Weekend Reads: Why kindergarteners might need more play and less work

A growing number of researchers and educators say that the current trend of less play and more academic work in the early grades could be slowing emotional and cognitive development. (New York Times)
One-room schoolhouses continue to thrive in Michigan, even close to much larger school districts, in part because parents from larger districts are choosing to send their students there. (Bridge)
A focus group of Iowa Republican likely caucus-goers admitted that they aren’t judging Jeb Bush’s support for the Common Core because they don’t understand what it is. (Vox)
A British study found that schools with complete bans on cell phones posted higher test scores. (EdWeek)
Families at an elite New York private elementary school are divided over a new program to combat racism by discussing the racial awareness with third-graders in and out of racial “affinity groups.” (New York Magazine)
At Vox, Jenée Desmond-Harris argues the program is a good idea because it teaches that ignoring racism doesn’t work and it increases white students’ awareness of their own role in ending racism. (Vox)
The epidemic of male loneliness and suicide begins with the odd societal expectations around boy friendships. (The Good Men Project)
A columnist argues that myths of manhood are harmful to boyhood, but a Colorado high school seminar is trying to change that. (Denver Post)
Are tests biased against kids who just don’t give a, um, hoot? (The Onion)
Today’s the last day of school in lots of places. Here’s a history of the making of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out.” (Deadspin)
And in honor of David Letterman’s last Late Show, here’s one advocate’s top ten ways to have a better conversation about education. (Education Post)