Commentary Articles

Op-eds and opinion pieces by NAIS President Patrick F. Bassett, published in a variety of publications.

Building Character in Crisis
July 15, 2009
This commentary article by Patrick F. Bassett, Paul D. Houston, & Rushworth M. Kidder appeared in the July 15, 2009, issue of Education Week.

What the Finns Know Shouldn’t Surprise Us (But Does)
February 20, 2008
This commentary article appeared in Education Week on February 20, 2008.

Seven Surprises for School Leaders
March 16, 2005
In this commentary article from Education Week, NAIS president Patrick F. Bassett provides a brief review of an article that appeared in the Harvard Business Review, and explains the parallels and divergences between corporate and academic leadership, providing solutions to the common challenges that new school leaders encounter.

From Good to Great Schools
February 4, 2004
In this Education Week op-ed column, Patrick Bassett explores the application of Jim Collins' Good to Great principles for corporations to school operations.

Searching for Great Teachers
February 26, 2003
In exploring what makes up a great teacher, Pat Bassett surveys some high-profile teachers from the big screen. (Free registration with Education Week is required.)

Testing, Accountability, and Independence
June 19, 2002
This op-ed by NAIS President Patrick Bassett appeared in the June 19, 2002, issue of Education Week.

Why Good Schools Are Countercultural
February 6, 2002
This article, published in Education Week, presents the contrast between the excesses and amorality of America's popular culture and the moral expectations of good schools.

The End of Independent Schools
March 13, 1996
This monograph, originally appearing as an op-ed piece in Education Week, satirizes the foibles of running an independent school and by inference offers recommendation on good governance.

The Academy of (Lesser) Science
August 3, 1994
This commentary article appeared in the August 3, 1994, issue of Education Week.