Liz Willen
@lizhech.bsky.social
Hechinger Report editor-in-chief: alum of many newspapers that no longer exist
Even many critics of the Department of Education want its data collection efforts to survive — just somewhere else: via @jillbarshay.bsky.social: hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
Advocates warn of risks to higher ed data if Education Department is shuttered
But new hires and fresh research grants hint at a quiet rebuilding effort
hechingerreport.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:49 PM
Even many critics of the Department of Education want its data collection efforts to survive — just somewhere else: via @jillbarshay.bsky.social: hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
"For them to close down all these programs, that essentially told me that I wasn’t cared about.” ttps://hechingerreport.org/trump-administration-cuts-canceled-this-college-students-career-start-in-politics/
Trump administration cuts canceled this college student’s career start in politics
This story was produced in partnership with Teen Vogue and reprinted with permission. This story also appeared in Teen Vogue Christopher Cade wants to be president someday. His inspiration largely co...
hechingerreport.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:48 PM
"For them to close down all these programs, that essentially told me that I wasn’t cared about.” ttps://hechingerreport.org/trump-administration-cuts-canceled-this-college-students-career-start-in-politics/
OPINION: There are practical solutions to the experience gap problem when it comes to education and training programs: hechingerreport.org/opinion-too-...
OPINION: Higher education must include valuable workforce experience and training that helps students secure meaningful jobs
Many entry-level jobs that previously provided initial workforce experience for college graduates now require two to three years of prior experience, leading to higher unemployment for college graduat...
hechingerreport.org
November 10, 2025 at 12:46 PM
OPINION: There are practical solutions to the experience gap problem when it comes to education and training programs: hechingerreport.org/opinion-too-...
In this rural school district surrounded by rural school districts, recruiting teachers has become a nearly impossible task: hechingerreport.org/federal-poli... via @arielgilreath.bsky.social
Rural teacher shortages could get worse thanks to Trump’s visa fee
In Halifax County, North Carolina, 101 of 156 teachers are international. A new $100,000 H-1B visa fee could effectively slam the door on future hires.
hechingerreport.org
November 7, 2025 at 1:34 PM
In this rural school district surrounded by rural school districts, recruiting teachers has become a nearly impossible task: hechingerreport.org/federal-poli... via @arielgilreath.bsky.social
With his school just 61 percent full, this Florida principal has become something of a salesman for public education, and is frank about about the hustle required: “Customer service is key.”
hechingerreport.org/universal-vo... @laurapappano.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/universal-vo... @laurapappano.bsky.social
Universal vouchers have public schools worried about market share
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As principal of Hartsfield Elementary School in the Leon County School District, John Olson is not just the lead educator, but in this era of fast-expanding school choice, also its...
hechingerreport.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:33 PM
With his school just 61 percent full, this Florida principal has become something of a salesman for public education, and is frank about about the hustle required: “Customer service is key.”
hechingerreport.org/universal-vo... @laurapappano.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/universal-vo... @laurapappano.bsky.social
UCSD is perhaps the first major public university in the country to require all undergraduate students to take a class on climate change to earn their degree: hechingerreport.org/climate-chan...
Climate change ‘is the new liberal arts’: Colleges build environmental lessons into degrees
University of California, San Diego, requires all students to learn about climate change, while other schools have added environmental sustainability requirements.
hechingerreport.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:59 PM
UCSD is perhaps the first major public university in the country to require all undergraduate students to take a class on climate change to earn their degree: hechingerreport.org/climate-chan...
It’s part of a trend that’s spreading nationwide, according to a Hechinger Report analysis of federal data, as students fret about getting jobs in an economy that some fear is shifting faster than a traditional college education can keep up. hechingerreport.org/students-wor...
