As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to reflect on the vital conversations that have unfolded around education.
This year has been a rollercoaster, marked by political upheavals, disruptions over the summer, lawsuits addressing literacy issues, and fresh diversity drives.
Each of these factors has left its mark on our educational system.
Before we dive into the new year, let’s revisit some of the standout RHSU columns from 2024, chosen for their readership, audience responses, and personal assessments.
Significant Discussions
Although not every article made the top ten, several deserve a shout-out.
Among these are discussions on the negative effects of poor journalism on education research, the intricate nature of restorative justice in schools, and the urgent matter of chronic absenteeism plaguing our classrooms.
Top Columns of 2024
Here’s a look back at the most impactful RHSU columns of the past year:
- “Anticipating Changes in the U.S. Education Department” (December 10): This article highlights upcoming transformations that could catch many educators off guard.
- “Addressing Boys’ Reading Engagement: An Innovative Approach” (November 19): A former teacher proposes that shifting to military-themed literature might boost reading skills among boys, who are currently facing challenges in this area.
- “Equity in Grading Practices: Assuring Standards” (April 29): The author asserts that promoting equitable grading does not mean lowering academic standards, countering a common misconception.
- “Reassessing the Carnegie Unit: New Indicators for Learning?” (May 28): The president of the Carnegie Foundation advocates for fresh measures of student learning that go beyond the traditional focus on seat time.
- “Enhancing Teacher Compensation: A Call to Action” (January 16): Despite increased funding for education, teacher salaries haven’t seen the same growth.
This column explores groundbreaking methods to significantly improve teacher pay.
- “On Improving Educational Research: Insights from the Outgoing IES Chief” (April 8): The former IES leader urges clearer communication, timely research sharing, and better-focused initiatives to elevate the field of education research.
- “Reflections on Academic Rigor: The Impact of AP Score Changes” (October 31): A college professor reviews new developments in Advanced Placement scoring and discusses their impact on students’ readiness for college.
- “Examining the Role of Ideology in Educational Discourse” (September 4): This article suggests that ideological perspectives heavily influence discussions surrounding educational norms and practices.
- “Finding Balance in the Diversity and Inclusion Dialogue” (October 15): The complexities within the diversity and inclusion debate are dissected, revealing that both supporters and critics raise valuable points, albeit with some excesses.
- “The Implications of Trump’s Election for Educators” (November 12): Following the recent election, this column argues that those working in K-12 education should take time to reflect on common values and aim for a more constructive environment.
As we move towards 2025, let’s embrace the opportunities that await us.
Wishing everyone a successful and fulfilling new year ahead!
The opinions expressed in Rick Hess Straight Up reflect the views of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily align with the positions or endorsements of Editorial Projects in Education or its affiliated publications.
Source: Edweek