In the wake of a series of scandals that have cast doubt on the success of education reform, Democratic candidates for key positions on the DC Council unanimously endorsed the idea of an independent entity that would analyze data on the performance of public schools. But they disagreed on how much to tinker with the current system of mayoral control, with some warning against “going back” to a time when schools were even more dysfunctional. The two candidates for Council chair—incumbent Phil … [Read more...]

The City Paper's Rachel M. Cohen has produced a carefully researched story about TenSquare, a consulting firm that has raked in millions to "turn around" struggling charter schools in D.C. and elsewhere, with sometimes dubious results. From what I've seen, the firm doesn't always do even basic research to support its recommendations about one of the most important factors in school success: what to teach. While some educators praised the firm, Cohen's piece details concerns about TenSquare's … [Read more...]

Higher academic standards like those in the Common Core were supposed to improve student performance, but new data shows that hasn’t happened. Teachers need more specific guidance than standards provide, and they need to build knowledge beginning in the early grades that standards don't reach. Click here to read the rest of my latest piece on Forbes.com. … [Read more...]

For decades, there’s been an overwhelming scientific consensus on the best way to teach kids to read. But millions of kids still don’t get the kind of instruction that works. Click here to continue reading my latest piece on Forbes.com. … [Read more...]

Los Angeles has just chosen a businessman with no education experience as its new school superintendent in hopes of making a fresh start—a move that some have questioned. But more important than experience is whether a school chief is asking the right questions. Click here to continue reading my latest post on Forbes.com. … [Read more...]

Proponents of school choice often argue that it’s the path to a better education system. While it’s a path that works for some children, it can end up leaving others even farther behind. Click here to continue reading my latest piece on Forbes.com. … [Read more...]