Matt Barnum
@mattbarnum.bsky.social
Ideas editor at Chalkbeat
mbarnum@chalkbeat.org
mbarnum@chalkbeat.org
Reposted by Matt Barnum
A study of a large Florida school district found that the effects of immigration enforcement on students’ academic performance was concentrated in high-poverty schools. The test score declines also occurred for U.S. citizen students.
ICE arrests could hurt student test scores, study says — and not just for immigrants
A study of a large Florida school district found that the effects of immigration enforcement on students’ academic performance was concentrated in high-poverty schools. The test score declines also occurred for U.S. citizen students.
bit.ly
November 10, 2025 at 6:25 AM
A study of a large Florida school district found that the effects of immigration enforcement on students’ academic performance was concentrated in high-poverty schools. The test score declines also occurred for U.S. citizen students.
New: I spoke with MagicSchool's Adeel Khan about the AI in schools.
–Khan says AI can draft IEPs.
-He says that schools should empower students with information to make their "own choices" about AI.
–He responds to math errors I ran into in the platform.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/magicschoo...
–Khan says AI can draft IEPs.
-He says that schools should empower students with information to make their "own choices" about AI.
–He responds to math errors I ran into in the platform.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/magicschoo...
MagicSchool’s founder on the potential and perils of AI
Adeel Khan says special education teachers can do their jobs better if they use AI to draft IEPs. And he responds to concerns that AI can’t be a math tutor and is used as a shortcut for students.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
November 7, 2025 at 3:29 PM
New: I spoke with MagicSchool's Adeel Khan about the AI in schools.
–Khan says AI can draft IEPs.
-He says that schools should empower students with information to make their "own choices" about AI.
–He responds to math errors I ran into in the platform.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/magicschoo...
–Khan says AI can draft IEPs.
-He says that schools should empower students with information to make their "own choices" about AI.
–He responds to math errors I ran into in the platform.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/magicschoo...
Technologists have long chased the dream that technology-powered tutoring can improve student learning by two standard deviations, a massive effect. OpenAI is the latest.
The problem: Effects of this size are virtually never seen even by human tutors.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
The problem: Effects of this size are virtually never seen even by human tutors.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
November 5, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Technologists have long chased the dream that technology-powered tutoring can improve student learning by two standard deviations, a massive effect. OpenAI is the latest.
The problem: Effects of this size are virtually never seen even by human tutors.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
The problem: Effects of this size are virtually never seen even by human tutors.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
The Coming AI Teaching Assistant Boom (And Cheating) open.substack.com/pub/curmudgu... @mattbarnum.bsky.social
The Coming AI Teaching Assistant Boom (And Cheating)
Matt Barnum (who is, thank God, now at Chalkbeat) just made three predictions about AI in education, and one of them makes my head hurt.
open.substack.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:50 PM
The Coming AI Teaching Assistant Boom (And Cheating) open.substack.com/pub/curmudgu... @mattbarnum.bsky.social
What will AI actually mean for schools over the next several years? Here are my theories:
–The student cheating problem won't go away.
–AI will increasingly become a ubiquitous teaching assistant.
–AI will *not* be a super-tutor.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
–The student cheating problem won't go away.
–AI will increasingly become a ubiquitous teaching assistant.
–AI will *not* be a super-tutor.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
3 ways AI will (and won’t) change schools
The cheating problem isn’t going away. More teachers will use AI as an assistant. But AI won't be a supertutor.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
November 4, 2025 at 4:41 PM
What will AI actually mean for schools over the next several years? Here are my theories:
–The student cheating problem won't go away.
–AI will increasingly become a ubiquitous teaching assistant.
–AI will *not* be a super-tutor.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
–The student cheating problem won't go away.
–AI will increasingly become a ubiquitous teaching assistant.
–AI will *not* be a super-tutor.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/3-ways-ai-...
New: Margaret Spellings, the former Education Secretary under George W. Bush, tells me that she does not think it would be a good idea to close the Department of Education. Actually, she says, it would be inefficient.
