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.
Teaching
Opinion
Teach For America's New CEO: 'We're Working to Reinspire Belief' in Public Education
The new TFA chief explains what’s behind a 43% uptick in its incoming class.
Federal
Opinion
The Ed. Dept.'s Civil Rights and Special Ed. Offices Are Moving. Here's What That Means
Short-term changes are unlikely to be noticeable. Longer term, they may be consequential.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
What the International Debate Over School Choice Can Teach Us at Home
A scholar highlights a new push to forge a consensus on parental rights—from New York to Africa.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
Microschools Are Booming. Will They Have the Funds to Grow?
This venture can help “small schools” secure space, improve facilities, and grow enrollment.
Law & Courts
Opinion
How State Courts Are Quietly Shaping U.S. Education
In education, the real action is often at the state level, not in Washington, explains Derek Black.
Education
Opinion
What Education Reporting Gets Right—and Wrong
It’s getting harder to cover education thoroughly, this teacher-turned-reporter explains. Here’s why.
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.