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Data-loving district sees big learning gains: Is there too much testing?
Math and reading scores are way up in a high-poverty California district, but some teachers say there's too much testing.
Joanne Jacobs
Mar 183 min read
1 comment


Covid broke public schools: Let's build a 'future-ready' system
Education's "new normal" is horrifying. Let's build a new education system out of the ashes.
Joanne Jacobs
Mar 172 min read
1 comment


Paying for failure: If at first you don't succeed, you get a try-again bonus
Failure algebra in Philadelphia, go to tutoring, retake the test and get a cash reward -- even if you fail again.
Joanne Jacobs
Mar 142 min read
3 comments


Ignorance isn't bliss: We need testing to know what students don't know
Testing is essential to improve schools and inform parents.
Joanne Jacobs
Mar 52 min read
2 comments


The way back: Refocus on things schools can do
Schools need to focus on teaching academics rather than trying to end injustice or combat climate change.
Joanne Jacobs
Feb 52 min read
8 comments


Getting better: How Louisiana is raising reading and math scores
How Louisiana is raising reading scores and hoping to improve math achievement.
Joanne Jacobs
Feb 33 min read
4 comments


Fixing classroom culture is first step to high achievement
Schools need to reset classroom culture to improve achievment.
Joanne Jacobs
Jan 302 min read
0 comments


Achievement creates motivation
Achievement predicts motivation, but motivation doesn't predict achievement.
Joanne Jacobs
Jan 131 min read
3 comments


Students want A's for trying hard, B's for (mostly) showing up
Gen Z students expect to be graded on effort, not achievement.
Joanne Jacobs
Jan 131 min read
1 comment


Who will lead us out of the education depression?
"We're in the midst of an "education depression," an "era of shrinking outcomes and opportunity," writes Tim Daly. From 1990 to 2013,...
Joanne Jacobs
Oct 29, 20242 min read
10 comments


Students are narrowing achievement gaps in high-choice cities
In cities with at least a third of students in charters or other choice schools, students are narrowing achievement gaps.
Joanne Jacobs
Oct 11, 20242 min read
4 comments


How schools can help poor kids beat the odds: Consistency, collaboration, priorities
Schools that help disadvantaged students achieve focus on consistently good teaching, a strong, shared curriculum and lots of collaboration.
Joanne Jacobs
Oct 1, 20242 min read
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Urban charters raise achievement -- or they close
Urban charter schools improve learning for disadvantaged minority students, and competition often improves nearby district schools.
Joanne Jacobs
Sep 30, 20241 min read
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Well-behaved, motivated newcomers may raise classmates' achievement
U.S.-born students learn more when their classmates are immigrants, says a new study.
Joanne Jacobs
Sep 16, 20242 min read
5 comments


Biden's education grade: 'D' for 'doesn't care about achievement'
President Biden's education agenda deserves a D.
Joanne Jacobs
Aug 8, 20242 min read
3 comments


'Locking in' learning loss: Math grades didn't return to pre-pandemic normal
Grade inflation soared when learning went remote, writes Amber Northern. Lax requirements to turn in work, fewer graded assignments, and...
Joanne Jacobs
Aug 6, 20241 min read
0 comments


Urban charters boost scores, degrees in Massachusetts
Urban charter school students in Massachusetts earn higher test scores and are more likely to enroll in college and earn a degree,...
Joanne Jacobs
Jul 25, 20241 min read
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$190 billion in federal relief raised achievement -- but not very much
The federal government gave schools $190 billion in emergency funding during and after the pandemic. The extra money helped students...
Joanne Jacobs
Jun 27, 20243 min read
3 comments


If minority parents choose a charter, that's not 'resegregation'
Parents should be able to choose a public school that meets their children's academic needs and their family's values, writes Debbie...
Joanne Jacobs
Jun 26, 20242 min read
2 comments


When 96% pass science, but only 16% meet standards on the test
San Diego 11th-grade students are passing classes, but failing proficiency tests.
Joanne Jacobs
Jun 14, 20241 min read
5 comments
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