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.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
How One Organization Is Helping Grads Find Jobs
For students to succeed in school and careers, we need a new playbook.
Federal
Opinion
Trump's Barrage of Executive Orders for Education: How Significant Are They?
A Washington insider discusses the immediate—and long-term—implications of the administration's education goals.
Federal
Opinion
Trump's 100 Days: The Good, the Bad, and the Confounding
Watching the Trump 2.0 approach to education feels like being trapped in a Russian novel.
Mathematics
Opinion
Math Can Make Smart People Feel Dumb
A guide to how students and educators can tackle math in a “sensible, relevant” way while also allaying their fears.
Federal
Opinion
Federal Education Research Has Been 'Shredded.' What's Driving This?
How to understand why the Trump administration's axe fell so heavily on the Institute of Education Sciences.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Teach For America's Outgoing CEO Reflects on Her Tenure
How changes to the education and political landscape have affected the organization since its founding 35 years ago.
States
Opinion
How One State Improved Its NAEP Scores
Louisiana's state schools chief discusses the importance of reading and math instruction and "letting teachers teach."
Federal
Opinion
The U.S. Dept. of Ed. Has Been Cut in Half. We Have Thoughts
Absent clear explanation and deft management, the push to downsize the department invites confusion and risks political blowback.
Law & Courts
Opinion
Can States Bar Religious Charter Schools? The Supreme Court Will Soon Decide
Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions suggest that bans on faith-based charter schools may violate the Free Exercise Clause.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
An NFL Franchise Is Tackling Chronic Student Absenteeism. Here's How
Athletes understand why showing up every day to work matters. Can they persuade students?
School & District Management
Opinion
'Consulting' Doesn’t Need to Be a Bad Word for Schools
To meet K-12’s pressing challenges, academics, consultants, and school districts need to work together.
Federal
Opinion
Under Trump, the Chairman of the House Ed. Committee Lays Out His Agenda
Rep. Tim Walberg shares the committee's priorities for K-12 education, including "streamlining" the education department.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Schools Experienced a 'Lost Decade.' How They Can Recover
Recent NAEP results underscore concerns about student achievement. A charter school founder suggests what to do.
Mathematics
Opinion
Learning Math Shouldn't Be a 'Hellish Experience'
A former business executive and book author created a free platform for teachers and families to promote math fluency for students.