Protecting and Promoting School Choice

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Teachers Favor Observations Over Tests for Student Success

A new poll by EdChoice reveals that teachers primarily assess student success through personal communications and observations rather than quizzes or test scores. Standardized tests rank lowest in importance for determining a successful school year. The survey, shared exclusively with The 74, indicates 58% of teachers value direct interactions most highly. Key Points Teachers prioritize […]

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Declaration at 250: Tough Classroom Questions

The article explores how the Declaration of Independence, marking its 250th anniversary, continues to provoke challenging discussions in history classrooms. It features insights from longtime teacher Karalee Wong Nakatsuka, highlighting her use of themed T-shirts to engage students. Co-published with The 19th, it ties into broader themes of democracy’s expansion amid gender, politics, and policy

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ASU Pilots AI Course Scraping, Bypasses Faculty

Arizona State University is piloting a new educational delivery method by using AI to scrape course content, bypassing direct faculty involvement. This initiative aims to test innovative ways of providing education. The pilot began this month, as reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Key Points ASU experiments with AI to extract and deliver course

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Vanderbilt: The New Harvard in US Higher Ed

Vanderbilt University has surged in popularity among US colleges, attributed to its appealing weather, content student body, and moderate political environment. The institution is now as selective as Ivy League schools, drawing significant applicant interest. This positions it as a top choice for higher education in the South. Key Points Vanderbilt offers great weather and

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Yale Refocuses Mission on Knowledge Pursuit

Yale University has updated its mission statement to emphasize the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge, removing previous references to ‘improving the world’ and other broader goals. This change aligns with recommendations from a faculty committee led by Nyberg et al. The revision aims to narrow the institution’s focus on core academic objectives. Key Points New

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Do Career Pathways Work? Delaware’s Early Results

The article examines career pathways in high schools, which provide structured courses in career fields, workplace exposure, and job-related skills, similar to vocational programs. It highlights early evidence from Delaware suggesting potential benefits in student engagement and outcomes. The piece discusses how these reforms aim to better prepare students for the workforce. Key Points Career

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NJ Leaders Urged to Boost Student Literacy Rates

Teach For America New Jersey is urging Newark education leaders to collaborate on improving literacy, as about half of the state’s students are not reading at grade level. The initiative emphasizes collective action to address this critical issue in K-12 education. The push comes amid broader efforts to enhance reading proficiency across New Jersey. Key

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High Gas Prices Drive Shift to Online College Classes

The article discusses how rising gas prices could impact commuter schools, particularly community colleges, by encouraging more students to opt for online classes. Author Matt Reed suggests that if prices remain high into the fall, enrollment in in-person classes may decline. This shift could affect campus dynamics and educational delivery methods in higher education. Key

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Bard Crisis: How College Presidents Dodge Oversight

The article discusses how Bard College’s recent crisis highlights mechanisms allowing university presidents to evade oversight. It attributes this to factors like long tenure, strong fundraising abilities, and alignment with the board of trustees. This creates an authority structure that is difficult for others in higher education to challenge. Key Points Long tenure enables presidents

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Mandel Foundation Donates $125M to Case Western

The Mandel Foundation has committed $125 million to Case Western Reserve University. The donation appears to support the development of a new humanities facility, as shown in a rendering of a bright, airy building with students. This gift was announced on May 4, 2026, and highlights significant philanthropic investment in higher education. Key Points Mandel

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