Member Since 2009


Frederick Hess, AEI's director of education policy studies, is an educator, political scientist, author, and popular speaker and commentator. He has authored such influential books as Spinning Wheels, Revolution at the Margins, and Common Sense School Reform. A former public high school social studies teacher, he has also taught education and policy at universities including Georgetown, Harvard, Rice, the University of Virginia, and the University of Pennsylvania. He is executive editor of Education Next, a faculty associate with Harvard’s Program on Education Policy and Governance, and serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Charter School Authorizers and on the review board for the Broad Prize in Urban Education. At AEI, Mr. Hess addresses a range of K-12 and higher education issues.

Published Articles & Media

A closeup of two hands weaving fabric on a loom

Choice Reconsidered

Rethink school choice to avoid either-or thinking and instead ask how expanding options might help meet the needs of students and families and empower educators.
Photo of David M. Steiner

“Stop Wishing Away Evidence of No Progress”

Instead, “transmit what is finest in our multicultural inheritance,” says David Steiner
Map highilghting which states have education savings accounts

What Is an Education Savings Account, and Why Does It Matter?

A potentially promising shift from “school” choice to “educational” choice
Photo of Arthur VanderVeen

Louisiana and Montana Test Out New, Less Time-Consuming Tests

"Teachers use the diagnostic information to inform instructional decisions"
Photo of Kevin Teasley

“High Schools Are Launching Pads, Not Destinations”

GEO network, with schools in Indiana and Louisiana, aims for "K-14 and K-16 results with K-12 dollars"
Photo of Jal Mehta

Social-Emotional Learning: “No One Is Fooled”

Why not just talk about “respect” or “responsibility”?
Photo of Daniel Buck

“We speak in whispers behind closed doors”

A right-of-center middle-school teacher explains what it's like

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