Doing good and doing better
The Education GadflyPlenty of folks in the education business seek the limelight. Not all deserve it—at least, not for doing good. But some individuals and groups that do great good for kids, teachers, and schools prefer to do so quietly, even invisibly.
Testing and regulations don’t scare private schools from voucher programs
Emmy L. PartinOhio findings from Fordham's national voucher report
The implication of CREDO's research: Strong charter authorizing is vital
Aaron ChurchillAn examination of Stanford University's charter school quality report
Ohio's charter law remains a laggard
Terry RyanCharter laws in Ohio still has room to grow
Kids making apps and superintendents talking about details
Angel GonzalezNews headlines from the week
One foundation’s commitment to school choice pays off
Adam EmersonNo single philanthropic organization has put more effort and money into the advancement and improvement of school choice than the Walton Family Foundation
The implication of CREDO's research: Strong charter authorizing is vital
Aaron ChurchillGrowing quality charter schools requires strong charter school authorizers
Smart ideas for school choice
Adam EmersonThe sobering reality is that, even with burgeoning charter and voucher movements, school choice is largely exercised by families able to afford private school tuition or who move to neighborhoods because of their schools
School choice regulations
Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., Chester E. Finn, Jr.Red tape or red herring?
Of helicopter parents, schools, and governments
The Education GadflySen. Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat who is regarded as perhaps the most powerful lawmaker in U.S. education policy, will not seek re-election in 2014.
Ohio's charter law remains a laggard
Terry RyanOhio’s charter law remains mediocre despite numerous reform efforts over the last decade. According to the latest “Measuring Up to the Model: A Ranking of the State Charter School Laws” produced by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) the Buckeye State’s charter school law ranks 27 out of 43 states and the District of Columbia.
School choice friends, let go your testing fears!
Adam EmersonIn their report, School Choice Regulations: Red Tape or Red Herring?, researchers David Stuit and Sy Doan find little evidence that policymakers should avoid testing requirements for fear that private schools will avoid voucher and tax credit scholarship programs altogether
A school where it's cool to be smart
Ellen BelcherThere is no harder job than running a successful school building for high-poverty students; nor a more important job. Yet, there are school leaders across the state and the nation who do it day-in and day-out, and too few get recognized for their great work.
Toss the bad apples, but not the barrel
Emmy L. PartinFor low-performing charters, yes, we need tough charter closure laws. But let’s not overlook great charters either
Cutting to the chase
Chester E. Finn, Jr.Questions about Common Core cut scores
Is it good news or bad?
The Education GadflyIn his second inaugural address, President Barack Obama mentioned two pieces of his K–12 policy agenda: his plans to train new math and science teachers and his plans to improve school safety.
Non-Cognitive Ability, Test Scores, and Teacher Quality: Evidence from 9th Grade Teachers in North Carolina
Andrew SarafEvaluating the hidden power of character
The right decision from Ball State
Adam EmersonIndiana’s Ball State University has delivered on its pledge to end contracts with the worst-performing charter schools in its portfolio, and its action will strengthen the charter movement
Nurturing a school where it's cool to be smart: Q&A with DECA's Judy Hennessey
Ellen BelcherDayton Early College Academy (DECA) thrives and its school leader plays a major role
Charters didn't seek exemption from new restraint rule
Mark W. ShermanFordham’s Terry Ryan talks on the record about charters and seclusion rooms
Toss the bad apples, but not the barrel
Emmy L. PartinFor low-performing charters, yes, we need tough charter closure laws. But let’s not overlook great charters either
What makes Needles schools special? A recap of Fordham's Needles event in Dayton
Aaron ChurchillLeaders from two Dayton high schools divulge the special sauce
A Wealth of Words
Jeff MurrayWhy English language arts matters, according to E.D. Hirsch
Along for the Ride: Best Friends' Resources and Adolescents' College Completion
Angel GonzalezDoes it matter whether your best friend's parents are wealthy and educated?
Assault weapons are out, math is in
The Education GadflyOn Wednesday afternoon, President Obama recommended a package of national reforms aimed at preventing tragedies like last month’s in Newtown, Connecticut.
Mike Petrilli's testimony on Indiana and the Common Core
The Education GadflyToday, Indiana’s Senate Education Committee heard arguments on whether to keep, eliminate, or change the state’s commitment to the Common Core
The threat of the parent trigger and the change it begets
Adam EmersonThere is a reason why, after months of resistance, the Adelanto School Board this week voted unanimously to adopt the parent-triggered charter conversion of Desert Trails Elementary: It’s not the same board