Author: Educational Policy Institute

The Educational Policy Institute (EPI) is a Virginia-based research think tank on education and the social sciences. EPI conducts evaluation and policy studies on various educational issues from Pre-K to workforce outcomes in the United States, Canada, and beyond. Visit us at educationalpolicy.org.
2019, Politics

The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute I initially posted this piece in 2007. I spent much of the weekend reviewing old posts and putting them into the archives section of The Swail Letter site for posterity. I think and hope you find this of particular interest today, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. From January 12, 2007 It seems appropriate, as we … Continue reading The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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2019, Retention, Student Success

Institutional Change and Student Success Planning

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute The challenge that many people have in improving student retention on campus is where and how to start. We have learned over many years that small, independent efforts on campus fail to move the needle, so to speak, on institutional retention, persistence, and graduation rates. They can help with very small pockets of students, but … Continue reading Institutional Change and Student Success Planning

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2018, College Affordability, Financial Aid, Research/Policy

You Can Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute Back in 1971, the FRAM oil filter company introduced what would become a very popular commercial on TV that ended with this tag line: “You can pay me now, or pay me later.” The meaning being that the cost of a $10 oil filter could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars down the road. … Continue reading You Can Pay Me Now, or Pay Me Later.

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2018, College Affordability, Financial Aid

Robin Hood, Michael Bloomberg, and College Affordability

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute Listen to today’s Swail Letter on iTunes and Soundcloud. This week, it was announced that the 11th richest person in the world, former New York City Mayor, and potential Democratic 2020 Candidate Michael Bloomberg gave his alma mater, Johns Hopkins University, a record-breaking $1.8 billion gift for student aid to ensure that their admissions … Continue reading Robin Hood, Michael Bloomberg, and College Affordability

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2018, College Affordability, Student Success

Educational Opportunity: The Interview at Tarrytown

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute On April 13, 2015, I provided the keynote for the Tri-State Consortium of Opportunity Programs in Higher Education at their Biennial Conference. GIven the subject matter, I thought this might be of interest for readers and listeners. The interview is also available on Youtube here.    Q: There is a lot of research coming out, … Continue reading Educational Opportunity: The Interview at Tarrytown

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