Marc Tucker was president of the National Center on Education and the Economy. For two decades, his research focused on the policies and practices of the countries with the best education systems. This blog is no longer being updated.
Social Studies
Opinion
Updating Mr. Jefferson: An Education for Today's Democracy
Today's complex world requires citizens with a sophisticated understanding of an ever-increasing number of ideas, issues, and facts. Marc Tucker asks if we have the education system to meet those demands of our citizens.
Education Funding
Opinion
Still Waiting for the Presidential Candidates to Talk About Education
Education policy will dictate the future fortunes of the United States. So why, Marc Tucker wonders, are none of the presidential candidates talking about the issue?
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
ESEA Reauthorization and Accountability: A Chance to Do It Right
Part two of Marc Tucker's suggestions to state leaders as ESEA reauthorization swings responsibility for standards and accountability systems back to the states.
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
ESEA Reauthorization and Standards: A Chance to Do It Right
With ESEA reauthorization close at hand, Marc Tucker provides suggestions to state leaders as responsibility for standards and accountability systems moves their way.
Student Achievement
Opinion
The Iceberg Effect: A Reply to James Harvey and Charles Fowler
Marc Tucker responds to a recent criticism of international education comparisons.
Education Funding
Opinion
The New Ford Foundation: A Bold Vision for More Effective Philanthropy
The Ford Foundation recently announced it would take an active role in building institutions by ensuring that its grant recipients are afforded the resources needed for their own financial stability, representing a major and incredibly important shift in philanthropy.
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
The NAEP Results: Time for a Long Perspective
Speculation on the cause of the drop in this year's NAEP scores ignores the real problem: The most important long-term NAEP measures are pretty much the same as they were 40 years ago.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Too Much Testing in U.S. Schools: The Department of Education's 'Mea Culpa'
A new report from the Council of the Great City Schools shows over testing is rampant in U.S. schools. The Obama administration says it recognizes its role in the flood of tests, but will this acknowledgment of responsibility result in real change?
Curriculum
Opinion
Ron Wolk's Vision for U.S. Schools
In a special guest blog post, Ron Wolk, founding editor of Education Week and Teacher Magazine, details his vision for the future of U.S. schools.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
Student Tracking vs. Academic Pathways: Different...or the Same?
While most U.S. educators scorn Europe's "tracking" of students, the reality is that students in U.S. schools are part of a very aggressive sorting system that yields less social mobility, not more.
School & District Management
Opinion
What Does It Mean to Be an Educated Person Today?
Has our definition of being an educated person kept pace with today's fast-changing world? Marc Tucker argues it's time to reopen the question.
School & District Management
Opinion
What the California Drought Can Teach Us About School Reform
California's drought required a swift, comprehensive response to save water. California took action and reduced consumption by 27%. The U.S. education system needs similarly decisive action.
Education
Opinion
The Iceberg Effect: Reports That Set Us Ever Further Behind
Attempts to explain away the growing gap between U.S. schools and top-performing countries are not part of the solution. They are part of the problem.
Assessment
Opinion
Common-Core Test Results: The Moment of Truth Arrives
Results from the first administration of the Smarter Balanced and PARCC assessments are coming in, but the question is: Are we prepared for what they are likely to tell us?