The civics and history lesson our children need right now
Robert PondiscioHistory, well taught, equips students with the ability to see through current crises. Civics, well taught, fosters in every heart an investment in democratic processes and a respect bordering on reverence for the rule of law.
Without tests in 2021, we’ll never know which schools met the Covid-19 challenge
Michael J. PetrilliThe Covid-19 pandemic has run roughshod over so much of our education system, closing schools, sending students home to try to learn remotely, and obliterating last year’s summative state tests.
Charter schools are a Band-Aid when a heart transplant is needed
Marc TuckerThis post is adapted from an email conversation between Marc Tucker and Fordham’s Michael J. Petrilli, in which Marc was responding to Mike’s recent article, “The case for urban charter schools.” It also appeared in Fordham’s Flypaper newsletter.
Eyes on the street: Reducing crime and boosting school attendance
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D.Reducing student absenteeism is a key goal in many schools’ efforts to improve academic outcomes. The reasons that students skip are myriad—indifference to school, illness, jobs, caring for siblings, and more—which means that there is no one solution.
Characteristics of families and children may predict excessive online technology use
Trinady MaddockMost young children are surrounded by cell phones, tablets, and computers, both for personal use and, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, for school. Studies show that extensive technology use can have negative effects on children’s development and academic achievement, but little research exists to show which children are most likely to become frequent users of technology.
What we're reading this week: January 14
The Education GadflyBlack families have valid reasons to distrust authorities, and that may be one reason they are skeptical about sending their children back to school during the pandemic.