Penn GSE In the Media

Peter Eckel highlights the importance of effective collaboration and open communication between university presidents and their boards to address the evolving challenges within higher education.

Sigal Ben-Porath discusses the growing polarization in K-12 education, emphasizing the challenge of navigating a deeply divided political climate and the impact this has on educational environments and teacher preparation.

Richard Ingersoll identifies a critical issue in education: the mismatch between the growing number of STEM classes and the declining preparation of teachers for these subjects. He notes the shift towards less experienced teachers, contributing to a "revolving door" phenomenon in schools, which impacts teacher retention and student learning.

Sigal Ben-Porath suggests that campuses should balance inclusion with free speech through specific rules, acknowledging the complexity of navigating controversial speech without undermining safety or diversity.

Charlotte E. Jacobs suggests that the "mean girl" archetype, often associated with middle- to upper-class white girls, needs reevaluation considering today's more intersectional understanding of girlhood and womanhood, taking into account factors like race, religion, and sexual identity.

Richard Ingersoll suggests the main issue in teacher supply is not the quantity produced but the high rate of teachers leaving the profession before retirement.

Karen Weaver emphasizes that it is a standard practice for universities to provide financial assistance to their athletic departments, often in the form of low-interest loans. She recognizes the specific financial challenges and considerations Stanford University faces in its transition to the Atlantic Coast Conference, highlighting that such support represents a strategic and calculated decision by the university.

Sigal Ben-Porath views the changes in higher education regulation in states like Florida and North Carolina as primarily driven by Republican goals and visions for the sector, indicating a significant shift in how public higher education is being managed and regulated.

Karen Weaver acknowledges the complexity and emotional impact of cutting sports programs at universities like the University of Arizona, noting it's a difficult decision that affects loyal alumni and student-athletes, and is driven by financial challenges and varying media-rights revenues in collegiate sports.

Karen Weaver raises concerns about private equity investments in college sports, including potential backlash from the public, ethical considerations when accepting investment from controversial sources, and the impact on university philanthropy efforts and tax benefits for donors.

Peter Eckel explores the evolution of governance choices in post-Soviet universities. He discusses four distinct governance models that have emerged across the region, emphasizing the need for flexible and context-specific governance structures to meet the diverse needs of higher education institutions in these countries.

Kandi Wiens offers strategies to prevent overworking after a vacation, emphasizing the importance of work recovery for sustained performance and well-being.

Robert Zemsky questions the effectiveness of mergers like Vermont State University's consolidation of three struggling colleges in addressing core issues faced by these institutions.

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.