“Limited family support policies create a powder keg for our nation’s future” – Brookings Institute, November 29, 2022

“Ahead of the U.S. midterms, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, “The upcoming election will be decided at the kitchen table, as America’s families determine who they trust to fight for them in this challenging moment.”” READ MORE….

“Jackie Mader: Play important to children of all ages, part of learning; schools should maximize benefits” – Northern Kentucky Tribute, November 26, 2022

“In 1966, when psychiatrist Dr. Stuart Brown was assigned to a commission to investigate what led University of Texas student Charles Whitman to kill 12 people in one of the country’s first mass shootings, Brown and his colleagues considered many different aspects of Whitman’s background. The student had access to firearms at home; he had witnessed abuse while growing up; and he had a difficult relationship with his father.” READ MORE…

“Let’s educate tomorrow’s voters: Democracy depends on it” – Brookings Institute, November 21, 2022

“The final results of the 2022 midterm election in the United States are in. Journalists tell us that a key issue for voters was preservation of democracy. A recent NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll showed that while inflation was the top issue on voters’ minds, “preserving democracy” captured second place. The issue that claimed little attention was education. Yet, as Thomas Jefferson once said, “An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people.” That is, if we care about democracy, we must also care about education.” READ MORE…

Kathy’s New Book is out! “Making Schools Work: Bringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice”

“If we teach in the way that human brains learn, both students and their teachers will thrive! This book aligns evidence from the learning sciences on how and what students need to learn with classroom practice (pre-K–12). It demonstrates, with hands-on examples, how a change in educational mindset (rather than in curriculum) can improve student outcomes on both standardized tests and a breadth of 21st-century skills. Written collectively by classroom teachers, administrators, parents, and learning scientists, this book shows readers how to co-construct and reimagine an optimal educational system. Making Schools Work offers three case studies of schools, including a statewide system, that are all realizing a 6 Cs approach to learning focused on collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence. The text documents the ever-evolving implementation process, as well as outcomes and the ongoing work of stakeholders. Readers can use this resource to create an education for all children that is culturally responsive, inclusive, effective, and fun.” READ MORE…

Check out the reviews!!

This is a book we’ve been waiting for! Making Schools Work transports the science of how children learn directly into classroom practice. This accessible, culturally flexible, and impactful book reimagines education for our time, showing how we can empower teachers and prepare children for a life of learning in this 21st-century global world.” 

—Carol Dweck, Lewis & Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology, Stanford University 

“The 6 Cs are both common sense and utterly revolutionary. This authoritative guide not only synthesizes the modern science of learning and motivation but also shows how it can be put into practice now. A must-read for any educator who has wondered whether there is a better way to make schools work.” 

—Angela Duckworth, Rosa Lee and Egbert Chang Professor, University of Pennsylvania 

“Educational policy for the next decades will require rethinking ‘how’ children learn and ‘what’ they need to learn to develop the breadth of skills needed for success. By recognizing that this will require a systemic approach that involves both parents and community, Making Schools Work offers one blueprint for the future of education in and out of school. Making Schools Work is an accessible and evidence-based must-read for those in global education policy and implementation.”

—Rebecca Winthrop, senior fellow and director, Center for Universal Education, The Brookings Institution