Ed's (Not) Dead Podcast - The All Things Education Podcast: Recent Episodes
Pulp Education LLC
We're not your average education podcast.
Whether you're a teacher, parent, education wonk, or concerned citizen, this is your place to learn about the hottest issues affecting education, like reform, teaching tips, policy, and more.
Your three hosts, Robby, Pete, and Casey, rarely agree. That's what makes it fun. What we do share is a profound commitment to improving education.
Tune in: http://edsnotdeadpc.libsyn.com/
Want more? Check out our blog and website at http://edsnotdead.com!
After a hiatus since February 2024, the Ed's Not Dead team returns with a dynamic episode that blends personal reflections and critical discussions on the evolving landscape of education.
In This Episode:
- Personal and Professional Catch-Up: The hosts share updates on their lives and careers, reflecting on the events of the past year and the journey since the podcast's inception in 2017.
- Analyzing Linda McMahon's Nomination: A deep dive into the article "SecEd Nominee Linda McMahon Has the Right Background for the Job", discussing her qualifications, the potential impact on the Department of Education, and the broader implications for schools nationwide.
- The Role and Future of the Department of Education: An exploration of the department's current functions, the surprising number of employees, and the possible consequences of its reduction or elimination under a new administration.
Is it time to get rid of math? The guys debate the usefulness of math requirements (along with other public education requirements) in our schools today and what it might mean to think differently.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/02/06/end-useless-math-requirements/
Welcome back! The guys are back and just in time for a "year in review" session of the Ed's Not Dead podcast. During this episode, we discuss some of the articles listed below, and begin to touch upon the stories we think will be at the forefront of education news come 2024. Happy New Year!
Year in Education 2023 Review
January: Seizing on Parents’ Frustration, GOP Governors Push for Education Savings Accounts
February: Florida Just Became the Nation’s Biggest School Choice Laboratory
March: Schools Still Pouring Money Into Reading Materials That Teach Kids to Guess
April: Teen Mental Health Crisis Pushes More School Districts to Sue Social Media Giants
June: Due Process, Undue Delays: Families Trapped in NYC’s Decades-Long Special Ed Bottleneck
July: COVID Recovery Has Stalled for Most Students
August: New Study: Schools Prioritizing Social-Emotional Learning See Strong Academic Benefits
September: ChatGPT Is Landing Kids in the Principal’s Office, Survey Finds
November: Six Hidden (and Not-So-Hidden) Factors Driving America’s Student Absenteeism Crisis
December: Sales Skyrocket for Phone Pouch Company as In-School Bans Spread
For our first official episode of our 7th year on the pod, we welcome veteran Ed's Not Dead guest, Phyllis Fagell on the pod. Phyllis is a licensed clinical professional counselor, certified professional school counselor and journalist.
We discuss her most recent book, Middle School Superpowers: Raising Resilient Tweens in Turbulent Times, what's changed since her last appearance on the pod, and what's next for middle school life.
Buy Phyllis' book via her website: https://phyllisfagell.com/ or anywhere you get your books!
Follow Phyllis on Twitter https://twitter.com/Pfagell and Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/phyllislfagell/
Big shout out to Tom Siddons at Sleepy Lizard Avocado Farm in Florida! Buy your avocados and mangoes today via his website @ https://www.guacfarm.com/home
The gang is back...for an hour LOL
After a lengthy hiatus due to personal and professional obligations, the dudes are back in force.
The dudes discuss the recent Hugh Hewitt piece on banning smartphones in school, catch up on the year in review, talk about summer plans, and what's next for the Ed's Not Dead team (hint: Ed is DEFINITELY not dead)!
The Superintendent Series (Part 2 with Dr. Monifa McKnight)
The Series continues with Ed’s Not Dead’s examination of the courage and lived experiences of school system leaders and the successes and challenges of public school systems. We’ll be interviewing three courageous leaders who are leading their school systems to better days after three immensely difficult years. This episode features Dr. Monifa McKnight, Superintendent of the Montgomery County Public School System in Maryland - the 15th largest school system in the nation.
