America’s Rural Schools May Not Be Tragic, but They Have Known Tragedy

Maybe this is the turning point.  Education advocacy is exhausting — particularly in rural communities like mine, where our opportunities are limited and our challenges…

EXPLAINED: What Is Title I and How Is It Used to Fund Our Schools?

When national politicians and lobbyists argue we should spend more money on K-12 education, they’re almost always talking about increasing allocations for a federal funding…

Will ‘Grow-Your-Own’ Teacher Programs Be Enough to Address the Rural Teacher Shortage?

“Why don’t people who live there, teach there?” That question, posed by this recent Hechinger Report story, is a troubling reminder of the unique, persistent…

Here’s How Education and Industry Can Work Together To Close the ‘Skills Gap’

A new industry in Eastern Kentucky is sending us all an urgent reminder that workforce readiness must be an educational priority.  AppHarvest, a sustainable greenhouse…

2021 Must Be the Year for Rural Education

It’s no secret that education reform initiatives tend to target urban schools. Achievement gaps in America’s largest cities are significant, and as families flock to…

The American School System Must Push Back on Fascist Ideas

I am going to share a dirty little secret. For over 20 years, I have been a frequent viewer of “Fox & Friends.” The blame…

XQ+RI Schools Rise to the Challenge of Distance Learning and Hope to Inspire a State

Before the COVID-19 pandemic came into full view, the voice of Angélica Infante-Green, the Rhode Island Education Commissioner, bounced off the marble walls of the…

We Know Mississippi Can Improve Its Schools, If Only Our Leaders Would Get On Board

The state of Mississippi is often the butt of many jokes revolving around intelligence and education—or lack thereof. These jokes don’t happen for no reason;…

One HBCU and One Black-Led Charter School Team Up to Ensure Success for Rural Students of Color

Crossroad Academy Charter School in Quincy, Florida, defies expectations. More than 90% of the school’s 530 students are Black or Hispanic, more than two-thirds qualify…

Before We Discuss ‘Equity in Schools,’ Tell Me What You Really Mean

To know me is to know my aversion to all things “buzzwordy.” My rule of thumb for education is that if it can fit on…