The Role of Congress in Teacher Preparation

A recent Congressional hearing has weighed how Congress should improve teacher preparation, and while the improvements may be necessary, they certainly won’t come easily. One of the big questions facing lawmakers: Should the federal government call for colleges of education to track their graduates into the classroom? And, if so, what exactly should that look Read more about The Role of Congress in Teacher Preparation[…]

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Federal Policy Recommendations for Promoting Better Prepared Educators

Currently, there are more first year teachers in the United States than teachers of any other experience level. At many schools, most of the teachers have only been teaching for a few years. Meanwhile, the skills and responsibilities expected of educators are expanding, as higher standards and new technologies are implemented to improve student learning. Read more about Federal Policy Recommendations for Promoting Better Prepared Educators[…]

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Do College Rankings Matter to Students?

Students, particularly low-income students, aren’t really thinking about college rankings when choosing higher education options, according to a new brief released by the American Council on Education. The study comes as the Obama administration works on its highly anticipated college rating system, which ACE says will become a de facto ranking system. Fewer than 25 Read more about Do College Rankings Matter to Students?[…]

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Defining College and Career Readiness

A high school diploma is no longer the ticket to the middle class that it used to be. To earn a family-sustaining income and enjoy opportunities for career advancement at a time of rapid change, some kind of postsecondary education – whether at four-year institutions, community colleges or training programs – is nearly a necessity. Read more about Defining College and Career Readiness[…]

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NCES Releases “Digest of Education Statistics 2012”

The 48th in a series of publications initiated in 1962, the Digest‘s purpose is to provide a compilation of statistical information covering the broad field of education from pre-kindergarten through graduate school. The Digest contains data on a variety of topics, including the number of schools and colleges, teachers, enrollments, and graduates, in addition to Read more about NCES Releases “Digest of Education Statistics 2012”[…]

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The End of the “College for All” Debate

A new paper from Bellwether Education Partners argues that the “college for all” debate is beside the point because students are already flocking to colleges. The real question, they say, is how to find low-income students with high potential and how to better inform students so that they’re “smart shoppers” when choosing among colleges. The Read more about The End of the “College for All” Debate[…]

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Badges and Certifications – the new Degree?

As an increasing number of individuals realize the need for continued education, yet also face the realities of taking care of families in a tough economic climate, some Americans are asking if traditional college or graduate degrees are the solution.  Perhaps these degrees do more to show how much money an individual has or how Read more about Badges and Certifications – the new Degree?[…]

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Taking Charge: A State-level Agenda for Higher Education Reform

Because education is such a key element driving economic growth, states realize the need to prioritize education, but are often short on answers when facing large budget deficits. Andrew P. Kelly and Daniel K. Lautzenheiser of AEI Education recently released a new report entitled, “Taking charge: A state-level agenda for higher education reform,” that provides Read more about Taking Charge: A State-level Agenda for Higher Education Reform[…]

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The Top Five Obama Administration Education Policy Hits

The Higher Ed Watch blog from the New America Foundation recently posted what they consider to be the biggest hits of the Obama administration related to higher education.  Since Education Department secretary Arne Duncan has suggested that he plans to stay in his position and to help keep the Education Department on the same course Read more about The Top Five Obama Administration Education Policy Hits[…]

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2010 Census Statistics and Education: Enrollment, Cost, and Outcomes

The United States Census Bureau has released educational statistics that have been compiled as part of its “How Do We Know?” initiative.  The statistics are broken down into three categories: enrollment, cost, and outcomes and displayed in a visually appealing infographic. For enrollment, the Census Bureau focuses on showing the similarities and differences between educational Read more about 2010 Census Statistics and Education: Enrollment, Cost, and Outcomes[…]

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The Role of Higher Education in Common Core Implementation

The successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) represents a landmark opportunity for collaboration between the higher education and K-12 sectors. Delivering on the promise of college-ready standards means students are prepared for entry-level, credit-bearing college work, and that K-12 schools and higher education institutions are more aligned on the education they deliver. Read more about The Role of Higher Education in Common Core Implementation[…]

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Institute for Higher Education Policy Launches PolicyDirect

Last week the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) launched a new site containing cutting-edge postsecondary education research for a policy-focused audience. PolicyDirect is a one-stop, online resource that delivers more than 300 easy-to-use summaries of academic research that highlights critical findings on important higher education issues such as college preparation, financial aid, productivity, and Read more about Institute for Higher Education Policy Launches PolicyDirect[…]

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New Publications from the College Board

The College Board recently released four new publications, addressing issues from the presidential election to expanding opportunities for historically underserved groups in public institutions of higher education.  Each of the publications underscores the country’s current economic issues and the raging debate over education reform.  The Common Core aims to prepare all students for college and Read more about New Publications from the College Board[…]

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Should Tenure Be Abolished?

In a recent article for Time, Andrew Rotherham explored the tenure system in higher education.  Critics claim that the tenure system is outdated and no longer necessary; while proponents claim that tenure ensures a continued culture of intellectual independence and inquiry.  Rotherham begins with an examination of the complaints against the tenure system: It creates Read more about Should Tenure Be Abolished?[…]

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Actually, College Is Very Much Worth It

It seems that it’s becoming fashionable to poo-poo college education. After all, can’t you get all the information you’ll ever need for free on the Internet? Why pay tuition? In a recent Time magazine article, Andrew Rotherham explores the real value of a college education related to standard of living. His findings: According to the Read more about Actually, College Is Very Much Worth It[…]

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Disrupting College: How Disruptive Innovation Can Deliver Quality and Affordability to Postsecondary Education

Changing circumstances mandate that we shift the focus of higher education policy away from how to enable more students to afford higher education to how we can make a quality postsecondary education affordable. The challenge before the country also mandates a new definition of quality from the perspective of students–so that the education is valuable Read more about Disrupting College: How Disruptive Innovation Can Deliver Quality and Affordability to Postsecondary Education[…]

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