Greetings,

As the leaves fall here in New England, we offer you three important school stories:

An unprecedented challenge to young people’s mental health clearly identified and confronted.
An articulate and forensic look at why we can’t seem to make our schools different and better, and a guide to redesign, from our own ERC co-founder.
An eloquent and reasoned look at school accountability and why its off the mark and unhelpful.

Enjoy this urgent commentary on key issues.

Wayne Ogden, ERC Co-Founder

Professor Jean Twenge takes on a frequent conclusion that we don't have enough evidence about social media use associated with harm to young people’s mental health, and says, “Yes, we do know social media isn't safe for kids.”

technoskeptic.substack.com/cp/137579842?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Addressing The Neglected Elements of School Redesign tracks why things stalled in improving schools back in the late 1990’s, why we’re so stuck engaging students and raising achievement and, most importantly, identifies the seven areas that we need to tackle.

medium.com/@larry.myatt1/addressing-the-neglected-elements-of-school-redesign-5ac95a58728b

Peter Greene’s testimony before the Pennsylvania State House Appropriations and Education Committee offers a much-needed, common sense take on school accountability.

curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2023/10/my-testimony-for-pa-house-education-tour.html

These are three serious reads that one hopes will spawn serious conversation in schools and their communities. School leaders, make time to share, analyze and discuss these issues. Things are stuck in the K-12 sector and here are three ways we can dig out from under the weight of inertia.

Good luck in your conversations!