Check out our full interview:
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-former...
Check out our full interview:
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-former...
The former Republican education secretary who wants to save the Education Department
Margaret Spellings, who led the department under George W. Bush, says scrapping it would be "inefficient."
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
October 31, 2025 at 1:35 PM
New: Margaret Spellings, the former Education Secretary under George W. Bush, tells me that she does not think it would be a good idea to close the Department of Education. Actually, she says, it would be inefficient.
Check out our full interview:
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-former...
Check out our full interview:
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-former...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
The first installment of @chalkbeat.org’s new “ideas” column does not disappoint. @mattbarnum.bsky.social brings his characteristically open mind, thorough research, and even-handed assessment to education’s much-discussed “Southern surge.” www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/28/l...
Has there been a ‘Southern surge’ in student learning?
Not exactly — but there have been some Southern success stories.
www.chalkbeat.org
October 28, 2025 at 9:35 PM
The first installment of @chalkbeat.org’s new “ideas” column does not disappoint. @mattbarnum.bsky.social brings his characteristically open mind, thorough research, and even-handed assessment to education’s much-discussed “Southern surge.” www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/28/l...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
Great article by @mattbarnum.bsky.social cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-southe...
The "southern surge": What's really going on?
There have been some Southern success stories, though we're still figuring out what drove them.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
October 28, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Great article by @mattbarnum.bsky.social cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-southe...
New: I try to unpack what we do and don't know about the "Southern surge" in student learning cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-southe...
The "southern surge": What's really going on?
There have been some Southern success stories, though we're still figuring out what drove them.
cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org
October 28, 2025 at 3:21 PM
New: I try to unpack what we do and don't know about the "Southern surge" in student learning cbnewsletters.chalkbeat.org/p/the-southe...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
"There have been some notable Southern success stories, especially in fourth grade. ... Eighth grade results have been less impressive for these Southern exemplars, though." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/28/l... from @mattbarnum.bsky.social in his debut Ideas piece for @chalkbeat.org.
Has there been a ‘Southern surge’ in student learning?
Not exactly — but there have been some Southern success stories.
www.chalkbeat.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:08 PM
"There have been some notable Southern success stories, especially in fourth grade. ... Eighth grade results have been less impressive for these Southern exemplars, though." www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/28/l... from @mattbarnum.bsky.social in his debut Ideas piece for @chalkbeat.org.
It's happening: The first Chalkbeat Ideas newsletter will go out tomorrow with a detailed look at data on the "Southern surge."
You can sign up to get the newsletter here: www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
Learn more about my we're launching this new project here: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/27/i...
You can sign up to get the newsletter here: www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
Learn more about my we're launching this new project here: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/27/i...
Chalkbeat
A free newsletter from Chalkbeat about the big ideas changing education across America
www.chalkbeat.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
It's happening: The first Chalkbeat Ideas newsletter will go out tomorrow with a detailed look at data on the "Southern surge."
You can sign up to get the newsletter here: www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
Learn more about my we're launching this new project here: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/27/i...
You can sign up to get the newsletter here: www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
Learn more about my we're launching this new project here: www.chalkbeat.org/2025/10/27/i...
Colorado now has what appears to the be the first-ever self-identified "public Christian school." Expect litigation to follow.
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
This ‘Christian public school’ in Colorado could spur a fight over religion in education
Backers of a new Christian public school say if the state doesn’t agree to fund the school, it would amount to religious discrimination.
www.chalkbeat.org
October 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Colorado now has what appears to the be the first-ever self-identified "public Christian school." Expect litigation to follow.
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/202...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
It seems very plausible that there is room to be smarter w/ contracting. But also notable that they didn't offer many examples. The only one Mamdani offered is DOE did not rigorously track the technology it bought for remote learning in the middle of a global health emergency
NYC’s Dept. of Education spends around $10 billion/year on contracts.
Many provide essential services to our schools, yet with over 3,000 active contracts, DOE faces major efficiency challenges.
