A growing number of researchers and educators say the current trend of less play and more academic work in the early grades could be slowing emotional and cognitive development. The New York Times
One-room schoolhouses continue to thrive in Michigan, even close to much larger school districts, in part because parents from larger districts are choosing to send their students there. Bridge
A focus group of Iowa Republicans who are likely caucus-goers admit they aren’t judging Jeb Bush’s support for the Common Core because they don’t understand what it is. Vox
A British study finds that schools with complete bans on cell phones post higher test scores. EdWeek
Families at an elite New York private elementary school are divided over a new program to combat racism by discussing the racial awareness with third-graders in and out of racial “affinity groups.” New York Magazine
At Vox, Jenée Desmond-Harris argues the program is a good idea because it teaches that ignoring racism doesn’t work — and it increases white students’ awareness of their own role in ending racism. Vox
The epidemic of male loneliness and suicide begins with the odd societal expectations around boy friendships. The Good Men Project
A columnist argues that myths of manhood are harmful to boyhood, but a Colorado high school seminar is trying to change that. The Denver Post
Who gets to have student privacy? Probably not the kids who really need it. Medium
Are tests biased against kids who just don’t give a, um, hoot? The Onion
Today’s the last day of school in lots of places. Here’s a history of the making of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” Deadspin
And in honor of David Letterman’s last Late Show, here’s one advocate’s top 10 ways to have a better conversation about education. Education Post
