/521/ Too Smart to Read ft. C. Derick Varn

In 'Why Knowledge Matters', E.D. Hirsch, Jr. addresses critical issues in education reform, arguing that a carefully planned, knowledge-based elementary curriculum is essential for preparing students for lifelong success. Hirsch draws on evidence from cognitive science, sociology, and education history to support his argument that a skills-based approach has led to unintended negative consequences. He examines six persistent problems in US education, including over-testing, scapegoating of teachers, and the achievement gap, and advocates for policies aligned with current understandings of neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social science. The book also includes international comparisons, particularly with France, to illustrate the benefits of a knowledge-based curriculum in improving both achievement and equity.

Visible Learning by John Hattie is based on the largest-ever collection of evidence-based research into what actually works in schools to improve learning. The book synthesizes the results of more than 15 years of research, involving over 800 meta-analyses of 50,000 articles and data from about 240 million students. It highlights the importance of making student learning and teaching visible, focusing on the impact of teaching strategies on student outcomes rather than just the transmission of knowledge. The book provides practical guidance for teachers, school leaders, and policymakers on how to apply the principles of visible learning to maximize student achievement.