Over the last two decades plus Dr. McKnight has served as a classroom teacher, staff development teacher, school based leader and middle school principal, led MCPS’s program to develop school-based leaders, deputy superintendent, and now the first African American female superintendent in one of the premier school system’s in the nation.
On today's pod, we welcome a very special guest in our Superintendent Series with Dr. Darryl Williams, superintendent of the Baltimore County Public School system. Dr. Williams is a highly experienced and successful educational leader who has held a variety of important roles in public ed: from teacher to principal to superintendent, Dr. Williams has spent 30 plus years improving outcomes for students and we are so excited to have him on the pod!
We also discuss Stephanie Saul's piece about the NYU Organic Chemistry professor who was fired after students started a petition and shared their grievances about his teaching and communication styles. Who is to blame?
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/03/us/nyu-organic-chemistry-petition.html
On today's pod, we welcome a very special guest in our Superintendent Series with Dr. Darryl Williams, superintendent of the Baltimore County Public School system. Dr. Williams is a highly experienced and successful educational leader who has held a variety of important roles in public ed: from teacher to principal to superintendent, Dr. Williams has spent 30 plus years improving outcomes for students and we are so excited to have him on the pod!
We also discuss Stephanie Saul's piece about the NYU Organic Chemistry professor who was fired after students started a petition and shared their grievances about his teaching and communication styles. Who is to blame?
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/03/us/nyu-organic-chemistry-petition.html
The dudes have returned with gusto! They talk about the dreaded teacher shortage, teacher certification and degrees, and much more.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/13/teacher-requirements-shortage-jobs/
The gang also chats with Scott Joftus, co-founder and president FourPoint Education. FourPoint engages with school systems and leaders in the areas of school and district improvement, system reviews and strategic planning, and leadership development.
Joftus is also a member of the Montgomery County, Maryland board of education, the 14th largest school system in the United States.
The dudes have returned with gusto! They talk about the dreaded teacher shortage, teacher certification and degrees, and much more.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/13/teacher-requirements-shortage-jobs/
The gang also chats with Scott Joftus, co-founder and president FourPoint Education. FourPoint engages with school systems and leaders in the areas of school and district improvement, system reviews and strategic planning, and leadership development.
Joftus is also a member of the Montgomery County, Maryland board of education, the 14th largest school system in the United States.
How can middle school leaders ease the transition to high school? https://www.k12dive.com/news/how-can-middle-school-leaders-ease-the-transition-to-high-school/625897/
What is most important when planning for transitions between schools, individual grade levels, and what do we know what works in the best interest of kids?
The guys are back from a semi-hiatus, and discuss the awful events from Uvalde, as well as getting up to speed from our last episode. We also had the pleasure of bringing teacher, and instructional leader Miriam Plotinsky on the show to talk about her new book: Teach More, Hover Less: How to Stop Micromanaging Your Secondary Classroom.
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-More-Hover-Less-Micromanaging/dp/1324019875
It's time for YOUR questions! We picked a whole boot load of questions that you had on your mind about education, schools, edpolicy, the super bowl, and more! Listen and enjoy AND happy new year!
NOTE: apologies if this shows up in your feed more than once! We messed up the original audio file!
It's time for YOUR questions! We picked a whole boot load of questions that you had on your mind about education, schools, edpolicy, the super bowl, and more! Listen and enjoy AND happy new year!
Is Math Racist? Wrong Question: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/12/15/is-math-racist-public-school-pedagogy/
California Moves to Replace Math with Data Science: https://www.educationnext.org/california-moves-to-replace-math-with-data-science-in-the-name-of-equity-and-inclusion/
For a special pre-Thanksgiving episode, the guys discuss Robert Pondiscio's recent piece that disparages Social Emotional Learning / describes it as the new downfall of public education as we know it. https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/commentary/not-everyones-board-turning-schooling-therapy
For actual facts about SEL and to ensure you are residing in reality, visit CASEL to learn more about what SEL is and what it looks like / sounds like in the classroom: https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/
How much should we be worried about the growing tensions and anger directed at schools and school boards across the country?
And ... connected to this discussion: how much should parents have a say about what is taught in schools?
Arrest Parents at School Board Meetings?
How much say should parents have in what is taught in schools?
