In this Education Issue, Sarah Viren on a campus clash in a multicultural center that became a viral nightmare for Arizona State University; Daniel Bergner on a superintendent in northern Michigan who spoke up about race in a politically divided school district; Erika Hayasaki on book bans in Texas town; Charley Locke on the $190 billion Covid windfall for schools; and more.
In MIT class, 2.788 Mechanical Engineering and Design of Living Systems students explore how mechanics, structure, and materials intersect with biology by studying butterflies at every stage of their metamorphosis. Associate Professor Ming Guo and Associate Professor Mathias Kolle take a cross-disciplinary approach to introduce students to the engineering behind biological systems.
The wide gap in development between rich and poor children could be closed with the help of neuroscience. Might a controversial focus on genetics also help? Film supported by @Mishcon de Reya LLP
Video timeline: 00:00– The achievement gap between rich and poor kids 00:55 – Words matter in childhood development 03:16 – Conversation can combat childhood inequality 05:09 – Can genetics help close the achievement gap? 07:30 – Genetics can be controversial
The rankings illustrate the ways the pandemic changed higher education.
WSJ’s rankings of the top colleges in the U.S. shows that schools with deep pockets were best able to ride out the pandemic and perform in key categories. WSJ’s Doug Belkin explains the methodology of this year’s report and its highlights. Photo: Philip Keith for The Wall Street Journal
First implemented in 2009, Common Core was an ambitious initiative to revolutionize the American education system. National leaders from Bill Gates to President Obama supported the idea and it cost an estimated $15.8 billion to implement. Years later, research showed the new curriculum had minimal impact on student performance. So why did Common Core fail? Can a common curriculum be successful for all students? Watch the video to find out.
The labor market is red-hot again after more than a year on ice. The class of 2021 college graduates are looking at a new jobs landscape, but the competition is fierce. What should new grads expect from the job market and the job hunting process? Photo: Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen/The Republican via AP
As the NCAA’s revenue has increased, the debate has intensified over what types of compensation should be considered for college athletes. WSJ explains how a combination of court cases, state legislation, and public pressure are expanding the scope of what it means to be an amateur athlete. Photo: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
A year into the coronavirus pandemic, many schools are only partially open for fear they could fuel the spread of the virus. Experts explain what the actual risks are for spreading Covid-19 in schools and how proper controls can change that equation. Illustration: Preston Jessee for The Wall Street Journal
Tuition at America’s public universities has nearly tripled since 1990. With President Biden looking to ease the burden for some students, experts explain how federal financial aid programs can actually contribute to rising costs. Photo: Storyblocks
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