Robert M. Zemsky, Penn GSE
Penn GSE News
 | 
August 30, 2023

Robert Zemsky shares recent successes of “College in 3” project in “The Hechinger Report” and “USA Today”

The project's first 3-year degree pilot recently launched at the University of Minnesota Rochester, one of more than a dozen colleges and universities planning similar programs with the project. The idea of a 3-year bachelor’s degree is on track to become ubiquitous, Zemsky says.

Higher Education
Ryan S. Baker, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 27, 2023
, The Spokesman-Review

Christos A. Makridis and Goldy Brown: The potential of AI systems to improve teacher effectiveness in Spokane Public Schools

Ryan Baker emphasizes the importance of ensuring secure data sharing between educational institutions and technology providers, particularly in the context of utilizing AI in education.

Penn GSE News
 | 
August 23, 2023
Mark Ziegler-Thayer smiles at the camera wearing a white blazer over a gray sweater, standing in front of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C. The words “U.S. Department of Education” are mounted on the face of the building in large metal letters above Mark’s head.

Alum burnishes skills as a presidential fellow at U.S. Department of Education

Mark Ziegler-Thayer started out as a part-time kindergarten teacher’s assistant. The experience changed their life. Two master’s degrees later, they are now working to effect change at the national level in a prestigious, two-year Presidential Management Fellows program, where they hope to increase access to high-quality and equitable education for all students.

Karen Weaver, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 21, 2023
, Forbes

It’s been a stressful summer for big time college presidents

In an Op-Ed, Karen Weaver discusses many of the issues college presidents have been facing lately, particularly around their sports programs, and Penn GSE’s efforts to address the gap in the education and training of current college presidents.

Penn GSE News
 | 
August 21, 2023
A young woman, a member of a classroom instruction team wearing a red-and-white striped shirt and holding a tin cup in her left hand with her right thumb up, sits on the left across a table from three students paying close attention to her instruction. The leftmost student sits in the center of the frame resting her elbows on the table, hands propping up her head, smiling at the camera with bright multicolored flower-shaped beads in her hair.

A new high-touch, low-tech approach to summer learning is increasing student engagement in West Philadelphia

The Netter Center and Penn GSE are testing out a new approach based on feedback from teachers, families, and students. The 6-week pilot replaces traditional course blocks with round-robin stations and eschews technology, with each classroom led by a team of five educators.

Philadelphia Impact
Teaching & Learning
Damani White-Lewis, Penn GSE
Penn GSE News
 | 
August 18, 2023

Damani White-Lewis shares insights into postdoctoral hiring inequities

Damani White-Lewis told Science last week that a recent study finding many researchers of color are at a disadvantage in the postdoctoral hiring process is both “very important” and “very needed.” He proposed addressing the issue by increasing network connections across universities to create “strong bonds” for minorities.

Race, Equity & Inclusion
Julie E. Wollman, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 15, 2023
, Asbury Park Press

Can ending legacy admissions make the application process fairer at elite colleges?

Julie Wollman says large gifts are a legitimate reason to retain legacy preferences, but donors who want to reward universities for ending legacy could also step in and keep funds coming.

Jonathan Zimmerman, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 14, 2023
, Christian Science Monitor

Rise of the microschool: Small, student-centered learning spaces take off

Jonathan Zimmerman considers quality monitoring in schools a civic responsibility given the need for an educated populace.

Penn GSE News
 | 
August 14, 2023
Penn GSE Senior Fellow Kandi Wiens stands wearing a gray blazer in front of a group of seated school district leaders from around the Philadelphia region delivering a presentation on burnout in a wood-paneled room with a screen showing a slide behind her at a Center for School Study Councils meeting

Center for School Study Councils expands to West Coast to support more K–12 leaders

Three southern California school districts joined the program in 2022–23 as K–12 leaders navigate unprecedented external pressure. Founded in 1943 and until now concentrated in the Northeast, the Center helps superintendents and leaders work collaboratively to identify professional challenges, share best practices, and provide development opportunities.

Leadership
Penn GSE News
 | 
August 11, 2023
The six women in the inaugural cohort of Jacobs Fellows stand, smiling, in a classroom in front of a Penn GSE banner.

First year of Jacobs Fellowship inspired, funded six Penn GSE educational entrepreneurs

Six master’s candidates received funding from the Jacobs Foundation for their social impact ventures this year. Applications are being accepted for the next cohort until Sept. 15.

Global Initiatives
Education Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Damani White-Lewis, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 10, 2023
, Science

Among U.S. postdoc applicants, researchers of color often fare worst

Damani White-Lewis shares insights into postdoctoral hiring inequities.

Penn GSE News
 | 
August 9, 2023

Celebration of Writing and Literacy seeks proposals on safe spaces for October conference

Organizers are seeking presentations of original curriculum, research, or pedagogy related to re-establishing school and classroom communities as authentic, positive, and nurturing spaces. Submissions are due Aug. 18.

Philadelphia Impact
Language, Literacy & Culture
Teaching & Learning
Penn GSE News
 | 
August 7, 2023
University faculty and leadership wearing commencement regalia including hoods in many colors stand in a row with their backs to the camera

School presidents report they need more training around nonacademic duties, like overseeing their collegiate athletic programs

The latest survey of college presidents by the American Council on Education shows that higher ed leaders want help with athletics, communications, and school finances. That’s where Penn GSE comes in.

Higher Education
Leadership
Penn GSE News
 | 
August 4, 2023

Sigal Ben-Porath and Susan Yoon receive inaugural Presidential Professorships

Penn GSE Professor Sigal Ben-Porath has been named the MRMJJ Presidential Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs Susan Yoon has been named the Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor. Both are the first to hold their respective chairs, which begin with the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pam Grossman, Penn GSE
In the Media
 | 
August 3, 2023
, EducationWeek

Once a big player, Teach For America tries to regain its footing

Pam Grossman says that selectivity has always been a part of what made Teach For America successful as the program tries to revamp post-pandemic.

Rand Quinn, Penn GSE
Penn GSE News
 | 
July 31, 2023

Rand Quinn named faculty director of Civic House

Penn GSE Associate Professor Rand Quinn has been appointed faculty director of Civic House and the Civic Scholars Program. He begins in the role Aug. 1.

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