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.
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
Should Classroom Discipline Be Based in ‘Restorative Justice’?
Discipline often divides conservatives and liberals. Is there room for common ground?
Student Achievement
Opinion
Who Better to Serve as Tutors Than Teachers? Here's One Way It's Being Done
As schools struggle to address learning loss, absenteeism, and staffing, outside organizations are working to fill in.
Student Achievement
Opinion
Grade Inflation Teaches Students We Don't Mean What We Say
Education leaders need to stand up for rigor, and they need to support classroom teachers who are committed to putting that into practice.
Accountability
Opinion
What’s Wrong With Online Credit Recovery? This Teacher Will Tell You
The “whatever it takes” approach to increasing graduation rates ends up deflating the value of a diploma.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
Can a Network of Tiny, Teacher-Led Montessoris Spread Like Wildflowers?
Do the strengths of this school network hold lessons for traditional public schools?
School & District Management
Opinion
When Should School Leaders Address Controversies Like the Israel-Hamas War?
We need places committed to cultivating discussion, promoting understanding, and helping sort fact from fiction. Schools can provide that.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Am I Anti-Equity? You Decide
The push for equity has taken us into territory where "pro-equity" ideologues are doing destructive things in the education space.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
To Help Students, One Company Has Unlocked $100 Million a Year in College Aid
A peer-based mentoring organization encourages high school seniors to apply to college and helps them receive financial aid.
Teaching
Opinion
What Socrates Can Teach Us About K-12 Instruction Today
The Socratic method, like every “learning strategy,” depends on the skill with which it’s employed.
Assessment
Opinion
Grades and Tests Can Undermine Learning. Do They Have To?
Students grow and change, but their assessment records never do. Should this change?
Classroom Technology
Opinion
Do Educational Apps Actually Help Kids Learn?
A new analysis shows that the overall effect is positive, but that's based on a variety of factors.
Professional Development
Opinion
What Is the Role of Instructional Coaches?
Here’s why structured conversations are the backbone of effective instructional coaching, says Jim Knight.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
What Makes Someone an Education 'Expert'?
When it comes to being an "expert" in the field, don't discount experience and training. They both matter.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
I Spoke to Arne Duncan About School Reform. Here Are 5 Takeaways
The future of school reform may look quite different from the past of school reform.