Fordham in the News
Andy Smarick has been very busy with interviews this week, since Race to the Top finalists were announced on March 4, 2010. Here are a few of the first stories popping up:
16 Finalists Announced in "Race to the Top"
Political Punch, blog, ABCnews.com, March 4, 2010
States 'Race' To Adopt Obama's School Policies
NPR.org, March 4, 2010
Diane Ravitch's new book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, has folks talking. Below are some articles about it that quote Checker. And you'll see Checker has also written up his own review of it.
School's Out
Chester E. Finn Jr., Forbes.com, March 3, 2010
Scholar's School Reform U-Turn Shakes Up Debate
Washington Post, March 2, 2010
Business principles won't work for school reform, former supporter Ravitch says
The Washington Post, February 26, 2010
Here are just a few pieces that talk about our recent "private public schools" report.
National study dubs 12 Portland-area schools "private public schools"
The Oregonian, February 22, 2010
Wealth Gap for Schools in New Jersey Is the Highest
New York Times, February 18, 2010
What Happens When The Public Schools Are Private
CT Confidential, February 19, 2010
Our Penny Saved joint conference with AEI was very successful indeed. Below is an Eduction Week piece as well as a link to C-Span coverage of the daylong event.
Experts Urge Districts to Do More With Less
Education Week, January 27, 2010
C-SPAN Coverage
January 11, 2010
Checker talked to the NY Times about honor societies and to the Washington Post about Chicago's education reform efforts.
As Honor Students Multiply, Who Really Is One?
NY Times, January 1, 2010
Test data help cloud Duncan's legacy as Chicago schools chief
Washington Post, December 29, 2009
Fordham experts shared thoughts on a variety of topics with U.S. News & World Report. Checker talked about No Child Left Behind, as well as charter schools. And Andy discussed the DC voucher program.
No Child Left Behind Law Loses Support
U.S. News & World Report, December 9, 2009
How to Choose a Charter School
U.S. News & World Report, December 9, 2009
Congress Considers Cutting D.C. School Voucher Program
U.S. News & World Report, December 17, 2009
Our recent tracking/detracking study really has people talking. So far, media coverage has included Education Week, Newsweek and National Journal, among others.
Education Tracking Continues To Stir Debate
National Journal, December 14, 2009
Should States Think Twice About Forcing All Eighth Graders Into Algebra?
Newsweek, The Gaggle, December 11, 2009
Fordham report on tracking provides surprise results
The Baltimore Sun, InsideEd, December 15, 2009
Keeping math on track
Boston Herald, December 20, 2009
Report: Most Middle Schools Have Halted Tracking
Education Week, Curriculum Matters, December 11, 2009
Researchers Offer Dueling Views on Tracking
Education Week, Inside School Research, December 17, 2009
Getting Back on Tracking
The Core Knowledge Blog, December 11, 2009
Untracked
Joanne Jacobs, December 11, 2009
Mike is back! Here he discussed the stimulus, teacher evaluations, graduation rates and common standards.
Study: Schools face shortfall after stimulus ends
Associated Press, December 22, 2009
Federal aid tied to test scores. Schools must evaluate teachers differently to benefit
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, December 6, 2009
Florida's high-school graduation rate hits a record
Orlando Sentinel, December 5, 2009
Texas education head warns of 'federal takeover'
Austin-American Statesman, December 3, 2009
Our Amber Winkler provided great analysis in this Governing piece about common standards.
The Standardizing of Classroom Standards
Governing, December, 2009
Lots of talk about the stimulus and schools. Andy talked about Race to the Top rules and turnarounds with Education Week. He also shared thoughts on Arizona's and Maryland's chances of getting some of the money. Meanwhile, a Cleveland Plain Dealer story referenced our Ohio team's analysis of that state's shot at the money, and also quoted Terry.
Stimulus Rules on 'Turnarounds' Shift; Stimulus Guidelines Changed for Turning Around Schools
Education Week, December 2, 2009
Arizona may have leg up in race for school grant
The Arizona Republic, November 30, 2009
Rules Set for $4 Billion Race to Top Contest
Education Week, November 18, 2009
Md. notably quiet as states jockey for millions in education money
The Baltimore Sun, November 14, 2009
Ohio vies for Race to the Top money for education reforms
Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 21, 2009
Checker disscussed common standards with The Economist and Education Week.
What to teach? Improving education
The Economist, November 21, 2009
Role of NAEP Could Change With Common Assessments
Education Week, November 18, 2009
Fordham Research Director Amber Winkler discussed standards and accountability after the National Center for Education Statistics released a report showing wide differences in state standards and proficiency measures.
