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.
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.
Artificial Intelligence
Opinion
Can an AI-Powered Tutor Produce Meaningful Results?
The key lessons educators should know to help students get the most out of this AI experience.
School & District Management
Opinion
We’ve Had Too Much Hollow Rhetoric About the Urgency of School Reform
Listening to those engaged in the day-to-day work should be at the center of efforts to rethink education.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
How Education Research Became a Partisan Issue
Values shape the research that is conducted, published, and viewed as “acceptable.”
Federal
Opinion
A D.C. Insider Explains What’s Changed in Education Policy
The biggest thing that people don’t understand about federal education policy? How much the details really matter.
Curriculum
Opinion
How Much Autonomy Should Teachers Have Over Instructional Materials?
Some policymakers are pushing schools to adopt high-quality scripted lessons for teachers. And here's why.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
The School Choice Landscape Is Shifting
What could two Supreme Court rulings—one recent and one impending—mean for educators and parents?
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
Is It Time to Ditch the Four-Year Degree?
A call for three-year degrees, micro-credentials, and closer ties between educators and employers could affect K–12 and higher education.
Curriculum
Opinion
Which Books Belong in Classrooms? Which Don't?
District officials, parents, and the Supreme Court are debating where to draw the line.
Curriculum
Opinion
This State Is Achieving Impressive Reading Gains. Why?
How content-rich curricula is fueling a rise in reading scores.