The guys are back for season 5 and they discuss the phasing out of GT programs in the largest school system in the country: New York City and what its impact will have on education.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/nyregion/gifted-talented-nyc-schools.html
They are also joined by Ed's Not Dead resident historian, Johann Neem, to discuss the individualist fallacy and the future of ed under COVID. Neem is a senior fellow at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and a professor of history at Western Washington University and the only END 3 Peat Guest!
Casey Siddons, Robby Dodd, and Peter Crable breakdown the implications for schools regarding Erica Dhawan's new piece: Why the hybrid workforce of the future depends on the geriatric millennial
Casey Siddons then takes on the interview with Sebastian Turbot, who is the CEO and Chief Curator of eko6, a Canada-based consultancy that guides governments, cities, businesses and civil-society in creating engaging platforms that turn ideas into action.
Peter, Robby, and Casey talk about the Chris Stewart piece: "Yes, America is Racist, no you shouldn't teach my kids if you disagree." https://educationpost.org/yes-america-is-racist-no-you-shouldnt-teach-my-kids-if-you-disagree/
Peter and Casey also interview Adeola Whitney, CEO of Reading Partners, a national nonprofit that mobilizes communities to provide students with the proven, individualized reading support they need to read at grade level by fourth grade.
For our 1st episode as a media partner with the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), we bring on Gregg Behr, who was recently featured on their panel for "How to Build a Learning Ecosystem (https://fb.watch/5oiyeDhZpj/).
Gregg is the founder and co-chair of Remake Learning and is also the author of "When You Wonder, You're Learning" Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0306874733?tag=hacboogrosit-20)
The dudes discuss Samantha Hedges' new piece in Discourse Magazine: Social Justice Is Now the Fourth Purpose of Public Schools and All Four Are in Conflict: https://www.discoursemagazine.com/culture-and-society/2021/04/21/social-justice-is-now-the-fourth-purpose-of-public-schools-and-all-four-are-in-conflict/
We also interview Robert Pondiscio (@rpondiscio), senior fellow and vice president for external affairs at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute about his new piece in EducationNext: https://www.educationnext.org/can-teaching-be-improved-by-law-twenty-states-measures-reading/
This is the final episode of the Pandemic Pass mini-series all about how we can best emerge as a school system stronger and better than before. This episode, Siddons is joined by his friend/colleague Serenity Moore to interview the incomparable Zaretta Hammond. Moore and Siddons ask Zaretta about deficit thinking and the premature determination of "learning loss" and much much more!
The dudes discuss the LA Times piece on the "educational mess" we now find ourselves and what it will take to get back.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2021-03-23/post-pandemic-educational-mess
The guys also interview Dr. Leslie Fenwick who is the dean emeritus of Howard University’s School of Education, about HBCUs, supporting our students of color, and diversifying the teaching workforce across the country.
For the penultimate episode of the Pandemic Pass series Siddons sit down with Lynne Harris, who is a newly elected board of education member in the 14th largest school district in the nation - Montgomery County Public Schools, right outside the DC Metro Area.
They talk about how boards of education could be rethinking education and what our local school systems should be prioritizing upon return to face to face instruction.
Today's topics:
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Guns on students' Zoom classroom / bedroom debate. Where is the line between students' privacy, and the safety and well-being of others?
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We bring on Dan Reed from www.justupthepike.com to talk about the impact of housing policy and zoning laws on education and the opportunity gaps that students face across the country.
For this third part of The Takeaway, I talk with Joe Feldman, author of Grading for Equity. We discuss how grading practices impact the opportunity gaps that our students of color and our english language learners experience and what he hopes to see in terms of practices on grading and equitable outcomes and about what our schools should look like upon return.
Check out Joe's book:
https://www.amazon.com/Grading-Equity-Matters-Transform-Classrooms/dp/1506391575
For this next part of The Takeaway, part of the Pandemic Pass series, I bring in the incredible Rick Wormeli. This is Part 1 of 2 on this topic. Rick is the foremost voice on what it means to be an effective teacher, and my go to source for research and beliefs on grading and assessment. Rick takes us through what he hopes will be a major change to our school systems practices on grading and assessment, and what our schools will look like upon return.
