Kids Need to Write More. A Lot More.

Growing up with teachers for parents, my siblings and I were taught that writing is an indispensable skill. We attended rigorous schools and enrichment programs…

To See the Real Picture on NAEP, You Have to Know Where to Look

It would be all too easy to see the grim headlines about the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores as the whole…

Here’s What All the NAEP Coverage Missed

Articles on the release of the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) scores rang an alarm of familiar decline: “Math scores remained relatively flat in…

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…