Researcher Bios:

John’s research interests are wide-ranging, but his recent work has focused on the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on state standards, equity and the measurement of student growth. In addition to leading the Center and pursuing his own research, John provides consultation related to testing and support to organizations including the Walton Family Foundation, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Teach for America and the KIPP foundation. He has broad prior experience in education, serving for 15 years as a high school teacher, coach and school administrator. He also spent nearly 10 years as a consultant to schools in improvement and assessment prior to pursuing his research career. John holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Gonzaga University, and a Ph.D. in Educational Studies from Emory University.

What intrigues you most about the work you do?

I’ll never be a screenwriter or novelist, but I’ve found there is a great story in almost every dataset.  Discovering the storyline, following its plot, solving the mystery inside data is intriguing detective work. 

What are your three favorite things to do when you’re not working?

The Director gets four.

1. Photography.  I’ve done a lot of landscape photography and am starting to do more with bird photography.   I maintain a website, Northwest Colors, with my better stuff.
2. Road trips.  I took a road trip with my oldest, Emily, last spring, visiting Zion and Yellowstone National Parks, and all the territory in between.  We don’t see our daughters as much now that they are away at college, and I treasure the opportunity to embark on an adventure with them.
3. Golf.  I started playing again once the kids left for college.  And I’m actually pretty good.  If I can knock just one stroke off my handicap for each of the next 15 years, I can make the Senior Tour.  I’ll be 71…but who cares?
4. Spectator Sports.  Go Portland Timbers!!  Go Zags (Gonzaga)!!  Go Ducks…and take the Beavers with you!

What do you feel is the role of education in our society?

Education works in partnership with parents to:

1. Provide the academic preparation that our children will need to fulfill their aspirations.
2. Educate students to embrace both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, so that we continue to pass down a vibrant, democratic society to future generations.
3. Provide a school culture that models and expects adherence to the essential moral virtues, and emphasizes civility in behavior and discourse.

What education policy issue are you passionate about?

Every kid deserves great teachers.  I was a teacher for 13 years, and I’m passionate about attracting the smartest and most energetic people into our profession.  I want empowered principals to lead schools, so that we don’t rely on standardized tests as the ultimate arbiter of a teacher’s effectiveness.  And I want teachers to be recognized as the professionals they are, and to act and perform in a manner that proves we deserve that standing.

What are you reading right now?

I’m currently reading The Jesuit Guide To Almost Everything, by Fr. James Martin.  While I’m no longer a Catholic myself, I’m finding that the tools of Jesuit living and reflection, which all come from St. Ignatius, can help me be a more reflective, and hopefully kinder, person.