This episode, I brought on Phyllis Fagell, author of Middle School Matters (linked below), and a school counselor herself, to talk about the mental health crisis facing our kids and families mid-pandemic and how we move beyond it.
https://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Matters-Beyond-Parents/dp/0738235083
The dudes discuss the passing of the controversial education figure Richard Elmore who once said: "I do not believe in the institutional structure of public schooling anymore". Is this to be believed? https://t.co/ioIk5ltc58
This is intertwined with a piece by Valerie Strauss in the WAPO about how 2 cities in very different states handled the return to school: https://tinyurl.com/m53twsd9
Guests: Dr. Daryl Howard and Phillip Yarbrough from the BOND Project (http://bondeducators.org)
Part 3 of Episode 4 I speak with Dr. Josh Starr - CEO of PDK Int'l (https://kappanonline.org/) and a former superintendent who will give us the granular, on the ground look at how he sees our schools returning, and what systems leaders could be doing to improve our recovery. Check out Dr. Starr's "On Leadership" column via Kappan: https://kappanonline.org/category/col-starr/
For part 2 of Episode 4, I meet with one of our local state delegates, Jheanelle Wilkins. Jheanelle and I talk about how the state should respond - what legislation should be pursued next, the revolutionary and exciting Black Agenda from the first African American Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, Adrienne Jones, and what should states and localities be doing to attract and retain a more diverse teaching force.
How exactly do we get out of this mess? Part 1 of Episode 4 of Pandemic Pass is w/ Congressman Bobby Scott - Chair of the Ed and Labor committee in the HoR. The 30,000 foot view of how we recover. We talk the CARES Act, the impact on HBCUs, and what else Congress should be doing to help.
This is part 2 of episode 3 - Siddons chats with Dr. Umut Ozek, Principal Researcher with the Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research Program at the American Institutes for Research. You can find him on twitter @uozek
Dr. Özek’s research interests include immigrant students, implementation and consequences of educational accountability, design and effects of school choice programs, and value-added measurement. I honestly couldn’t have found a better guy to talk to as it pertains to Covid, education, and parents. We talk about his experience as a parent - first hand in dealing with the pandemic at home with his own children - Dr. Ozek’s children attend Fairfax County Public Schools - With over 185,000 students enrolled, FCPS is the largest public school system in Virginia, and the 12th largest in the nation. We also chat about how he views these challenges from his perspective as an immigration and education researcher. Dr. Ozek is an incredibly smart guy and I was so privileged to have him join me - this is part 2 of Episode 3 of Pandemic Pass, Parents and COVID.
This is part 1 of Ep 3, with Leslie Boggs, President of the National Chapter of the PTA. Leslie Boggs is the 56th president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest volunteer child advocacy association.
One other mention for Leslie is her priorities that are now more important than ever - As PTA president, Boggs is a huge advocate for more funding for mental health access for students and has pushed for more funding for public schools and to strengthen family engagement for all children. Two things that our schools desperately need right now and in the very near future to recover from this pandemic.
For episode 2 of Pandemic Pass, I talk to three college students and a high school student about their experiences - Adriana Quinonez, Lupe Lazaro, and Alexia Ferraro all of whom are freshmen at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. For the 2nd part, I speak with Nichele Washington, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. For both parts, we discuss the challenges and the ups and downs of how this pandemic has impacted them and shaped their world views.
Episode 1 seeks to determine our baseline - where are we now as an education system? Siddons sits down with Des Moines Iowa Public School superintendent, Dr. Thomas Ahart who has been at the helm of DMPS since 2012 and has provided exceptional leadership throughout the COVID19 crisis.
He was featured in the WAPO this past fall for his navigation of DMPS in a state governed by a close ally of the now former president.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/09/08/iowa-schools-coronavirus-lawsuit/
In season 1 of Pandemic Pass, Casey Siddons looks for how public education will emerge from the pandemic by talking to parents, teachers, students, ed policy makers, and politicians that will lead our way out of this crisis.
Siddons takes listeners to all corners of the US through interviews and discussions on what is most important to them.
Through his own experience as a classroom teacher, department chair, teacher coach, edu-blogger, and leader and teacher of teachers, Siddons attempts to dissect how public education is suffering under this pandemic, and what it will take to rebuild our public education system.
