Eric Weiner’s book “The Geography of Genius” treks across the globe and back through time in search of explanations for why creative genius flourished in particular places and times. His study of Renaissance Florence seems of special interest given the author’s exploration of what role education did and did not[Read More…]
Commentary and Opinion
Commentary and opinion
Why curriculum matters: research and policy
Editor’s note: This commentary from Ashley Berner, deputy director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy and associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, is the first of a four-part series that examines the importance of high-quality materials for state leaders, schools, and parents. It is a[Read More…]
Young struggling readers need ounce of prevention soon rather than pound of cure later
Andrew Rotherham recently proposed that America’s public schools remain open this summer. Many impediments stand in the way of this, including numerous laws and many thousands of contracts. A common reaction to Rotherham’s summer school proposal looks something close to “that’s not going to happen.” This was a common reaction[Read More…]
Charter schools adjusting instruction during pandemic
Families will remember March 2020 for how quickly state officials closed schools due to the coronavirus outbreak. If schools want to offer parents and children continuity and stability, educators and policymakers must focus in April on jump-starting instruction while students are at home. Yet some state policymakers are finding new[Read More…]
COVID-19 could be worse – it could be coming back
In Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” the doctor and Igor are robbing graves for monster parts. Dr. Frankenstein complains, and Igor optimistically notes that it could be worse, because it could be raining. Lightning, thunder and a torrential downpour instantly follow. The coronavirus pandemic has educators scrambling to develop impromptu distance[Read More…]
School choice will help us respond to coronavirus
Editor’s note: This commentary from Neal McCluskey, director of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom, first appeared on InsideSources.com. I do not have any expertise in COVID-19. From what I can tell, I am reflective of the vast majority of people, and hence we are all facing a time of significant uncertainty.[Read More…]
The uncommon common school
“ … A common murderer, possibly, but a very uncommon cook.” — Saki, “The Blind Spot” A few years ago, an eminent author-educator – let us call him or her “X” – renounced a short-lived flirtation with and promotion of school choice. X returned in remorse to a preceding career[Read More…]
Hard work, not ‘magic Cubans,’ led to Florida’s Hispanic literacy surge
You, dear reader, look as though you could use some distraction from the viral apocalypse. Like many good stories, this one flashes back to the past to inform the present. A decade ago, while an analyst at the Goldwater Institute, I participated in a debate concerning choice versus curriculum reform.[Read More…]