It’s not often I have trouble finding people to discuss the politics of public education. Of course, nothing is usual about this administration's first few weeks. So I was happy to have this conversation with The Cato Institute’s Neal McCluskey, Director for The Center for Educational Freedom, who may not leave you happy with what he has to say, but maybe less worried. Have a listen:
More News from eSchool News
Not all screen time is equal
With the growing movement to limit technology in schools, parents and educators are right to question how much time students spend on screens. But, as schools reconsider the role of technology in the classroom, an important distinction is often getting lost in the public conversation: Not all screen time is equal.
A second language is more than an elective—it’s a workforce skill
When I taught Spanish, students would often ask, “Why do I need to learn this?” Many thought that learning a new language would only be useful if they wanted to become interpreters or work abroad.
WorkKeys is lowering the bar on student proficiency
School accountability systems measure whether students are mastering the academic standards states expect them to teach and signal where additional support is needed. Education is one of the largest budget items in most states, and accountability is how states verify that spending translates into student learning.
Lead with purpose: 3 ways courageous K-12 leadership builds real impact
As the Director of Maintenance and Operations for 42 campuses across our district, my work is never small. From managing facilities and construction to navigating procurement and public sector regulations, the responsibility can feel like a heavy lift.
The best time to be a teacher: Leading with AI and technology in the age of personalized learning
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and an unprecedented explosion of information, public education stands at a pivotal and exciting crossroads.
Children learn best on paper: We need better technology, not less of it
It is an odd thing to hear from someone who builds education technology for a living, but the most important tool in an elementary classroom is still a pencil. The learning science says so.
Rethinking MTSS: How schools can turn student data into meaningful support
Schools today are navigating an unprecedented convergence of academic gaps, behavioral challenges, chronic absenteeism and rising student mental health needs.
Schools need SEL assessments to fight chronic absenteeism
Our schools face a paradoxical challenge: chronic absenteeism, which is being treated as an attendance problem, actually isn’t.
5 ways to rest, reflect, and recharge this summer
Summer break has finally arrived, and if you’re like most educators, you’re probably feeling a lot of conflicting emotions. There’s relief that the school year is behind you, pride in everything you’ve accomplished, but also exhaustion from months of pouring your time, energy, and heart into your students.
Most districts still struggle to fill specialist roles
As school districts prepare for the 2026–27 academic year, new national data from BlazerWorks reveals a growing staffing crisis across K–12 education, with more than 90% of district leaders reporting increased demand for specialist staff.
