finn, Jr.Like the previous nine, this tenth in NIEER’s annual series suffers from a woeful definition of preschool “quality.” Chester E. Finn, Jr.
Bad, Better…Best
When bad schools close, families usually get something better.That’s what the Thomas B. Fordham Institute asserts in its April 2015 study School Closures and Student Achievement, using new research conducted in both traditional and charter public schools located in Ohio’s large urban school districts.
Four lessons from the opt-out debate
Robert PondiscioTest refusals may force reformers to rethink their priorities. Robert Pondiscio
Andy Smarick on fixing Buckeye State charters
Editor's note: On May 6, Fordham contributor Andy Smarick delivered testimony before an Ohio education subcommittee on Senate Bill 148, a critical piece of legislation that would help clean up
Public School Teacher Attrition and Mobility in the First Five Years
David GriffithIdeas on how to fix troublesome teacher turnover rates. David Griffith
The Condition of Future Educators 2014
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.A picture is emerging of the next generation of teachers. It’s not pretty. Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.
Presidents, Congress, and the Public Schools: The Politics of Education Reform
Chester E. Finn, Jr.A useful but imperfect book from an education policy legend. Chester E. Finn, Jr.
The morality of school choice
Rewarding parents who make informed decisions. Matthew Levey
Trust, but verify
Robert PondiscioThe era of judging New York City Schools on academics is over. Robert Pondiscio
A successful formula: Shared curriculum and shared responsibility
Like pretty much everyone who is passionate about closing the achievement gap, I’m interested in Success Academies.
Games of knowledge: A review of Greg Toppo's "The Game Believes in You"
Robert PondiscioEditor's note: This post originally appeared in a slightly different form at U.S. News & World Report.I wanted to hate this book.