College students hedge their bets in a chaotic labor market by double-majoring
The practice of double-majoring is rising at many colleges and universities as students fret about getting jobs in an economy seemingly shifting faster than single majors can keep up.
hechingerreport.org
November 5, 2025 at 12:52 PM
It’s part of a trend that’s spreading nationwide, according to a Hechinger Report analysis of federal data, as students fret about getting jobs in an economy that some fear is shifting faster than a traditional college education can keep up. hechingerreport.org/students-wor...
Everyone seems to have an opinion about gifted education. But what does the research actually say and support? Jill Barshay explains: hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
What research says about Mamdani and Cuomo's education proposals
Research evidence for two education issues that have come up in the New York City mayoral election: gifted education and small class sizes.
hechingerreport.org
November 3, 2025 at 12:34 PM
Everyone seems to have an opinion about gifted education. But what does the research actually say and support? Jill Barshay explains: hechingerreport.org/proof-points...
There is an assumption embedded in the persistence of gifted programs for the littles that it’s possible to assess a child’s potential, sometimes before they even start school. Is it right? hechingerreport.org/were-testing...
We're testing preschoolers for giftedness. Experts say that doesn't work
And after more than five decades, New York’s experience offers a case study in how elusive it can be to identify children as gifted before they even start school.
hechingerreport.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:08 PM
There is an assumption embedded in the persistence of gifted programs for the littles that it’s possible to assess a child’s potential, sometimes before they even start school. Is it right? hechingerreport.org/were-testing...
OPINION; Diminished friendships, reduced economic opportunities and the substitution of online interactions for face-to-face connections seem to particularly impact young men: hechingerreport.org/opinion-youn... via @jttorres12.bsky.social
OPINION: Young men are increasingly lonely and isolated. Could reading more to boys be the answer?
Male loneliness is climbing as male reading and writing scores drop. Are these trends correlated, and if so, can reading help address loneliness?
hechingerreport.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:20 PM
OPINION; Diminished friendships, reduced economic opportunities and the substitution of online interactions for face-to-face connections seem to particularly impact young men: hechingerreport.org/opinion-youn... via @jttorres12.bsky.social
OPINION" How this mom fought back -- and won -- a big victory for student parents: hechingerreport.org/opinion-stud...
OPINION: Student-parents belong on college campuses. So do their children
Over 3 million student-parents across the nation are pursuing higher education. Colleges should make them — and their families — feel welcome.
hechingerreport.org
October 27, 2025 at 2:26 PM
OPINION" How this mom fought back -- and won -- a big victory for student parents: hechingerreport.org/opinion-stud...
Reposted by Liz Willen
More than anywhere else in U.S., N.J. students with disabilities spend the vast majority of the school day away from peers without disabilities — a practice that can violate their civil rights
Deep dive w/@merkolodner.bsky.social for @hechingerreport.org @nj.com
hechingerreport.org/young-kids-w...
Deep dive w/@merkolodner.bsky.social for @hechingerreport.org @nj.com
hechingerreport.org/young-kids-w...
New Jersey students in special education stuck in separate classrooms
Students in special education spend more time in separate classrooms in New Jersey than they do in any other state — a situation that can do lasting damage.
hechingerreport.org
June 5, 2025 at 6:19 PM
More than anywhere else in U.S., N.J. students with disabilities spend the vast majority of the school day away from peers without disabilities — a practice that can violate their civil rights
Deep dive w/@merkolodner.bsky.social for @hechingerreport.org @nj.com
hechingerreport.org/young-kids-w...
Deep dive w/@merkolodner.bsky.social for @hechingerreport.org @nj.com
hechingerreport.org/young-kids-w...
Nationwide, 68 percent of students with disabilities spend at least 80 percent of the school day learning alongside peers without disabilities, according to The Hechinger Report’s analysis of federal data. New Jersey has the lowest rate at 45 percent: hechingerreport.org/nj-advisory-...
