Kicking the Common Core in the Teeth? Get a Life.

by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute It seems I can’t turn any way these days without seeing someone who has a grudge against the Common Core Standards. And while I can certainly point to political leanings on these issues, the truth is that the right and the left don’t like the Standards. I don’t get it. Without digressing too much, … Continue reading Kicking the Common Core in the Teeth? Get a Life.

Seven Guiding Questions for Student Retention

by Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute Eight years ago I wrote a piece for EPI’s Student Success Magazine titled “Seven Guiding Questions for Student Retention.” That seems ions ago, but people still come up to me and comment on that particular writing sample of mine. I came across it the other day and found that, for better or worse, the … Continue reading Seven Guiding Questions for Student Retention

The Return of “Huge” Data

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & Senior Research Scientist, Educational Policy Institute There seems to be renewed interest in the collection of student unit record in higher education. Back in 2008 during the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), a provision was added to the law that restricted the federal government from collecting student-based unit record data. This followed a multi-year dialogue about how … Continue reading The Return of “Huge” Data

An Olympic Challenge to Higher Education

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute The opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games are always an emotional and uplifting event. The Sochi opening was no less spectacular than any previous opening ceremony, and, regardless of hotel and bathroom issues, the Russians did a simply exceptional job. After a late night in front of the TV, I woke up this morning to … Continue reading An Olympic Challenge to Higher Education

Robert Reich and College Affordability

By Dr. Watson Scott Swail, President & CEO, Educational Policy Institute Last week, Robert Reich, the former Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton Administration, send this out on his Facebook account: HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE. This week I start teaching the second semester here at Berkeley. Many of my students and students at other universities are drowning in debt – which is distorting their career … Continue reading Robert Reich and College Affordability