DOE needs procurement reform.
Yesterday I announced my platform to deliver it.
Many provide essential services to our schools, yet with over 3,000 active contracts, DOE faces major efficiency challenges.
DOE needs procurement reform.
Yesterday I announced my platform to deliver it.
NYC Mayor’s Race: Mamdani unveils plan to root out ‘duplicative’ education spending at city’s public schools | amNewYork
Democratic mayoral nominee and frontrunner Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday rolled out a plan to overhaul how the city's Education Department inks contracts with
www.amny.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:01 PM
It seems very plausible that there is room to be smarter w/ contracting. But also notable that they didn't offer many examples. The only one Mamdani offered is DOE did not rigorously track the technology it bought for remote learning in the middle of a global health emergency
My last piece at WSJ looks at how traditional public schools are trying to win back students and the public in the face of intense political pressure, declining birth rates, and more competition.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
At the Epicenter of School Choice, Arizona Public Schools Battle Existential Crisis
Educators fight back against falling enrollments and rising competition. One idea: mimic restaurant-industry focus on customer service.
www.wsj.com
September 26, 2025 at 5:16 PM
My last piece at WSJ looks at how traditional public schools are trying to win back students and the public in the face of intense political pressure, declining birth rates, and more competition.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
This is my last week at the Wall Street Journal.
I'll be returning to Chalkbeat to launch a new section focused on the big ideas and debates in American education. More on this soon!
You can sign up to keep following my work here:
www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
I'll be returning to Chalkbeat to launch a new section focused on the big ideas and debates in American education. More on this soon!
You can sign up to keep following my work here:
www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
Chalkbeat
A free newsletter from Chalkbeat with the most important education news across America — sign up here to get it delivered to your inbox every week.
www.chalkbeat.org
September 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
This is my last week at the Wall Street Journal.
I'll be returning to Chalkbeat to launch a new section focused on the big ideas and debates in American education. More on this soon!
You can sign up to keep following my work here:
www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
I'll be returning to Chalkbeat to launch a new section focused on the big ideas and debates in American education. More on this soon!
You can sign up to keep following my work here:
www.chalkbeat.org/newsletters/...
New: A look at the latest 12th grade test scores, which paint a grim picture.*
*Officials acknowledge, though, that rising graduation rates could complicate the longer-run interpretation of these results if more low-performing students are now taking the test.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
*Officials acknowledge, though, that rising graduation rates could complicate the longer-run interpretation of these results if more low-performing students are now taking the test.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Twelfth-Grade Math and Reading Scores in U.S. Hit New Low
The declines deepen slides that began before the pandemic.
www.wsj.com
September 9, 2025 at 2:34 PM
New: A look at the latest 12th grade test scores, which paint a grim picture.*
*Officials acknowledge, though, that rising graduation rates could complicate the longer-run interpretation of these results if more low-performing students are now taking the test.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
*Officials acknowledge, though, that rising graduation rates could complicate the longer-run interpretation of these results if more low-performing students are now taking the test.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
New: The Trump administration is now targeting race-neutral efforts to achieve racial diversity. This marks a striking shift from what some opponents of affirmative action had previously argued. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
August 25, 2025 at 12:51 PM
New: The Trump administration is now targeting race-neutral efforts to achieve racial diversity. This marks a striking shift from what some opponents of affirmative action had previously argued. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Reposted by Matt Barnum
Our look at huge changes to civil rights enforcement for schools:
-A reversal in what's considered discrimination w/ reverse racial discrimination and transgender sports cases prioritized
-Severe staff cuts leaving thousands of others unresolved.
www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
-A reversal in what's considered discrimination w/ reverse racial discrimination and transgender sports cases prioritized
-Severe staff cuts leaving thousands of others unresolved.
www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
Under Trump, the Education Dept. has flipped its civil rights mission
The administration is prioritizing allegations that transgender students and students of color are getting unfair advantages while a backlog of other cases grows.
www.washingtonpost.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Our look at huge changes to civil rights enforcement for schools:
-A reversal in what's considered discrimination w/ reverse racial discrimination and transgender sports cases prioritized
-Severe staff cuts leaving thousands of others unresolved.
www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
-A reversal in what's considered discrimination w/ reverse racial discrimination and transgender sports cases prioritized
-Severe staff cuts leaving thousands of others unresolved.
www.washingtonpost.com/education/20...