NJ advisory group to probe how students with disabilities are separated from their peers
A state council announced plans to focus on the placement of young children with disabilities this year. A new law regarding IEPs for students with disabilities will also go into effect.
hechingerreport.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Nationwide, 68 percent of students with disabilities spend at least 80 percent of the school day learning alongside peers without disabilities, according to The Hechinger Report’s analysis of federal data. New Jersey has the lowest rate at 45 percent: hechingerreport.org/nj-advisory-...
here’s growing recognition that not all degrees lead to a good salary, and even some that seem like a good bet are becoming riskier: hechingerreport.org/as-more-ques...
As more question the value of a degree, colleges fight to prove their return on investment
A bachelor's degree still pays off, at least on average and in the long run. Yet there’s growing recognition that not all degrees lead to a good salary.
hechingerreport.org
October 16, 2025 at 2:39 PM
here’s growing recognition that not all degrees lead to a good salary, and even some that seem like a good bet are becoming riskier: hechingerreport.org/as-more-ques...
“I’m concerned, and I think a lot of policymakers are concerned, that we’re at a turning point where we’re going to descend back to a time when it’s more difficult” for students and their families to pay for college," says @judith scott clayton hechingerreport.org/after-years-...
The good news? College tuition has been going down. The bad news? It’s about to rise again
College students nationwide are facing increases in tuition this fall of as much as 10 percent, along with new fees and rising costs for dorms and dining plans, after a stretch when tuition had been f...
hechingerreport.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:29 PM
“I’m concerned, and I think a lot of policymakers are concerned, that we’re at a turning point where we’re going to descend back to a time when it’s more difficult” for students and their families to pay for college," says @judith scott clayton hechingerreport.org/after-years-...
Have you noticed this? Students nationwide are facing increases in tuition this fall of as high as 10 percent, along with new fees and rising costs for dorms and dining: hechingerreport.org/after-years-... via @hechingerreport.org
The good news? College tuition has been going down. The bad news? It’s about to rise again
College students nationwide are facing increases in tuition this fall of as much as 10 percent, along with new fees and rising costs for dorms and dining plans, after a stretch when tuition had been f...
hechingerreport.org
October 13, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Have you noticed this? Students nationwide are facing increases in tuition this fall of as high as 10 percent, along with new fees and rising costs for dorms and dining: hechingerreport.org/after-years-... via @hechingerreport.org
COLUMN: “It has become very difficult to navigate,” said Jacob Maddaus, who teaches high school and college history in Maine: hechingerreport.org/column-trump...
COLUMN: Trump’s push for ‘patriotic’ education could further chill history instruction
Teachers say they worry federal efforts to shift historical narratives will rob students of vital information.
hechingerreport.org
October 7, 2025 at 12:46 PM
COLUMN: “It has become very difficult to navigate,” said Jacob Maddaus, who teaches high school and college history in Maine: hechingerreport.org/column-trump...
“There is this very strange donut hole in accountability where workforce programs are held accountable, two-year degree programs are held accountable, but everything in between gets off without any accountability,” hechingerreport.org/congress-wan...
Cosmetology schools and other certificate programs got exemption from rules on graduates’ earning levels
Cosmetology schools and other certificate programs (short-term programs for specific trades) were exempted from new legislation requiring that all colleges whose graduates don’t earn at least as much ...
hechingerreport.org
September 26, 2025 at 12:56 PM
“There is this very strange donut hole in accountability where workforce programs are held accountable, two-year degree programs are held accountable, but everything in between gets off without any accountability,” hechingerreport.org/congress-wan...
“If we had to pay for child care, I would not be able to work. “There’s no way I could do it.” Terrific piece via @jackiemader.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/rural-americ...
hechingerreport.org/rural-americ...
Rural Ohio relies on Head Start. Trump is worrying people in the region who need this free child care
Close to half of its seats in this federally funded free program are located in areas outside towns and cities. But federal staff cuts and funding showdowns may hurt some of the same voters in rural a...
hechingerreport.org
September 24, 2025 at 1:14 PM
“If we had to pay for child care, I would not be able to work. “There’s no way I could do it.” Terrific piece via @jackiemader.bsky.social
hechingerreport.org/rural-americ...
hechingerreport.org/rural-americ...