Last episode of the year - the guys bid adieu to Dear Betsy by ceremoniously going through all of her "accomplishments" as ed secretary:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2020/12/02/betsy-devos-biden-education-secretary/3781931001/
https://www.npr.org/2020/11/19/936225974/the-legacy-of-education-secretary-betsy-devos
Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott has represented Virginia’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1993. Prior to his service in Congress, he served 15 years in the Virginia General Assembly.
Congressman Scott currently serves as the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor. In this capacity, he is advancing an agenda that improves equity in education, frees students from the burdens of crippling debt, protects and expands access to affordable health care, ensures workers have a safe workplace where they can earn a living wage free from discrimination, and guarantees seniors have a secure and dignified retirement.
We Need a Marshall Plan for our Schools
Topics: what would we like to see Biden do for education?
Two Outsiders Emerge for Ed Secretary
And we interview Mr. Greg Cruey, a West Virginia middle school social studies teacher, about his thoughts and his role in the Washington Post piece that featured him: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/teaching-election-west-virginia/2020/11/29/b8e40a38-2b3a-11eb-92b7-6ef17b3fe3b4_story.html
And his ideas for school reform / push for local community schools!
The dudes discuss:
The merits of free college under a Biden-Harris administration - we discuss the ins and outs of free college based on an EducationNext piece - https://www.educationnext.org/dont-ruin-college-by-making-it-free-threats-quality-innovation/
We also interview Kimberlee Carlile who is the director of Talent Ready Utah. This GOED program helps build the Utah workforce while providing students with increased career and education opportunities. Through the Talent Ready Apprenticeship Connection program, 27 students have been partnered with Switzerland's Stadler Rail to help guide career development.
Most recently, the Utah Legislature allocated $16.5 million in CARES act money to establish the ‘Learn & Work In Utah’ program. This initiative includes support for the Utah System of Higher Education’s Custom Fit program and several other workforce training programs to provide education and training to displaced workers.
https://www.talentreadyutah.com/
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What determines if and how schools reopen? Trump Voters: https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/11/10/partisanship-schools-reopening-virus-trump-unions/
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We prognosticate for the Biden Administrations' pick for Dear Betsy's replacement.
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No Senior Year for You! https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/school-to-student-you-took-too-many-courses-no-senior-year-for-you/2020/10/29/b0842c1e-194d-11eb-aeec-b93bcc29a01b_story.html
The Education Revolution Awaits - Tom Friedman: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/20/opinion/covid-education-work.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage
Guest: Dr. Diana D'Amico Pawlewicz is a historian of education and social policy. She is an assistant professor in the Educational Foundations and Research Program at the University of North Dakota. Dr. Pawlewicz’s research explores school policy as social policy and centers on fundamental questions around equity, race, power, and the role of institutions in creating or disrupting inequality. www.DianaDamico.net
The Ed's Not Dead team is back and stronger than ever for the premiere episode of season 4.
The dudes discuss:
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How is the pandemic "new normal" impacting teaching and learning?
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Is college over reliant on social emotional learning and a focus on "mushy gushy" data points?
Casey facilitates an amazing quiz between Robby and Peter, where Robby trounces Peter and regains an award of our END quiz show!
We bring back Dr. Johann Neem to discuss his recent piece in USA Today about COVID19 and the threat to our public education institutions as we know them.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/07/31/covid-19-and-public-schooling-threat-public-education-column/5521151002/
The gang also discusses a Washington Post opinion piece from a small town Arizona superintendent regarding the challenges of opening up: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/08/01/schools-reopening-coronavirus-arizona-superintendent/?arc404=true
We discuss the Grade-Level Expectations Trap - https://go.shr.lc/3dEB3EI via @Shareaholic
Should we be teaching to where students are? Or should we be teaching students based on curriculum and grade-level established expectations?
https://www.educationnext.org/grade-level-expectations-trap-how-lockstep-math-lessons-leave-students-behind/
We also interview Former Obama Education Secretary John King about the nationwide systemic challenges the coronavirus is presenting school systems and communities, and what our schools will look like post-COVID19.
