The Real Reason College Tuition Costs So Much
The author argues that tuition increases have not resulted from cuts in public spending, but rather that the increase in costs have resulted from a significant increase in administrative positions as well as large salary increases for “high-ranking university administrators”. Unfortunately absent is a discussion on the obsessive improvement of facilities, some of which are needed and others less so.
Minding the nurture gap - Class and family in America
A review of the book “Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis”
Capital Campaigns grow in frequency and duration
An informative piece explaining campaigns and illustrating their effectiveness. The article points out that “Capital campaigns can also have hidden costs, since the new facilities they pay for are often expensive to operate.” Much of the money raised for “education” is for facilities upgrades that have little to do with enhancing education. I wonder how we teach grit and resilience when campuses are perfect? What adversity do such kids face?
The Absolut Rolex Plan – How to Raise a University’s Profile: Pricing and Packaging
A critical look at George Washington University, in the author’s words a “perfect representation of what, for good and for ill, American higher education has become.”
Redefining Diversity, Re-evaluating Merit
Should Harvard begin taking “low performers” for diversity?! (And not just for sports…☺) Read the quote below.
Football Major, Basketball Minor?
An interesting and pragmatic approach that is definitely worth a read. While the idea seems fundamentally inappropriate, it does address the realities of some NCAA Division 1 athletics, especially football and basketball where graduation rates are low and revenue is high.
Inside a Chinese Test-Prep Factory
A way to understand the pressures the Chinese face and why so many are coming to the USA. The flip side - do they bring that culture into our schools? Is that something that we want? How can schools balance Chinese expectations?
Deerfield Academy takes steps to eliminate pot vaporizer use
We applaud schools that are pro-active, as drug use is a fact among high school students (public and private). Education, engaging activities (i.e. sports and arts), and enforced codes of conduct are essential.