Editor, New York Times Magazine
Editor and writer at the New York Times Magazine, and author of Whatever It Takes: Jeffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America
PROFILE
Paul Tough
Guest
FROM Paul Tough
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'Helping Children Succeed' in Rich and Poor Schools Alike Academic success depends a lot on the school, and like it or not, the American public education does not serve all students the same. Wealthy districts are nearly always more successful than poor districts. For the latest in our ongoing conversation about how children can succeed in school, we talk to author Paul Tough, who has built his career on studying what works in public education. Tough’s book “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character” was a bestseller in 2013. In his follow up, “Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why,” Tough explores what can be done to help kids succeed in both rich and poor schools alike.
To the Point
Can Obama's Education Chief Save the Nation's Schools? Democrats are sharply divided between school "reformers" and so-called "traditionalists." They circulated competing manifestos during the presidential campaign: one side wants charter schools, merit pay and accountability for teachers; the other says don't blame teachers for failing schools, provide flexibility and better resources. Barack Obama has chosen an education secretary who has endorsed both sides. Will that mean gridlock or will Chicago's Arne Duncan finally overcome the "tired… debates" that have stalled real education reform? What about " No Child Left Behind ?"
Recommended
Good Food
'Dandelion and Quince,' food and crime, 'All About Eggs' Sarah Lohman talks about the murder and historic recipes that form the backbone of her new book, “Ohio 1910,” and Rachel Khong shares highlights from Lucky Peach’s last cookbook, “All About Eggs.” Michelle Mckenzie tells us how to cook oft-forgotten fruits, veggies and herbs, and Jonathan Gold reviews AR Cucina in Culver City. Plus: raspberries at the market and a special guest DJ set from Alton Brown.
Good Food
Shaking up the USDA, 'The Beef Cookbook' and 'Tartine All Day' Peggy Lowe explains why Trump’s pick for USDA Secretary is rattling rural America. Dario Cecchini talks future plans for Chianti ramen, and Richard Turner shares cuts from “PRIME: The Beef Cookbook.” Writer Matthew Sedacca looks at the controversy behind liquid smoke. Jonathan Gold tries Chengdu-style dishes, and Elisabeth Prueitt of Tartine fills us in on the latest. Plus, chef Michael Beckman shares a recipe for cactus confit.
Bookworm
George Saunders: Lincoln in the Bardo (Part I) Lincoln in the Bardo dramatizes a grieving President Lincoln as he visits the grave of his beloved son Willie, who died at age eleven. In the novel, the buried dead believe they're not dead -- "they're sick and refer to their coffins as "sick boxes."