Student 'proficiency': What is your state's definition?
Christian Science Monitor, October 29, 2009
NCES Finds States Lowered Proficiency Bar
Education Week, October 29, 2009
Fordham experts have made some (radio) waves lately. Andy's recent report on the conversion of seven D.C. Catholic schools to charters (published by Seton Education Partners) was highlighted and discussed on WAMU. And Research Director Amber Winkler shared her expertise on class size with a radio show out of Oregon.
Catholic To Charter School Conversion: One Year Later
WAMU, October 12, 2009
Class Size
Oregon Public Broadcasting, Think Out Loud, October 19, 2009
Fordham reports garner attention long after they're released. Here, newspapers cite our reports on the Ohio brain-drain and the Advanced Placement Program.
Ohio offering college grads homebuying help
Business First of Columbus, October 19, 2009
Questions for Worcester School Committee candidates
Telegram & Gazette, October 20, 2009
NAEP math scores are out. Checker shares his thoughts with the New York Times. Andy provides analysis for NJ's Star-Ledger and The New Republic.
Sluggish Results Seen in U.S. Math Scores
The New York Times, October 14, 2009
N.J. math scores for 8th graders up, 4th graders unchanged
The Star-Ledger, October 14, 2009
Students Aren't Learning Math. Can NCLB Help?
The New Republic, The Plank, October 16, 2009
Our Ohio team is involved in the "common standards" discussion in their state. Here, Terry shares thoughts with the Columbus Dispatch.
Timing to determine whether Ohio can use national school standards
The Columbus Dispatch, October 13, 2009
Checker and Terry both talk to Education Week about school governance issues.
An Overlooked Institution Struggles to Remain Relevant
Education Week, October 12, 2009
At State Level, Power Over Schools a Contentious Issue
Education Week, October 12, 2009
The Fordham Institute's latest report - Stars By Which to Navigate? Scanning National and International Education Standards in 2009 -- is getting attention. Articles in the Washington Post and Education Week have discussed the report.
Proposed National Academic Standards Sidestep Debate
The Washington Post, October 8, 2009
'Common Core' Standards Earn a B From Think Tank
Education Week, October 8, 2009
Some developments recently regarding the NEA and teacher staffing rules. The Wall Street Journal turned to Checker for analysis.
Teachers Union Shifts Stance, Backs Looser Staffing Rules
The Wall Street Journal, October 1, 2009
Education Week's Mark Walsh reviews the new book "From Schoolhouse to Courthouse" this week on his School Law blog.
Book Report: From Schoolhouse to Courthouse
Education Week, The School Law Blog, September 28, 2009
Arne Duncan gave a speech in September about NCLB reauthorization and both Checker and Andy commented on it. Checker wrote a piece for NRO and Andy talked to ABC:
Heavy Lifted Needed on NCLB
Chester E. Finn, Jr., NRO, September 24, 2009
Ed Sec on 'No Child Left Behind': 'We are Lying to Children and Parents"
ABCNews.com, September 24, 2009
Checker was recently quoted in the Washington Post, UPI and the Baltimore Sun, regarding the new draft Common Core education standards:
Skills Set Drafted For Students Nationwide
The Washington Post, September 22, 2009
National academic standards proposed
UPI, September 22, 2009
Near-universal passage provokes debate on school standards
The Baltimore Sun, September 23, 2009
Reporters turned to Mike and Checker for comments on stimulus funds and school reform. Checker talked to Education Week and TIME, and Mike shared thoughts with the Associated Press.
Potholes Ahead on Innovation Fund
Education Week, September 16, 2009
Can Arne Duncan (And $5 Billion) Fix America’s Schools?
TIME, September 14, 2009
States scramble for reform to get stimulus money
The Associated Press, September 9, 2009
Education Week turned to Andy Smarick for analysis of a new poll by Education Next and Harvard University's Program on Education Policy and Governance. Check out what he said.
Obama Education Views Can Sway Public, Poll Says
Education Week, August 31, 2009
Kudos to our Ohio team! Below you'll see a Columbus Dispatch story and related editorial about two of the charters schools that Fordham sponsors. The Cleveland Plain Dealer covered the Ohio team's local report card analysis. And both Terry Ryan (who's quoted throughout these pieces) and Jamie Davies O'Leary penned op-eds for the Dayton Daily News.
