Smart observations on reasonable Common Core expectations from Mathew DiCarlo. Seems like another benefit of commonality is that it creates a more robust platform for innovation. As with the other issues that, in isolation, won’t boost student learning but it’s a helpful predicate.

It’s hard to choose a college major when you’re young.

Here’s an interesting point: 

Especially in an age of informational abundance, getting access to knowledge isn’t the bottleneck, mustering the will to master it is. And there, for good or ill, the main carrot of a college education is the certified degree and transcript, and the main stick is social pressure. Most students are seeking credentials that graduate schools and employers will take seriously and an environment in which they’re prodded to do the work. But neither of these things is cheaply available online.

Great pension headline followed by a sensible pension editorial.

Dems and education event – appropriately enough in a theater – via Third Way.

There were school board elections in LA last night.

I’m re-reading this analysis from Mathematica (pdf).