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Robert Zemsky says that too few small institutions like the University of the Arts are efficient enough to survive without outside subsidies.

“If money’s taken away because kids are absent, it’s leaving less money to tackle the problems in a more restorative, preventative, and less reactive approach,” says Ericka Weathers.

Jonathan Zimmerman argues that Congress should not pass a law that uses the IHRA's definition of antisemitism, because it would prevent debate and discussion about what constitutes antisemitism on college campuses.

Weaver explores the closures of 13 NCAA Division III colleges, linking them to demographic shifts and their severe impact on athletics, while emphasizing the need for sustainable financial strategies.

In a Philadelphia Inquirer story, Strunk highlighted the importance of equitable stipends in supporting Pennsylvania’s future educators.

The panel covered the conditions in Pennsylvania that led to the lawsuit, what “equitable funding” could or should look like for the 500 diverse school districts across the state, and the specific needs and impacts in Philadelphia.

Perna expresses concerns that the problematic FAFSA rollout could undermine trust in the system and exacerbate the declining college enrollment trends.

A. Brooks Bowden, now a tenured associate professor at Penn GSE, transforms her early passion for psychology into influential educational policy research, driving change and shaping futures from the very institution that once inspired her own.

Sharon Wolf and Amrit Thapa are honored with grants for their innovative research projects.

Penn GSE faculty recently co-hosted a conference at Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg Center in Washington, D.C., dedicated to bolstering teaching ranks.

The talk explored the concept of the “Big Blur,” a model that integrates the final years of high school with early college experiences and workforce preparation.

Vice Provost for Faculty Laura Perna says it is extremely important for students, especially low-income students and first-generation students, to complete the FAFSA as they try to identify ways to pay for college.

Jonathan Zimmerman explains that controversy around what is being taught in classrooms is nothing new, but what is new is the aggressive legislative approach states are taking.

“State legislatures have now used the power of law to try to inscribe one view, and to prevent another,” Jonathan Zimmerman told the Washington Post.

Michael A. Gottfried explains the impact of student absences on their peers, citing his research that shows when 10% of a students' classmates are absent on a given day, the student is more likely to be absent the next day.

Zemsky advocates for a shift to three-year degree programs to combat the rising costs and evolving needs of higher education.

Richard Ingersoll highlights the complexities and uncertainties in evaluating teacher shortages, pointing out high attrition rates and a significant reserve pool of former teachers, while questioning whether shortages stem from low supply or poor retention.

Bonilla highlights the shift from vocational training to career technical education, emphasizing its role in reducing dropout rates and promoting equitable learning opportunities.

Richard Ingersoll highlights the critical need for qualified teachers and suggests reducing teacher turnover by offering support, decision-making input, and mentorship programs for new teachers to address shortages while underscoring the importance of adequate compensation and respect.

Bowden’s research demonstrates how lenient grading policies in North Carolina high schools lead to reduced student effort and wider academic gaps, questioning current educational reforms.

Alan Ruby warns that a Trump re-election could lead to stricter enforcement of immigration policies affecting international students, potentially impacting their mobility and the broader landscape of international education.

While teacher turnover peaked in 2022, the attrition rate remains stubbornly high.

Michael Gottfried emphasizes the role of school environments in student absenteeism. He notes students with disabilities feel more connected and attend more in inclusive settings than in segregated ones, underscoring the importance of creating hospitable learning environments for all students.

Robert Zemsky spearheaded a national initiative to pilot three-year bachelor’s degrees with fewer than 120 credits, aiming to reduce college costs and accelerate workforce entry. The initiative has influenced about 20 schools to consider adopting more accessible and efficient higher education models.

Rand Quinn contextualizes the historical and ongoing challenges of school segregation in San Francisco, underscoring the long-standing difficulties in desegregating schools despite various initiatives aimed at fostering racial balance and diversity.

