Thomas B. Fordham Institute - Advancing Educational Excellence
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Fordham in the News

Fordham Institute's newest study, The State of State Standards--and the Common Core--in 2010, was released on July 21, 2010. And it it the talk of the nation! It has generated media coverage from coast to coast. Here are some examples:

Many States Adopt National Standards for Their Schools
The New York Times, July 21, 2010

D.C. and Massachusetts to vote on national school standards
The Washington Post, July 21, 2010

New academic standards clearer, more rigorous
The Associated Press, July 21, 2010

Common Standards Judged Better Than Most States'
Education Week, July 21, 2010

Study knocks Ky., Ohio academic standards
The Cincinnati Enquirer, July 21, 2010

Report faults Va.'s academic standards in math; English standards on par with other states'
The Richmond Times-Dispatch, July 21, 2010

Group faults Iowa standards in math, English
The Des Moines Register, July 21, 2010

Texas schools score well in language, poor in math
Houston Chronicle, July 21, 2010

The Common Core Curriculum
Chester E. Finn Jr., and Michael J. Petrilli, National Review Online, July 22, 2010

Op-Ed Spotlight: The Conservative Case for National School Standards
The Atlantic Wire, July 22, 2010

Virginia's latest attempt to secede from the United States
The Washington Post, July 23, 2010


The final Common Core State Standards were released in early June, 2010. Checker shared his thoughts with outlets such as the New York Times and the Christian Science Monitor.

States Receive a Reading List: New Standards for Education
The New York Times, June 2, 2010

New public school ‘core standards’: Which states might not sign on?
Christian Science Monitor, June 2, 2010

New Education Standards: From Good to Better
National Review Online, The Corner blog, June 2, 2010

Core standards: The final version
Joanne Jacobs, June 2, 2010


Fordham experts have weighed in on a range of issues lately. Mike commented on Head Start, congressional retirements and socioeconomic factors in schools. Meanwhile, Checker shared thoughts about foundations and the feds, and Andy discussed how best to improve schools in Kentucky.

Special Report; Can 120 new teachers lift six failing Lousiana schools?
The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), May 23, 2010

Philanthropies Add Weight to 'i3' Effort
Education Week, May 12, 20010

Some Head Start workers commit fraud so kids qualify, investigators say
USA Today, May 19, 2010

K-12 Champion Sets Departure From Congress
Education Week, May 12, 2010

Socioeconomics Replacing Race in School Assignments
Education Week, May 12, 2010


Fordham reports continue to gain attention long after their release dates. These recent stories mention our Catholic Schools (April 2008) report and our survey of AP (Advanced Placement) teachers (April 2009).

Loss and Hope; New academy to spring from merging of 3 Quincy Catholic schools
The Boston Globe, May 20, 2010

Advanced Placement testing begins on Shore
Daily Times (Salisbury, MD), May 10, 2010


In April, we released Charter School Autonomy: A Half-Broken Promise. Here's some of the media attention it received.

Charter Schools on Radar of State Lawmakers
West Virginia State Journal, May 6, 2010 

Study Says Charters Are 'Painting With Mittens'
Education Week, Inside School Research Blog, April 29, 2010

Not enough autonomy for charter schools
The Examiner, blog, April 29, 2010

Wisconsin gets 'F' for charter school law
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel,  April 28, 2010


The draft K-12 Common Core standards were released in March and we came out with our review of them later that month. Below you'll see some of the discussion spurred by our review. You'll also find an op-ed that Checker wrote about the standards for NRO, as well as one that he penned for AOLnews.

Back to Basics
National Review Online, Chester E. Finn, Jr., March 16, 2010

A Turning Point on Education Reform
AOLnews.com, Chester E. Finn, Jr., March 11, 2010

National Standards Post from Jim Stergios
Jay P. Greene’s Blog, April 2, 2010

Feedback on Common Core English/Language Arts Standards
Curriculum Matters, Education Week, April 1, 2010

Common Standards: A Group of Mathematicians Responds
Curriculum Matters, Education Week, March 31, 2010

Common Standards, Many Opinions
Joanne Jacobs, March 24, 2010

Fordham Report Gives Common Standards Good Grades
Curriculum Matters, Education Week, March 23, 2010


Checker recently did an interview that was posted on the Economist’s blog, Democracy in America. The discussion touched on some key education topics including the education establishment, testing and accountability, and charters.

Eight questions for Chester Finn
The Economist, Democracy in America, April 1, 2010


Andy Smarick was quoted extensively after the Race to the Top round one winners announcement.

Race to the Top winners: How did Delaware and Tennessee succeed?
Christian Science Monitor, March 29, 2010

Race to the Top awards go to Delaware, Tennessee
The Washington Post, March 29, 2010

Tennessee, Delaware are winners in education contest
Bloomberg News, March 29, 2010

Delaware and Tennessee win "Race to the Top"
ABC News, March 29, 2010

Tennessee, Delaware win education grants
Los Angeles Times, March 29, 2010

U.S. Names Education Grant Winners
The New York Times, March 29, 2010


 In case you missed it, Checker penned an interesting piece for the Winter 2010 edition of National Affairs.

The End of the Education Debate
Chester E. Finn Jr., National Affairs, Winter 2010


The Obama administration has proposed some big changes to the No Child Left Behind law. Below, Mike Petrilli shared his thoughts with USA Today and the Christian Science Monitor. Meanwhile, the New York Times and Washington Post quote Mike's blog posts on the subject.

No Child Left Behind: Obama overhaul takes flak from both parties
The Christian Science Monitor, March 18, 2010

Array of Hurdles Awaits New Education Agenda
The New York Times, March 16, 2010

'No Child' update would be tough on 'worst schools'
The Washington Post, March 16, 2010

Obama unfolds education blueprint; Revisions to No Child Left Behind law both heralded, criticized
USA Today, March 15, 2010


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
The New York Times, 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

Recession hits 'private public' schools, too
Chicago Daily Herald, April 12, 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

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