Research can inform policy, but it must first be vetted and publicly debated. A recent exchange illustrates the value of such a public deliberation.

West Hartford News (Neag School alumnus, Alan Addley, was named president of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents)

Vocational training is making a big comeback in American high schools. And it’s not just wood shop and auto repairs anymore. Shaun Dougherty serves as a guest panelist on vocational training, referring to his Fordham Institute Study.

UConn Today (Neag School’s Jaci VanHeest, employed by U.S. Swimming in the early ’90s to identify young swimmers who might become champions, says U.S. sports focuses too much on early success) 

UConn Today (Neag School alumna, Melissa Gonzalez, will compete in the Olympics for a second time, this time as a Team USA captain)

Inside IES Research (Neag School faculty member Shaun Dougherty’s research grant on career-technical high schools is mentioned) 

A summer program at Brookside Elementary School in Norwalk, Conn. — called Supporting and Promoting Advanced Readiness in Kids, or SPARK — is a statewide project out of the University of Connecticut to include more underserved populations in academically talented tracks. The idea is that by giving students a jump-start through summer programming, they will be more likely to follow advanced programs later on in their academic career.

Athletes today are using their platforms as sports celebrities to bring attention to the violence that has erupted across the country. Dr. Joseph Cooper, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut, said any major social policy — civil rights movement, feminist movement, passage of Title IX — began with multiple conversations. But there must be action behind the words.

The Bulletin (Neag School alumnus, Rick Holmberg, followed in his father’s footsteps to run the 120-year-old family business)

Neag School alum Sarah Hodge gives graduation address at her alma mater, Hartford’s Bulkeley High School.