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.
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.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
After a Banner Year for School Choice, the Challenge Is to Ensure New Programs Work
Education savings accounts have the potential to be a great reform, but there are practical and political challenges to wrestle with.
Federal
Opinion
Republicans Keep Talking About Abolishing the Education Department. Why?
GOP presidential candidates have pledged to ax the federal agency. But it's unlikely they'll be able to keep those promises.
Professional Development
Opinion
It’s Not Complicated. Instructional Coaches Should Give Clear Feedback
Good teaching isn't an unsolvable mystery. Instructional coaches shouldn't act like it is.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
Is It Time to Ditch the Carnegie Unit?
The measure's fixation on seat time may have stifled K–12 innovation. Will abandoning it lead to improved learning or lower standards?
Classroom Technology
Opinion
Skip the AI Hype: What Can Educators Do With It?
Artificial intelligence can provide practical assistance in the classroom, in the front office, and at home.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
It’s OK to Like Both Public Schools and School Choice
Families want more options for their children. That doesn’t mean they dislike their local schools.
School Choice & Charters
Opinion
A School Without Bells or Report Cards. Can It Fly?
Students at one private school earn "learning credits" rather than traditional grades. What does that look like?
School & District Management
Opinion
Time Is a School’s Most Precious Resource. Where Does It Go?
The truth is, an hour of schooling can yield a lot of learning—or none at all.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
What Qualifies as Public Education, Anyway?
Public education can encompass several approaches and can be organized in many different ways.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
How to Distinguish Good SEL From the Dreck
Effective social-emotional-learning curricula are intentionally designed, tested, and rooted in the most recent field research.