Charter Grades Making Progress
The Columbus Dispatch, August 30, 2009
Editorial: Try Again
The Columbus Dispatch, August 30, 2009
3 Cleveland charter schools' students earn good state report cards
The Cleveland Plain Dealer, August 31, 2009
Terry Ryan: Kettering takes unfair hit in ratings
Dayton Daily News, August 31, 2009
Jamie Davies O'Leary: Ohio needs Teach for America talent
Dayton Daily News, August 28, 2009
Mike and Checker have been busy. Below you'll see that Checker discussed the latest SAT scores with the Wall Street Journal. A piece he wrote on the same topic appeared on Forbes.com. And he shared thoughts on the late Senator Ted Kennedy with Education Week. Mike meanwhile, co-authored an opinion piece in the New York Times about high-achieving students and talked to NBC Nightly News about year-round school.
SAT Scores Fall as Gap Widens; Asians Gain
Wall Street Journal, August 26, 2009
SAT Upon
Forbes.com, August 25, 2009
The Lion of the Senate, and NAEP
Education Week, August 26, 2009
Smart Child Left Behind
The New York Times, August 27, 2009
Trading Summer Break for Better Grades
NBC Nightly News, August 25, 2009
Publications turned to the Thomas B. Fordham Institute for comments on the unveiling of President Obama's "Race to the Top" applications and guidelines.
Teachers' pay would be tied to test scores under Obama plan
USA Today, July 23, 2009
Administration Takes Aim at State Laws on Teachers
New York Times, July 24, 2009
'Race to Top' Guidelines Stress Use of Test Data
Education Week, July 23, 2009
Race to the Top Application Details: Coming Soon?
Eduction Week's Politics K-12 blog, July 23, 2009
Andy Smarick recently penned this thoughtful opinion piece about Catholic schools.
Saving Catholic schools
The Baltimore Sun, July 17, 2009
In these stories, Mike talks about national standards and Checker shares thoughts on charter schools.
Charter schools may benefit from 'change'
Albany Times Union, June 15, 2009
The Challenges of National Standards
US News and World Report, July 2, 2009
States weigh setting one bar for students
Christian Science Monitor, June 28, 2009
Texas not sold on education standards
San Antonio Express-News, June 21, 2009
Education in America
Lou Dobbs Tonight, June 15, 2009
Like other struggling states, many of Ohio's best and brightest young people are leaving the area after graduation. How many? Why is this happening and what can be done to make them stay? Our Ohio team investigated this problem in Fordham's newest report, Losing Ohio's Future, which surveyed more than 800 college students in the state. It has created quite a buzz and has people talking!
Get out of town! More college grads leaving Ohio than ever
Fox 8 Columbus, Ohio
Ohio grads take diplomas and run
Columbus Dispatch, June 16, 2009
Survey: Most of Ohio's college grads plan to leave state for jobs
Dayton Daily News, June 16, 2009
Survey: Most college students plan to leave Ohio
The Associated Press, June 16, 2009
Survey: Most Ohio college students plan to leave
Columbus Business First, June 15, 2009
Survey: 6 of 10 college grads to leave Ohio
Cincinnati Enquirer, June 15, 2009
Mike shares some insight on charter schools in an article that discusses a recent report on the topic.
Charter schools hit, miss in new report
The Washington Times, June 16, 2009
In his new book, Reroute the Preschool Juggernaut, Checker argues that universal preschool is not the best idea. The book is being released June 6, but already has people talking. Below are op-eds that Checker wrote for the New York Post and Washington Post.
Say No to Universal Preschool
The New York Post, May 31, 2009
Slow the Preschool Bandwagon
The Washington Post, May 15, 2009
In this Dayton Daily News opinion piece, Terry Ryan, our Ohio expert, argues that troubled, ineffective charter schools -- which he terms 'zombie' schools -- should be shut down.
We must shut doors on zombie charter schools
Dayton Daily News, May 23, 2009
Checker wrote an op-ed for the Columbus Dispatch in which he analyzed Goveror Strickland's education plan.
Education plan is more trendy than substantive
Columbus Dispatch, May 21, 2009
Here Mike commented on national standards and Checker shared his thoughts about Obama's education plans.
Illinois joins school march toward national standards, test
Chicago Tribune, May 19, 2009
Schoolyard Scuffle Awaits Obama, Democrats
National Journal, May 16, 2009
We've seen some high-profile praise recently for David Whitman's book, Sweating the Small Stuff, which tells the compelling stories of several inner-city "no excuses" schools that have been extremely successful. David Brooks and Joel Klein both cite the book in their columns, below.
