Want a Better Assessment? Start by Asking the Right Question.

In state after state, politicians, parents, advocacy groups and educators are re-evaluating the role that end-of-year tests should play in K-12 education. Given the high…

Here’s the One Thing We Just Can’t Agree on When It Comes to Schools

Ask any parent and they’ll tell you they want their child to go to a good school. But ask them what makes a good school,…

Chicago’s Students Are Standing Still on Test Scores But That’s Good News

Sometimes no progress represents real progress, especially when you’re talking about an urban school district roiled by financial woes and a national exam that has…

The Push for Better Schools Is Paying Off in Florida

If you live in Florida, and especially if you have children here, there’s good news for you (well, for us): Florida schools are getting better.…

Beware of NAEP Theories and Look for Courage in American Education

Amidst all the theories around the recent release of National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) test scores showing little progress and persistent achievement gaps, is…

3 Truths Every Parent Needs to Know About D.C. Public Schools Graduation Scandal

D.C. Public Schools is having a moment. Last month, reporters found out a lot of kids graduated from their high schools that shouldn’t have—mostly for…

Reject the Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

(Trigger warning: This essay contains a bleeped, profanity-laced rant that may cause you to question your most deeply held beliefs.) It’s not often I cite…

We’re 42 Years Apart But Our Mission Is the Same: Change Education for the Black Community

We are two Black men separated by 42 years in age. But we are bound by our collective rage about what is happening to our…

Here’s Why You Should Worry Less About Your Kid’s Happiness and More About Their Test Scores

We’ve known this for a while, but here’s another survey to add fuel to the fire: Parents tend to inflate their kids’ academic progress and…

Education Reform Isn’t Just for Cities

School reform advocate Derrell Bradford and policy writer Andy Rotherham hit on it. Illinois education writer Tracy Dell’Angela has a blog focused on it. Teacher/education…