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Instructor Blanca Claudio (standing) teaches a history lesson in Spanish in a Dual Language Academy class at Franklin High School in Los Angeles, California.

Education

Why Is Bilingualism Framed as an Asset for Some Students and a Deficit for Others?

Advocates and researchers have warned that dual-language programs are increasingly becoming a tool of enrichment rather than a mode of serving the needs of English learners.

Amaya Garcia

Education

Can Traffic Pollution Negatively Affect Student Performance?

A working paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research indicates that higher levels of pollution can lead to behavioral and academic problems.

Nicole Javorsky

The entrance to Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Maryland.

The Most Competitive High Schools Don’t Guarantee Success. What About Ones Like Georgetown Prep?

Research suggests that being surrounded by well-off peers in not-too-intense academic environments can lead to lifetime gains.

Emma Sarappo

People walk around Harvard University's main campus.

Education

Debate Over Affirmative Action in College Admissions Could Be Disastrous for Legacy Students

If affirmative action is abolished there will undoubtedly be increased pressure to also eliminate admissions criteria that favor a very different demographic—children of alumni and donors.

Daniel Golden

Smarter Kids Are More Open to Experimentation With Drugs and Alcohol

A study found that 11-year-olds who demonstrated medium or high academic ability were more likely to smoke cannabis at ages 18 to 20.

Tom Jacobs

Social Justice

The 30 Top Thinkers Under 30

An early look at a Pacific Standard story that's currently only available to subscribers.

Pacific Standard Staff

Education

What Does Having Grit Really Get You?

A new study suggests that "grit," the now-celebrated ingredient to success in education and life, isn't so important for academic success.

Nathan Collins

Social Justice

Is a Liberal Bias Hurting Social Psychology?

The importance of ideological diversity in academia.

Angela Chen

Social Justice

Boost Cognitive Skills, Boost Grades—Right?

The link between cognitive ability and academic performance is an intuitive one, but a new study says there's little evidence to support or refute the value of "executive function" curricula.

Nathan Collins