This year has been one of the most consequential for education reform in quite some time. We addressed the honesty gap, giving students and families an accurate assessment of whether they’re on track for college and career success. We learned that turnaround districts really can achieve progress when the right system and leadership are in place (we’re looking at you, New Orleans). And in the final stretch of 2015, we saw accountability handed back to the states as a result of the remarkably bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act.
It has certainly been a big year for Fordham as well, especially with regard to our on-the-ground efforts in Ohio. After a decade of failed attempts, the Buckeye State finally passed a long-overdue charter school reform bill. We now move swiftly into 2016—and into election season—and will continue our work to improve K–12 education through high standards, school choice, and smart policies backed by rigorous research.
But before we usher in a promising new year for education reform, let’s take a look at our most read blog posts for 2015 and the stories that captured the attention of thousands of readers.
Unsurprisingly, Common Core stole the show again this year, with ESEA coming in close behind. But we should remember that high standards and accountability are only part of the equation. Well-designed choice policies are critical for the success of charter schools and voucher programs. Sky-high college remedial education rates suggest that alternative pathways to the middle class need to be explored. And as hard as it may be to close a failing school, children often benefit from doing so. As we move into election season, let’s do our best to remind those at the podium that when it comes to providing educational excellence for every child, genuine reform trumps easy fixes. No pun intended.
Without further ado, here are Fordham’s most read blog posts in 2015:
#1: Is Common Core too hard for kindergarten?
By Robert Pondiscio
February 11, 2015
#2: ESEA reauthorization explained in a single table
By Michael J. Petrilli
January 5, 2015
#3: Bless the tests: three reasons for standardized testing
By Aaron Churchill
March 18, 2015
#4: Ten arguments against Common Core presidential hopefuls should avoid
By Tim Shanahan
March 18, 2015
#5: Nine questions: What does it even mean to oppose the Common Core?
By Michael J. Petrilli
January 29, 2015
#6: The new ESEA in a single table
By Michael J. Petrilli
November 18, 2015
#7: Donald Trump quotes about education
By Brandon Wright
June 18, 2015
#8: Opting out, race, and reform
By Robert Pondiscio
March 25, 2015
#9: Bernie Sanders quotes about education
By Brandon Wright
May 4, 2015
#10: Can gifted education survive the Common Core?
By Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Amber M. Northern
February 20, 2015