The Harlem Miracle
David Brooks, The New York Times, May 8, 2009
Urban Schools Need Better Teachers, Not Excuses, To Close the Education Gap
Joel I. Klein, U.S. News and World Report, opinion, May 4, 2009
Our recent daylong conference -- "International Lessons about National Standards" -- got people talking. Here's what some of them had to say:
Bill Schmidt's 'Tale of Two Countries'
Inside School Research, Education Week, May 5, 2009
Touching the Third Rail
inservice, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, May 5, 2009
Truth, Consequences and National Standards
Teacher in a Strange Land, May 5, 2009
The Best Defense against National Standards? Hearing about National Standards
CATO @ Liberty, May 6, 2009
Fordham recently released a poll of Ohioans views on education. It received noteworthy attention across the state.
New Report: Ohioans Know Little about Education Reform Plans
WCPN, May 5, 2009
Ohioans uniformed on schools, poll finds
Dispatch Politics, May 5, 2009
Poll says Ohioans need to go to school on education policy and funding
The Columbus Dispatch, May 4, 2009
Poll: Ohioans reject more taxes for education
Dayton Daily News, May 4, 2009
Survey shows Ohioans want fairness in school funding, but don't want higher taxes to pay for it
The Plain Dealer, May 4, 2009
Our new report -- Growing Pains in the Advanced Placement Program: Do Tough Trade-Offs Lie Ahead? -- is garnering a good deal of attention, including stories in the New York Times and Education Week, and a column in the Washington Post.
An Interview with Michael Petrilli: AP Classes on the Rise?
EducationNews.org, May 18, 2009
AP More Open, But Not Dumbed Down
The Washington Post, May 1, 2009
Teachers Offer Conflicting Views on AP Program's Rapid Growth
U.S. News and World Report, On Education blog, April 30, 2009
Many Teachers in Advanced Placement Voice Concern at Its Rapid Growth
The New York Times, April 29, 2009
Poll Finds AP Teachers Torn Over Expansion
Education Week, April 29, 2009
Teachers question effectiveness of AP classes
WTOP.com, April 29, 2009
Over the past several months, reporters have repeatedly sought out Fordham's Terry Ryan to get his take on education-related developments in Ohio.
Ohio House Democrats unveil their education budget
Cleveland Plain Dealer, April 17, 2009
House edits Strickland's funding formula
The Associated Press, April 16, 2009
For-profit charters a target
The Cincinnati Enquirer, March 7, 2007
Strickland's education plan is questionable
The Columbus Dispatch, February 18, 2009
Below is a FoxNews.com piece that describes how some schools are doing away with the traditional "F" grade in favor of a softer approach. Mike gives quite a few thoughts on the matter. Among other things, he complains about "dumbing down" the expectations for students.
Are 'No Fail' Grading Systems Hurting or Helping Students?
FoxNews.com, April 27, 2009
Here's a thoughtful op-ed penned by Checker and Andy (Smarick, our distinguished visiting fellow) that ran in the Washington Post. They write about disappearing urban Catholic schools and how the Obama administration can step up and help stop this trend.
Our Endangered Catholic Schools
The Washington Post, April 21, 2009
Checker was quoted in a Bloomberg piece about the Obama administration's education plans. And he and the Fordham Institute were cited in a recent TIME article about raising education standards.
Duncan to Spend Billions to 'Transform' U.S. Schools
Bloomberg, April 16, 2009
How to Raise the Standard in America's Schools
TIME, April 15, 2009
On Minnesota Public Radio recently, Mike (along with Andy Rotherham) discussed the Obama administration's education plans -- innovative schools, merit pay, stimulus dollars and reform.
Education and the Obama Administration
Minnesota Public Radio, April 13, 2009
Education Secretary Arne Duncan favors a longer school year and Mike recently discussed it on FOX. Find out if he thinks it's a good idea or not.
School Daze
FOXNews, April 9, 2009
Some schools have begun weaving lessons on empathy into their school days. Teaching children to be nice is a laudable goal, but Mike points out the potential downside in this New York Times article.
Gossip Girls and Boys Get Lessons in Empathy
New York Times, April 5, 2009
And here, President Chester E. Finn, Jr., talks to National Journal about standards.
Bringing States Into Line on Education
National Journal, March 14, 2009
There's more stimulus talk from Mike here -- on NBC Nightly News.
Refinancing Education
NBC Nightly News, March 13, 2009
Obama's recent education speech spurred much discussion. Here, Andy Smarick, Distinguished Visiting Fellow at TBFI, gives his take in an NRO piece.
