

What to do about COVID?
And what to do about college students this fall? by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist It has been a rough year for colleges and universities throughout the US, Canada, and, well, everywhere, in fact. Last spring forced the postsecondary sector to rethink how they do their work, much in concert with their K12 brethren. However, higher education at least had the advantage … Continue reading What to do about COVID?

A Brief Primer on College Success Programs—Challenges and Successes
by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist During my career, I have evaluated dozens of college access programs and worked with hundreds of practitioners on improving their programs and measuring efficacy. These programs are in operation because the academic system, from pre-K to graduate/professional school, is slanted to those who have the wherewithal, both financially and academically, to navigate elementary, secondary, and postsecondary … Continue reading A Brief Primer on College Success Programs—Challenges and Successes

Blow It Up?
by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist We have a chance. COVID-19 has provided an unusual opportunity to rethink how we educate people at the postsecondary level in the United States, if not the world. Let us hope this type of opportunity does not present itself again, but over the next few years, the sheer financial weight associated with the pandemic will cripple … Continue reading Blow It Up?

Is the Past Prologue? What 2016 Means for the 2020 Presidential Election
by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist As we get closer to the Presidential Election, it is worth taking a look back at 2016 voting in America. As most people know, almost 3 million more people voted for Hillary Clinton than Donald Trump, equal to three percent of voters. But here are some other important stats: Young people voted for Clinton 58 to … Continue reading Is the Past Prologue? What 2016 Means for the 2020 Presidential Election

Being Invisible
by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist There are many superhero powers that some of us dream about. As a kid, I wanted to fly. Not like a plane, but rather, hold my arms out and fly like Superman. I often dreamed of flying out of my bedroom window over to Oakenwald Elementary across the street. I’m sure I wasn’t isolated in that … Continue reading Being Invisible