By Kerry McDonald The desire to control other people’s ideas and behaviors, particularly when they challenge widely-held beliefs and customs, is one of human nature’s most nefarious tendencies. Socrates was sentenced to death for stepping out of line; Galileo almost was. But such extreme examples are outnumbered by the many more common, pernicious acts of trying to control … [Read more...] about “We” Should Not Regulate Homeschooling
Education
Community Schools Are Not the Antidote to Charter Schools
Op-Ed by John Klyczek Democratic presidential candidates, such as Elizabeth Warren, have pledged to fix the American education system by replacing privatized charter schools with “community schools” that incorporate “socioemotional-learning (SEL)” programs. These “Democratic” community schools, which teach “social skills” and “emotional competencies,” might sound like … [Read more...] about Community Schools Are Not the Antidote to Charter Schools
Outschool.com Takes Education Out Of Schooling
By Kerry McDonald Supporting education beyond schooling is a key feature of many educational technology platforms. While some may be integrated into conventional classrooms, complementing a traditional curriculum, emerging technology is increasingly helping to separate education from schooling and catalyze new models of K-12 learning. As its name implies, Outschool.com is … [Read more...] about Outschool.com Takes Education Out Of Schooling
How School Districts Put Politics Before Children
By Matthew Bankert Many people wary of government power rightly criticize public schools for being more indoctrination than education. When the institution is fully dependent on the state for support, why would any ideas be put forth that could put their lifeblood in jeopardy? On education, Mises wrote in Human Action: …as soon as one wants to go farther [than elementary … [Read more...] about How School Districts Put Politics Before Children
How Microschool Networks Expand Learning Options
By Kerry McDonald Technology has the potential to decentralize K-12 education and make it more learner-directed, upending a top-down system in favor of individual autonomy and self-determination. But the technology can’t do this alone. It requires a learning environment that fosters creativity and curiosity, using digital platforms and supportive adults to facilitate … [Read more...] about How Microschool Networks Expand Learning Options
Chicago Teachers’ Strike Shows Why We Don’t Need Public Schools
By Kerry McDonald As the Chicago teachers’ strike continues with no end in sight, 300,000 students spend another day outside of the public school classroom. Chicago’s mayor, Lori Lightfoot, says this is damaging to children. "We need to get our kids back in school," the mayor said Thursday, CNN reports. "Every day we are out, that hurts our children." But Are the … [Read more...] about Chicago Teachers’ Strike Shows Why We Don’t Need Public Schools
Teachers Who Quit to Create Schooling Alternatives
By Kerry McDonald It’s not uncommon for public school teachers to experience burnout or feel demoralized by the weight of their work. Many leave the classroom and the education profession behind to pursue other careers. In fact, U.S. Labor Department data reveal that public school educators are quitting their jobs at record-breaking rates. But some public school teachers … [Read more...] about Teachers Who Quit to Create Schooling Alternatives
Beyond 10,000 Hours: Study Reveals 5 Keys To Being Elite In Your Field
By John Anderer Many people believe Malcolm Gladwell’s dictum that in order to be truly great at something, one must commit to at least 10,000 hours of practice. While dedicated training is certainly an integral part of the recipe for success, a new study finds four additional factors that are needed to truly become elite at a given field. Researchers from the Norwegian … [Read more...] about Beyond 10,000 Hours: Study Reveals 5 Keys To Being Elite In Your Field
Why You and Your Kids Should Detox Your Mind by “Deschooling”
By Sarah Surette Everyone has beliefs and habits that they carry into adulthood with them. Some of these are harmless remnants of childhood, like holding your breath as you go through a tunnel or skipping over cracks in the sidewalk. Others tend to be larger and more abstract, like the environment in which a child learns or if they tend to see things in a more objective … [Read more...] about Why You and Your Kids Should Detox Your Mind by “Deschooling”
The Teacher Shortage Is Real and about to Get Much Worse. Here’s Why
By Paul Boyce One of the main stressors of teaching is the sheer amount of testing. Students are tested as frequently as twice per month and an average of once per month. While testing has been around for decades, its increased involvement returned in 2002. As a result of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), teachers are “teaching to test.” These tests were designed to … [Read more...] about The Teacher Shortage Is Real and about to Get Much Worse. Here’s Why
Why so Many College Students Are In Mental Distress—And What Parents Can Do about It
By Kerry McDonald With college classes underway for the fall semester, parents may worry about how their children will navigate campus life, balance academics and social pressures, and find their pathway to a meaningful career. While parents of college students have long shared these common worries, they now confront new concerns. The number of college students … [Read more...] about Why so Many College Students Are In Mental Distress—And What Parents Can Do about It
What Vexes Small Business More than Taxes and Regulations?
By Jeffrey A. Tucker The latest survey of small business contains a surprise. Or maybe it is not a surprise if you are or know a small business owner. Over the last six years, the concerns of taxes and regulations are being eclipsed by a new number-one concern: the lack of quality in the workforce. Now, what does quality in staffing mean? It could mean skills. In the … [Read more...] about What Vexes Small Business More than Taxes and Regulations?