Off the Fence on Education?
National Review Online, March 12, 2009
Our new study, The Accountability Illusion, has been discussed all over the country, from South Carolina to Texas to Wisconsin. Here are a few highlights:
The teacher-in-chief speaks
The Economist, March 12, 2009
Stimulating a Race to the Top
Education Week, March 11, 2009 (in print)
Hold education standards high
Boston Herald, March 1, 2009
Study: No Child Standards Vary Widely From State To State
The Associated Press, February 19, 2009
Study: No Child Left Behind rules looser in Minnesota
Minneapolis Star Tribune, February 18, 2009
Study: Texas sets bar low for students on TAKS
Austin-American Statesman, February 19, 2009
Achievement bar illusory, school study concludes
The Greenville News, February 19, 2009
Does state ask less of schools?
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, February 20, 2009
Our Ohio expert Terry Ryan tells the Associated Press what he thinks of Gov. Strickland's new budget proposal.
Budget cuts would cost Ohio charter schools $120 million
The Associated Press, February 6, 2009
Chicago recently chose a new public schools chief (who formerly ran the city's transit authority) to replace Arne Duncan (who became U.S. Education Secretary). Here, Mike talks to the Washington Times about choosing school superintendents with no education background.
Chicago snubs educators, hires outsider to head public schools
The Washington Times, February 3, 2009
The Weekly Standard reviews David Whitman's book, Sweating the Small Stuff: Inner-City Schools and the New Paternalism.
Pater Knows Best; The quest for success in inner-city schools.
The Weekly Standard, February 2, 2009
Washington has been abuzz, debating the hefty economic stimulus package, and Mike shares his thoughts on the matter with both USA Today and The Associated Press.
Education Chief: Stimulus aid could give schools needed jolt
USA Today, January 30, 2009
Skeptics fear stimulus fixes won't be temporary
USA Today, January 29, 2009
Stimulus school money could be hard to cut later
The Associated Press, January 26, 2009
Here, Mike is interviewed by EducationNews.org. He is asked about President Obama's inauguration speech and education.
An Interview with Michael J. Petrilli: Comments on the New President's Speech
Education News, January 27, 2009
Mike was called on to dissect the Bush legacy on education in this Christian Science Monitor piece.
Bush was hands-on for education, healthcare; hands-off for planet
Christian Science Monitor, January 13, 2009
Checker appeared on NBC Nightly News Jan. 9 to share his thoughts on education reform and President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package.
Obama vows to help schools make the grade
NBC Nightly News, January 9, 2009
Checker Finn discussing Fordham's open letter to President-elect Obama
Bill Bennett's Morning in America radio show, December 30, 2008
Turns out our name-the-next-education-secretary daily tracking poll was right--President-elect Obama named Arne Duncan his secretary of education. The press came knocking on Fordham's door for comments.
B+ for the new boy
The Economist, December 18, 2008
Obama praises his education-secretary choice for relying on data to improve schools
The Chronicle of Higher Education, December 17, 2008
Duncan appointment examined
NPR, December 16, 2008
Obama taps Chicago schools chief for education post
PBS NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, December 16, 2008
Education nominee appeals to reformers, unions
Washington Post, December 16, 2008
Education designee's priority: Tackling No Child Left Behind
Minneapolis Star-Tribune, December 16, 2008
Education Week's Debra Viadero wrote a piece that did a tremendous job of summing up Fordham's newest book, A Byte at the Apple: Rethinking Education Data for the Post-NCLB Era, released on November 17, 2008. Among the article's highlights, Viadero wondered about the research possibilities "if every student in the country carried a ‘virtual backpack' stuffed with statistics on his or her entire educational history." This idea is explored in Byte by Margaret Raymond of Stanford University, one of many scholars and leaders who helped write the book.
Better data seen as vital to improving nation's schools
Education Week, online December 5, 2008 and print December 10, 2008
Fordham's daily pick-the-next-education-secretary tracking poll (brainchild of Mike Petrilli) - which asked several education "insiders" each day to predict the next education secretary, has been a smashing hit! (though we have yet to hear who the new education secretary actually is!) The Fordham poll has been mentioned in several blogs and newspapers, including The Denver Post, The Baltimore Sun and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Bennet mum about talk of cabinet post
Denver Post, December 10, 2008
Chicago's public-school chief is seen as favorite to head U.S. Education Department
San Francisco Chronicle, online November 19, 2008
The next U.S. secretary of education
Baltimore Sun, online November 10, 2008
Wall Street Journal, August 26, 2009
