$15 billion. Alex Holt breaks down the math behind funding universal pre-K. And while we’re on the topic, Sara Mead—the newest member of Education Sector’s K20 Task Force—explains why, yes, preschool expansion is coming. (Early Ed Watch/Policy Notebook)

“Preschool daze.” In a series of letters to his two-year-old daughter, this Washington, D.C., parent explains his quest to find her the Continue Reading »

A better idea for pre-K? Andy Rotherham proposes making Head Start a “robust and universal access” 0-3 program, giving opportunities to low-income children who don’t have them, while also leaving the ground open to develop a new, high-quality program for four-year-olds. (Eduwonk)

A conditional guarantee. Kim Clark looks at the caveats involved when colleges offer tuition guarantees for sContinue Reading »

Uneven opportunity. A new College Board report shows that while thousands more students are taking (and passing) Advanced Placement exams, those opportunities vary depending on location and race. (USA Today)

“College is an inside game.” A San Jose charter school seeks to teach “college as a second language,” helping first generation students navigate the logistics—as well as the academicContinue Reading »

Higher ed, we only say this because we love you: Here are 100 ways you can be better. (National Association of Scholars)

In search of the other half. myEdmatch is an online matching service that seeks to pair educators with schools that have open positions, à la Match.com. (h/t Eduwonk, Dowser)

Be mine, pre-K. The push for universal early childhood education can be traced back to Continue Reading »

Every minute counts. “Five minutes wasted each day on sloppy (classroom) routines translates into 21 lost class periods each year.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)

Early education for everyone. Sara Mead explains why “Pre-K isn’t a waste just because your mom can read.” (Policy Notebook/Education Week)

Bad news for higher ed. Moody’s Investors Service doesn’t think too positivContinue Reading »

Measuring learning, not seat time. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching will reconsider the credit hour, something Amy Laitinen pushed for in one of our recent reports. (Carnegie Foundation)

The gift of ed data. Surprisingly, better outcomes data in higher education makes the legislative to-do list in the upcoming Congressional session. (Higher Ed Watch/New America FouContinue Reading »

Practice makes perfect. The best athletes and musicians never stop practicing. Principal Katie Yezzi says the same is true for educators: “The key to workplace satisfaction is doing a job well, and our most powerful tool for ensuring that is practice.” (New York Times)

More support for early ed. A new CALDER study links pre-K program participation in Texas with improved third-grade math Continue Reading »

Inside the Beltway. A survey of Washington “insiders” this week shows that they don’t think too highly of the Race to the Top competition for districts; they see strong support for the Common Core State Standards; and Congress? Zero percent approved of the way it is handling education. (Education Week)

Dismal milestone. For the first time since the University of Louisville went public inContinue Reading »

Don’t let ignorant politicians impose testing for 5 year olds! It’s happening. Promoted by Testing Zealots in DC & state capitols.

- Tea Party activist Education historian Diane Ravitch, agitating educating her 20,000+ Twitter followers about readiness assessment programs, an optional component of the Obama Administration’s Early Learning Challenge found in 24 staContinue Reading »

Quick Hits is a short compilation of question-raising news stories, blog posts, and video clips that Education Sector team members are reading and viewing each day.

What happens when a community makes a long-term investment in pre-K? (Prichard Committee)

How can comprehensive teacher induction programs affect student achievement? (Mathematica)

Does Rep. Obey have yet anotheContinue Reading »