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 Choice & Charters
Opinion
What's the State of Charter Schools Today?
Even though there's momentum behind the charter school movement, charters face many of the same challenges as traditional public schools.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
What Should Schools Do to Boost Teacher Pay?
Hiking teacher pay is one issue that both progressives and conservatives can get behind.
Classroom Technology
Opinion
More Than 12 Million Students Have Used This New Study Aid. What’s the Deal?
There is a near-constant stream of new ed-tech tools. What makes this one unique?
Assessment
Opinion
To Replace Skill Mastery for Seat Time, There Are 3 Requirements
Time for learning and student support take on a whole new meaning in the mastery-based learning model.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
2024 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence: Top 10 Lists
Where scholars rank within their discipline may be more telling than where they are in the overall rankings.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
The 2024 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings
The rankings recognize the university-based scholars in the United States who had large influence shaping educational practice and policy.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
The 2024 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Scoring Rubric
Tomorrow, Rick will unveil the 2024 RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings. Here is the methodology used to generate those rankings.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
What It Takes to Be an Effective Public Scholar
Education researchers may have impeccable credentials in the world of academe. But do they move the needle on public debates?
School & District Management
Opinion
How One State Is Talking About School Improvement
The country's longest-serving state schools chief addresses what's changed in the field of education during her tenure.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
The 10 Favorite Rick Hess Straight Up Posts of 2023
High-dosage tutoring, teacher pay, artificial intelligence. Those are among the most popular or impactful posts of the year.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
High School Students: Beware of College Career Centers
College career offices aren’t equipped to help students get jobs after graduation. How can high schools help?
School & District Management
Opinion
When It Comes to Schooling, Everyone Thinks They Have the Answer
If you realize they think you're wrong, you've got a shot at understanding and persuading them.
School & District Management
Opinion
What It Takes to Reinvent High School
How can district leaders launch innovative and successful schools?
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
Should Classroom Discipline Be Based in ‘Restorative Justice’?
Discipline often divides conservatives and liberals. Is there room for common ground?