Many people—not just students—cringe when they hear the word test because it triggers fear in some and anger in others. Educators know that tests are an im
Read MoreStories
Founders, Eggs and Fists: How the NewSchools Summit Proved That the Fight Over Education Is Spiritual
When the NewSchools Summit in San Francisco ended last week, Black attendees were asking me what I would write about it. They were curious because this Sum
Read MoreWhile Feds Loosen School Nutrition Standards, My Child’s School Won’t Back Down
While my husband dug in the freezer on a recent Monday morning, my second-grader informed me of the day’s breakfast menu: “I’m having a waffle and chocolat
Read MoreA Letter to Betsy DeVos About My Student Loans
Dear Secretary DeVos, You and I have a lot in common. We’re both from the great state of Michigan and have the same Michigan accent. We both have careers i
Read MoreYou May Have Seen ‘Hamilton,’ But Not Like This
It was a cool Chicago evening in late April. I walked down the bleacher steps of the spacious new Back of the Yards College Preparatory High School auditor
Read MoreAllowing Teachers to Lead and Collaborate Should Be the Rule Not the Exception
For nine years, I served as the school librarian at Inter-American Magnet School in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Even though there were many talented and
Read MoreHere’s a Summer School Kids Actually Want to Attend
Below is a video and transcript of TED Fellow Karim Abouelnaga on his plan to reverse summer learning loss. See how he’s helping kids improve their chances
Read MoreRace, Reform and the Firestorm: Reflections on Our Progress a Year Later
One year ago, I excused myself from dinner with friends and returned to my hotel room to blog about my awe-inspiring experience at the NewSchools Summit in
Read MoreEvery Teacher Tried to Get Him on Track But Only This Student Knew Exactly What He Needed
During the first seven months of this school year, I struggled to find a way to motivate a ninth-grade student whom I’ll call Ameer. Ameer is a naturally c
Read More