21st Century Scholar

Mr. Mathis, has any school ever told you ‘no’? The above question was posed by a high school junior enrolled in my Collegiate Academic Scholars course in an Early College High School. In a recent conversation regarding my educational career, the student asked if I was ever denied to any of the colleges I applied [...]

Last week, I discussed the difference between deficit and surplus perspectives in education. A surplus of cultures exists in many low-income neighborhoods. And yet, current research, policy, and practice often assume a deficit perspective. I argued, instead, that scholars, policymakers, and practitioners ought to consider a surplus perspective. Such a perspective refocuses discussions from what [...]

In education, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers often espouse a deficit cultural perspective to explain academic success and failure; students who succeed exemplify a mainstream culture whereas students who fail represent an oppositional culture. Unfortunately, by “blaming the victim,” such arguments echo previous culture of poverty debates, reinforce stereotypes, and do little to move us forward. [...]

I have been mulling over a question posed to me at this past AERA meeting. A well-respected scholar, after hearing about the college access games we are developing, expressed doubt over the positive effects of a game where players role play the college preparation process. “What you are saying,” he shared, “is like me saying [...]

There is a great deal of discussion right now about how our children may not be better off than we are. The drumbeat is that throughout the 20th century the next generation has always been richer than the previous one. Today, however, we know that an increasing number of college-age students graduate and move back [...]

Last week, I recounted the amazing story of Diane, an undocumented first-generation college-goer. If Diane’s story illustrates the promise of higher education, my discussion today highlights the peril of blocked access and leveled aspirations. I have been privileged to chronicle a critical moment in the lives of teenagers: the senior year in high school. The [...]

I dedicate this blog entry to my fellow educators working with high school seniors, and those who are conducting research to understand college readiness. Thank you! The arrival of spring usually brings about an interesting phenomenon in high schools, which many have referenced, experienced, or coached students out of—senioritis. Educators and school leaders often struggle [...]

I imagine it takes an extreme amount of courage to migrate from one country to another, to leave your wife and three daughters for the uncertain promise of a better job and more opportunity. That is what Diane’s father did. He immigrated to Los Angeles, obtained a manufacturing job, learned English, and saved money. He [...]

Here’s a Education Week op-ed that USC President Nikias and I wrote regarding the relationship between secondary and postsecondary education. Enjoy!

The Broader, Bolder Approach to Education is a coalition of scholars, educators, policymakers, and education advocates who support comprehensive reforms to improve education. They argue that social and economic disadvantage is often a barrier to learning. They target three policy areas: early childhood education, comprehensive strategies, and school improvement. The list of prominent individuals associated [...]