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.
Education Funding
Opinion
The Federal Shutdown Is a Rorschach Test for Education
Polarization, confusion, and perverse incentives turn a serious discussion into a stylized debate.
Families & the Community
Opinion
Parent-School Partnerships Can Drive Academic Gains. Here's How
This family-engagement advocate says collaboration has a track record of boosting achievement.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
What Could the New Federal Tuition Tax Credit Mean for School Choice?
Just what this new program will mean for your state is still uncertain.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
A New Test for Some Would-Be Teachers Might Just Be a Political Move
The goal of an assessment shouldn't be performative politics.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
How Can Education Savings Accounts Serve Students With Special Needs?
The state that pioneered the ESA is overseeing more than 10,000 requests daily from families for education expenses.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Opinion
Why Charlie Kirk Was an Icon to So Many Boys
The 31-year-old firebrand offered something different to many who feel adrift.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
The Biggest Things People Don’t Know About School Choice
The school choice debate is rife with urban myths and dubious claims.
School & District Management
Opinion
How Can Education Leaders Actually Achieve Their 'Ambitious Goals?'
What is strategic leadership? Here are the five essential elements.
Social Studies
Opinion
What Should Civics Instruction Look Like?
States should take four policy actions for a rigorous approach to civics in the classroom, an educator explains.
Curriculum
Opinion
Here’s Why It’s Important for Teachers to Have a Say in Curriculum
Two curriculum publishers explain what gets in the way of giving teachers the best materials possible.
Mathematics
Opinion
Do Math and Grade-Level Instruction Need a Divorce?
Every student can achieve math proficiency. Here's how.
Teaching
Opinion
What’ll It Take for Mastery-Based Learning to Deliver?
Mastery learning exclusively cares about what students know.
Federal
Opinion
Why Did Penny Schwinn Withdraw Her Bid to Be No. 2 in Trump’s Ed. Dept.?
What the news tells us about the Republican education divide and the K–12 culture wars.
Mathematics
Opinion
Do 'High Quality' Math Materials Add Up?
A veteran math teacher explains how he judges textbooks and programs.