New: The Education Department's cuts have left the niche, government-backed "industry" of education research in a dire state.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Trump’s Job Cuts Leave a Profession Looking for Its Next Act
Niche researchers in a government-dependent education field are trying to pivot. “There are no crops coming out of this ground anymore.”
www.wsj.com
August 18, 2025 at 2:18 PM
New: The Education Department's cuts have left the niche, government-backed "industry" of education research in a dire state.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
What are the top books assigned in U.S. high schools? Turns out they're mostly the same as thirty years ago. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Exclusive | The Most-Taught Books in American Classrooms Have Barely Changed in 30 Years
“Romeo and Juliet,” “The Great Gatsby” and other classics still dominate school reading lists.
www.wsj.com
July 31, 2025 at 4:46 PM
What are the top books assigned in U.S. high schools? Turns out they're mostly the same as thirty years ago. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
New: SCOTUS clears the way for Trump's deep staffing cuts at the Education Department
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
Supreme Court Clears Way for Trump to Shrink Education Department
The decision lifts a lower-court order that blocked mass layoffs at the agency.
www.wsj.com
July 14, 2025 at 9:03 PM
New: SCOTUS clears the way for Trump's deep staffing cuts at the Education Department
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
New: Schools and education leaders are in a bind this summer after learning last week that several billion dollars of federal funding may not show up after all.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Trump’s $7 Billion Education Funding Freeze Blindsides Schools
Superintendents are scrambling to figure out what to do with programs funded by the money now under review.
www.wsj.com
July 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
New: Schools and education leaders are in a bind this summer after learning last week that several billion dollars of federal funding may not show up after all.
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
New: Democrats find themselves increasingly divided over how to approach K-12 education. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
Debate Over Improving Public Schools Is Dividing Democrats
Some Democrats are using tough rhetoric about public-school performance, signaling an emerging divide within the party over K-12 education.
www.wsj.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:35 PM
New: Democrats find themselves increasingly divided over how to approach K-12 education. www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
New: The school choice/voucher proposal embedded in the tax bill would expand subsidies for private schools—and savvy investors. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
The Tax Bill Would Deliver a Big Win for Private Schools—and Investors
School-choice advocates see a ‘revolution within the tax code.’
www.wsj.com
June 23, 2025 at 1:23 PM
New: The school choice/voucher proposal embedded in the tax bill would expand subsidies for private schools—and savvy investors. www.wsj.com/politics/pol...
My full interview with Linda McMahon. www.wsj.com/video/series...
A few interesting tidbits:
-She briefly appears to conflate foreign 'activists' and 'terrorists' (2:00)
-She reiterates that only Congress can close USED (10:30)
...
A few interesting tidbits:
-She briefly appears to conflate foreign 'activists' and 'terrorists' (2:00)
-She reiterates that only Congress can close USED (10:30)
...
Linda McMahon on Harvard, Closing the DOE and More: Extended Interview
Education Secretary Linda McMahon spoke with WSJ about the administration’s escalating fight with Harvard, her plans to close DOE and how she’s handling a backlog of civil-rights complaints with a red...
www.wsj.com
June 13, 2025 at 3:41 PM
My full interview with Linda McMahon. www.wsj.com/video/series...
A few interesting tidbits:
-She briefly appears to conflate foreign 'activists' and 'terrorists' (2:00)
-She reiterates that only Congress can close USED (10:30)
...
A few interesting tidbits:
-She briefly appears to conflate foreign 'activists' and 'terrorists' (2:00)
-She reiterates that only Congress can close USED (10:30)
...