The US Test Mess
Standardized educational tests do not perfectly measure student aptitude or achievement, and no one argues that they do. But they can differ from all other available measures in two respects: … Continue reading “The US Test Mess”
Don’t Cancel Rigor
The Chronicle of Higher Education has just published the latest assault on academic standards, Jordynn Jack and Viji Sathy’s “It’s Time to Cancel the Word ‘Rigor’.” Jack teaches rhetoric and … Continue reading “Don’t Cancel Rigor”
Did You Know? Some UNC Student-Athletes Don’t Meet Minimum Admission Requirements
Some student-athletes at UNC schools get admitted despite not meeting the minimum admission requirements. The university system counts these students as “exceptions.” The system’s universal minimum admission requirements—which are the … Continue reading “Did You Know? Some UNC Student-Athletes Don’t Meet Minimum Admission Requirements”
Blowing the Boiler of American Education
The need for change in the visual arts may offer a way to fix two of the many fundamental problems afflicting American liberal arts education in general. These are the … Continue reading “Blowing the Boiler of American Education”
A Broad and Devastating Offensive Against Racial Preferences
Last year, advocates of racial preferences in California, where they’d been banned since 1996, attempted to change the law so that state colleges and universities could again give admission advantages … Continue reading “A Broad and Devastating Offensive Against Racial Preferences”
Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist
During the last year, many universities throughout North America have declared “anti-racism” to be their official policy. Consider this sample of quotations. “We must ask how Princeton can address systemic … Continue reading “Why Universities Should Not Be Anti-Racist”
‘Core’ Academics Neglect Social, Emotional Learning—Music Education Can Change That
One of the most important aspects of our society is educating our children to properly function within it. While the education system is centered around the “core” academics, research in … Continue reading “‘Core’ Academics Neglect Social, Emotional Learning—Music Education Can Change That”
The Overhyped College Dropout ‘Scandal’
About 40 percent of Americans who enroll in college drop out before earning a certificate or degree. A high percentage of those who drop out are from poor families; they … Continue reading “The Overhyped College Dropout ‘Scandal’”
Reward Achievement: Give Credit for Advanced Placement
Using Advanced Placement (AP) courses to fulfill college requirements has long helped college students save both time and money. But there are varying opinions about the value of AP courses … Continue reading “Reward Achievement: Give Credit for Advanced Placement”
A Dreamer of the Golden Dream: Jerry Brown’s Future for Higher Education
The title of this article alludes to Joan Didion’s famous essay about “love and death in the golden land,” a cautionary tale about the wreckage left behind when dreams collide … Continue reading “A Dreamer of the Golden Dream: Jerry Brown’s Future for Higher Education”