EDUCATION - Blogs - Independence Institute

Bad News for U.S. School Performance; How to Fix “Leaning Tower of PISA”?0
- December 3, 2013
Today is PISA Day, and I’m not referring to pepperoni pies or unusual Italian landmarks. The 2012 results from the Program for International Student Assessment are in, and it doesn’t look pretty for the good old USA. At least not on the surface. First, let’s take a quick trip back to September, when I brought […]
READ MORE
Colorado Educators Again to Decide Whether to Request EMO Political Refunds 0
- November 25, 2013
For Colorado public educators, it’s that time of year again. Union members can keep their membership but still opt to spend their (as much as $63 in) Every Member Option automatic political deduction on their own. The clock is ticking for educators to request one or both refunds before the December 15 deadline.
READ MORE
Thankful for the (Mostly) Good News for Louisiana School Choice Families 0
- November 22, 2013
‘Tis the season for expressions of gratitude. So I’m glad to say this week that the U.S. Department of Justice has dropped its hollow and shameful attack against a Louisiana school choice program and the parents who benefit from it. So if you see little Eddie smiling and muttering a few extra Thank-You’s than normal, […]
READ MORE

Time for “Preschool for All”? Not So Fast, Says New Gold-Standard Research 0
- November 21, 2013
A few weeks ago I pointed you to a growing body of research that cast serious doubts on the glowing claims about what universal preschool can accomplish. That was before Amendment 66 went down in flames, including a proposal to boost funding for at-risk early childhood education. While shell-shocked tax increase supporters continue to mourn […]
READ MORE
It’s Not Really as Simple as More Students for Better Teachers… Is It?0
- November 19, 2013
Sometimes it’s the small ideas that deserve big attention. No single one of these ideas can solve all the problems and shortcomings in education, but reformers and transformers might find pleasing results from one such strategic change. That’s what we find in a newly released Fordham Institute study by Michael Hansen, “Right-sizing the Classroom: Making […]
READ MORE
Open Enrollment: Friday Appreciation 0
- November 15, 2013
Before heading off into the weekend playground sunset, I ran across this recent piece from former California Democratic state legislator and passionate education reformer Gloria Romero. She touts the 2010 Open Enrollment Act she guided through the state legislature to empower parents, explaining how it can be used as a tool to highlight failing schools […]
READ MORE

Contribute