The Political Dimension of Education

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute I began my post-Memorial Day morning by turning on my favorite TV show, Morning Joe, with former Republican Congressman Joe Scarborough. One of the guests was Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and the subject came to Race to the Top Funds. The US Department of Education is providing over $4 billion in funds to states that … Continue reading The Political Dimension of Education

And So This is Christmas…

By Watson Scott Swail, President and CEO, Educational Policy Institute Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to all. This time of year always provides us with an opportunity to slow down (ok, not always) and take stock of what we’ve witnessed or accomplished during the past twelve months. In many ways, this has been a year less about education and more about nation building and politics. The … Continue reading And So This is Christmas…

The Accountability Dilemma

By Watson Scott Swail, President and CEO, Educational Policy Institute As I’ve often reported and discussed, the age of accountability has dawned in higher education. For literally centuries, higher education has been a self-audited society that has decided if it is good and accountable. But those days are gone. Stemming in part from the pressures from K-12’s No Child Left Behind legislation and part from the … Continue reading The Accountability Dilemma

Balancing State Budgets and Educational Priorities: Pass the Aspirin

By Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scholar, Educational Policy Institute I had the pleasure yesterday of presenting at The Council of State Government’s Annual Conference in Palm Springs, California (and yes, I now want to move to Palm Springs). This event brings together approximately 600 legislators and staff to talk about issues impacting states and the nation. And while the people and resort were most … Continue reading Balancing State Budgets and Educational Priorities: Pass the Aspirin

The Higher Education Arms Race Escalates

By Watson Scott Swail, President and CEO, Educational Policy Institute We just have to be number one. In everything. In GDP, technology, Olympic medals, and pollution. And we must be the best in education. If you ask anyone in America about higher education, they quickly note that “we are the best.” And this is largely true. Over a third of the top universities in the world … Continue reading The Higher Education Arms Race Escalates