Opps! “Canceling classes during a school day and forcing families and students to engage in a political rally is an egregious misuse of instructional time and state funds,” --
NY lawmakers demand investigation into charter school rally, alleging coercion
After a major charter school rally, two state senators are calling for an investigation into whether schools pressured families, staff, and students to attend.
www.chalkbeat.org
September 22, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Opps! “Canceling classes during a school day and forcing families and students to engage in a political rally is an egregious misuse of instructional time and state funds,” --
STUDENT VOICE: We are witnessing "an intentional part of a broader effort by lawmakers to change how history is understood and what students can know about their past." hechingerreport.org/student-voic... via @mariumzahra.bsky.social
STUDENT VOICE: What National Endowment for the Humanities cuts mean for high schoolers like me
Funding for National History Day, which runs a competition that engages students in original research, was slashed by the Trump administration.
hechingerreport.org
September 22, 2025 at 1:08 PM
STUDENT VOICE: We are witnessing "an intentional part of a broader effort by lawmakers to change how history is understood and what students can know about their past." hechingerreport.org/student-voic... via @mariumzahra.bsky.social
The missing kids are not in private schools or being homeschooled. Many children are simply not enrolled anywhere: hechingerreport.org/proof-points... via @jillbarshay.bsky.social
Public school kids were already going missing. There's even more to come
Between students gone missing, the choices some Black families and families in high-poverty districts are making and how many kids are being born, public school enrollment is dramatically decreasing.
hechingerreport.org
September 22, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The missing kids are not in private schools or being homeschooled. Many children are simply not enrolled anywhere: hechingerreport.org/proof-points... via @jillbarshay.bsky.social
“It is scary to think about it, you’re getting ready to open school and not have a significant pot of funds,” -- a chilling look at frozen funds that are hampering teaching and learning everywhere: hechingerreport.org/schools-conf... via @arielgilreath.bsky.social @hechingerreport.org
Schools confront a new reality: They can’t count on federal money
Ashe County, North Carolina, and thousands of other school districts are preparing to lose some federal public school funding after a freeze on nearly $7 billion over the summer.
hechingerreport.org
September 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
“It is scary to think about it, you’re getting ready to open school and not have a significant pot of funds,” -- a chilling look at frozen funds that are hampering teaching and learning everywhere: hechingerreport.org/schools-conf... via @arielgilreath.bsky.social @hechingerreport.org
OPINION: For many families, Head Start is the first place outside the home where a child’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. Yet, this program that builds futures and strengthens families is now under threat, and it’s imperative that we protect it: hechingerreport.org/opinion-head...
OPINION: We cannot afford to dismantle Head Start, a program that builds futures, strengthens families and delivers proven returns
For many families, Head Start is the first place outside the home where a child’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. Yet, this program that builds futures and strengthens families is now under thre...
hechingerreport.org
September 16, 2025 at 11:59 AM
OPINION: For many families, Head Start is the first place outside the home where a child’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. Yet, this program that builds futures and strengthens families is now under threat, and it’s imperative that we protect it: hechingerreport.org/opinion-head...
OPINION: Okay, so the report card wasn't encouraging. But leaders at every level need to stop using the pandemic as an excuse and start looking for solutions: hechingerreport.org/opinion-lets...
OPINION: NAEP scores show we need new approaches, more resources and all hands on deck to address underlying education problems
The latest NAEP scores paint a grim picture, but progress in American education has generally been stalled for at least a decade. Leaders at every level need to stop using the pandemic as an excuse an...
hechingerreport.org
September 10, 2025 at 4:22 PM
OPINION: Okay, so the report card wasn't encouraging. But leaders at every level need to stop using the pandemic as an excuse and start looking for solutions: hechingerreport.org/opinion-lets...