Education policy maven Rick Hess of the American Enterprise Institute think tank (AEI), author of books like The Same Thing Over and Over, Letters to a Young Education Reformer, and A Search for Common Ground, offers straight talk on matters of policy, politics, research, and reform. Rick’s takes are his alone and do not represent AEI or Education Week. Follow Rick on Twitter at @rickhess99.
Social Studies
Opinion
Reading Scores Are Awful. Can Teaching History Help?
A curriculum expert explains why teaching context is key to student learning.
Federal
Opinion
How the Institute of Education Sciences Could Better Serve Schools
“It’s been all over the place,” explains the scholar tasked with reimagining IES.
Mathematics
Opinion
Why There’s Still No ‘Science of Reading’ Equivalent for Math Instruction
A leading curriculum designer lays out the biggest problem in math instruction today.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
There's a New AP Business Course. College Board's CEO Explains Why
David Coleman talks financial literacy, workforce readiness, and engaging Gen Z.
Classroom Technology
Opinion
What If Ed Tech Does More Harm Than Good?
An influential new book delves into the research on how ed tech affects learning.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
A New Federal Education Tax Credit Is Creating a Dilemma for Blue States
A new tax credit is forcing Democrats to navigate the tensions of politics and principles.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
The Forgotten History of the School Choice Movement
Long before vouchers or charter schools, Americans were already clashing over education options.
Artificial Intelligence
Opinion
Schools Are Urged to Embrace AI—and Ban Phones. Can We Resolve the Tension?
Don’t reflexively adopt AI just because “that’s where the world is moving,” cautions Michael Horn.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
Can School Choice Programs Stamp Out Fraud While Staying Flexible?
With the rollout of the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, transparency is vital.
Artificial Intelligence
Opinion
Can AI Support Student Learning? Depends Who You Ask
Ed tech is supposed to give teachers more time to mentor. It’s not clear if it does.
Social Studies
Opinion
How to Teach What It Means to Be American
As America turns 250, Richard Kahlenberg discusses how schools can cultivate a common identity.
Social Studies
Opinion
What Is Civic Hope? And Why Should Schools Care About It?
Cynicism and gloom are not a recipe to promote voting and good citizenship.
Federal
Opinion
The Trump Administration Has Mostly Dismantled the Ed. Dept. Should You Care?
Here’s how much the administration has really changed federal education policy.
Curriculum
Opinion
What Policymakers Get Wrong About 'High-Quality' Curriculum
Schools can't fix instruction without fixing curriculum, Doug Lemov warns.