Noting that teens are disengaged in school and increasingly dispirited by social problems, the authors argue that these students need learning environments that foster engagement, connection, and a greater sense of purpose. They make the case for deep learning--learning that helps students "make connections to the world, to think critically,…

Educators and business leaders have wasted precious time and resources looking for external solutions. Giving up the futile search for "silver bullets" is the basic precondition for overcoming dependency and for taking actions that matter. Principals can gain insight from respecting those whom they want to silence, moving dangerously…

Socioeconomic status is strongly related to student learning by shaping the family culture. Strong family cultures provide children with intellectual, social, and emotional capacities that greatly improve their chances of school success. The wider community also contributes to the capacities needed for school success. Therefore, a variety of…