Rand Quinn contextualizes the historical and ongoing challenges of school segregation in San Francisco, underscoring the long-standing difficulties in desegregating schools despite various initiatives aimed at fostering racial balance and diversity.

Sigal Ben-Porath discusses the challenges private colleges face in balancing inclusivity and free speech, noting that policies may unevenly limit expression, complicating efforts to maintain an open academic environment.

Assistant professor calls for a new, more equitable funding formula that addresses racial and socioeconomic disparities.

Sigal Ben-Porath discusses the growing polarization in K-12 education, emphasizing the challenge of navigating a deeply divided political climate and the impact this has on educational environments and teacher preparation

The former Institute for Research on Higher Education director critiques Governor Shapiro’s higher ed funding plan for Pennsylvania, emphasizing the need for sustainable priorities and systemic policy leadership.

Books by Peter Eckel, Sharon Ravitch, and Karen Weaver explore a wide range of topics including university systems in former Soviet republics, successful leadership mindsets, and the money and politics behind college athletics.

Richard Ingersoll identifies a critical issue in education: the mismatch between the growing number of STEM classes and the declining preparation of teachers for these subjects. He notes the shift towards less experienced teachers, contributing to a "revolving door" phenomenon in schools, which impacts teacher retention and student learning.

The Penn GSE professor and applied economist emphasizes the critical role buses play in ensuring attendance and academic success.

Ingersoll provides critical insights into the evolving nature of teacher preparation across the U.S. in Education Week.

MRMJJ Presidential Professor Sigal Ben-Porath says faculty must take the lead in fostering constructive dialogue across differences and creating safe environments for open discussion.

Richard Ingersoll suggests the main issue in teacher supply is not the quantity produced but the high rate of teachers leaving the profession before retirement.

A new year means a new version of the RHSU Edu-Scholar Public Influence Rankings, with the 2024 edition announced yesterday by Education Week. Nine researchers from the University of Pennsylvania made the annual 200-member list, which was created by Rick Hess of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) to gauge the public impact of ed scholars’ contributions.

Look back with us at some of the stories that defined 2023 for our community.

Pheng recently received the 2023 AESA Taylor & Francis Educational Studies Award for the Best Paper of the Year.

New study attributes high turnover to job dissatisfaction.

Karen Weaver acknowledges the complexity and emotional impact of cutting sports programs at universities like the University of Arizona, noting it's a difficult decision that affects loyal alumni and student-athletes, and is driven by financial challenges and varying media-rights revenues in collegiate sports.

Karen Weaver raises concerns about private equity investments in college sports, including potential backlash from the public, ethical considerations when accepting investment from controversial sources, and the impact on university philanthropy efforts and tax benefits for donors.

Educators are all too familiar with the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP. It's known as the nation's report card– and as a country, our grades are dropping.

K-12 educators have the highest burnout rates of any segment of the U.S. workforce. We chat with two experts to help explore burnout's root causes, repercussions, and remedies.

Robert Zemsky highlights a broader trend of devaluation in higher education and the challenges faced by institutions cutting faculty positions and programs, suggesting that only top-tier universities are thriving while others are struggling.

Peter Eckel explores the evolution of governance choices in post-Soviet universities. He discusses four distinct governance models that have emerged across the region, emphasizing the need for flexible and context-specific governance structures to meet the diverse needs of higher education institutions in these countries.

In addition to a chaired professorship in her name and a fellowship she helped establish, Clayton leaves behind a legacy of quality education for students from all backgrounds.

In this timely episode of the Educator's Playbook podcast, we confront the pervasive issue of gun violence and its reverberating effects across K-12 education.

As schools find themselves at the epicenter of debates surrounding issues like race, gender and sexual orientation, educators must grapple with the challenges of a rapidly politicized classroom environment.

Chronic absenteeism and truancy are on the rise, hindering student success. In our debut episode of the Educator’s Playbook podcast, we speak with two experts on the issue.