I'm visiting New Orleans -- it's our first time -- and taking some time off from blogging.

The US has some great science students -- and a large number who know very little.

Schools are hiring more staff, but most won't reward teachers for needed skills, effectiveness or willingness to take difficult jobs.

Schools that tolerate bad behavior will see more of it. Sanctions "work" for most students, who see that rules matter.

For-profit beauty schools will be hardest hit by student loan rules. Liberal arts degrees from even remotely selective colleges clear the not-very-high bar easily.

Trying to "differentiate" for students at wildly different grade levels is exhausting teachers. And it doesn't work.

If students can talk about ideas, but can't write without AI's help, is that good enough?

Teaching what good readers do is "cargo-cult reading." What matters is what good readers know.

Teach students the math basics before asking them to think deep thoughts about math.