Education policy maven Rick Hess of the 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鈥檚 takes are his alone and do not represent AEI or Education Week. Follow Rick on Twitter at .
Federal
Opinion
What's Really at Stake for Education in This Election?
What a Harris or Trump presidential victory might mean for federal education policy, according to Rick Hess.
Assessment
Opinion
'Academic Rigor Is in Decline.' A College Professor Reflects on AP Scores
The College Board鈥檚 new tack on AP scoring means fewer students are prepared for college.
School Climate & Safety
Opinion
Restorative Justice, the Classroom, and Policy: Can We Resolve the Tension?
Student discipline is one area where school culture and the rules don't always line up.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
Can Athletic Coaches Help 69传媒 Learn More in the Classroom?
School sports can provide an opportunity for mentorship.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
The Fight Over DEI Continues. Can We Find Common Ground?
Polarizing discussion topics in education can spark a vicious cycle of blame. Is it possible to come to a mutual understanding?
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
How Can Educators Strike a Healthy Balance on Diversity and Inclusion?
DEI advocates and opponents both have good points鈥攁nd both can go too far.
Assessment
Opinion
Why Are Advanced Placement Scores Suddenly So High?
In 2024, nearly three-quarters of students passed the AP U.S. History exam, compared with less than half in 2022.
Federal
Opinion
Project 2025's Education Lead on the Controversial Policy Agenda
Here鈥檚 what the lead author of the education section in the Heritage Foundation鈥檚 proposal has to say.
Classroom Technology
Opinion
This Group is Trying to Teach 鈥楧igital Literacy.鈥� Here鈥檚 How
How can students avoid getting duped by deepfakes online?
Classroom Technology
Opinion
69传媒 Are 'Digital Natives,' But Here鈥檚 Where They Struggle
The internet is awash with dubious claims. How can educators teach students to distinguish fact from fiction?
Policy & Politics
Opinion
How Does the Practitioner-Policymaker Divide Impede Schooling?
Policy types and teachers often talk past one another. But do they have to?
Social Studies
Opinion
How Educators Should Approach Election Discussions in Classrooms
Are schools the right place to discuss political topics? It depends.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
Does Ideology Matter When It Comes to Good Educational Ideas?
Fundamental disputes over how schools model norms and set expectations, among other things, are inevitably informed by values.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
What Obama's Secretary of Education Thinks About Schooling Today
Arne Duncan reflects on his legacy and the need for leadership in K-12.