And as a bonus, we interview prospective MCPS Board of Education member, Sunil Dasgupta about his hopes and expectations for his seat on the Board of the 14th largest school system in the nation.
We discuss David Lopilato's article in Bethesda Beat: "Let's Reconsider How We Do High School": https://bethesdamagazine.com/bethesda-beat/opinion-lets-reconsider-how-we-do-high-school/
What should systems do with regard to standardized testing, antiquated grading systems, and school rankings? Diane Ravitch is a Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education and a former assistant secretary of education under George H.W. Bush. She is the Founder and President of the Network for Public Education (NPE). Diane’s Blog is dianeravitch.com and is a go to for the most current progressive thought pieces in education today.
Using the Valerie Strauss WAPO piece, we discuss the ins and outs of what a return to school will look like while still in the thick of the COVID19 outbreak: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/schools-reopen-fall-coronavirus/2020/04/26/d60e2f62-85b3-11ea-878a-86477a724bdb_story.html
We also invite Andy Hargreaves on the show to discuss what he perceives as the major impacts of COVID19 on our education system psyche, as well as his new memoir coming out in June, "Moving."
The dudes discuss the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on schools, families, and communities across the country, chat about the extent to which smarter teachers = smarter students (based on an EducationNext piece by By Eric A. Hanushek, Marc Piopiunik and Simon Wiederhold: https://www.educationnext.org/do-smarter-teachers-make-smarter-students-international-evidence-cognitive-skills-performance/
The dudes also get to interview Lynne Harris. Lynne is a Registered Nurse and educator who is running for the at large seat on the board of Education in Montgomery County Maryland. Lynne is currently a teacher of the Healthcare Professions at Thomas Edison High School of Technology. Prior to being a teacher, Lynne served as the President of the Montgomery County Council of PTAs.
The gang is recording remotely this time due to the ongoing pandemic / COVID 19 issue.
The dudes discuss the short and long term impacts of the pandemic on our schools and communities:
- Assuming that most if not all districts will be out of school for extended amounts of time, what does teaching and learning / school supervision look like from a district and school level?
- Is online distance learning the way to go for all age groups, including elementary?
- How much should parents be homeschooling? Try to recreate school day or just do whatever?
- What is the best way for students to catch up next year on what they have missed this year?
We conclude with a Dear Betsy segment: "Betsy DeVos has a problem with numbers" https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/03/07/betsy-devoss-problem-with-numbers/
Peter, Robby, and Casey begin the show with a dive into presidential politics through a recent Chalkbeat article: The 2020 Cheat Sheet: http://projects.chalkbeat.org/primary-2020/index.html#/candidates
How do the current presidential candidates measure up in terms of educational policy platforms - the gang lugs out a Price is Right "spin the wheel" to discuss a variety of ideas within the democratic party.
Finally, the gang interviews Natalie Wexler, author of the recently published book: The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix It. They discuss the worthiness of teaching skills vs content and the observations of elementary classrooms for Natalie's book that drove her to have concerns over our education system.
We may not have been a podcast for a decade, but we have been discussing what's hot and impactful in education for the better part of a decade. Follow along memory lane with us as we discuss and analyze the biggest education news stories of the past ten years.
https://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/us/2019/12/20/education-stories-2010s-decade/
NAEP Articles Discussed:
https://www.educationnext.org/make-2019-results-nations-report-card/
https://www.the74million.org/a-disturbing-assessment-sagging-reading-scores-particularly-for-eighth-graders-headline-2019s-disappointing-naep-results/
Brookings Institute: The NAEP Proficiency Myth https://www.brookings.edu/blog/brown-center-chalkboard/2016/06/13/the-naep-proficiency-myth/
NAEP Myths vs Facts:
https://www.nagb.gov/content/nagb/assets/documents/publications/a-closer-look-at-naep.pdf
Interview Biography: Ricardo Cano covers California education for CalMatters. Ricardo joined CalMatters in September 2018 from The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, where he spent three years as the education reporter.
- What are the top issues affecting teachers and public education right now?
- What can be done to strengthen public schools at the federal and state levels?
- Will there be a tipping point when we, collectively as a nation, make the decision to fully fund our schools?
- Have we finally jumped the shark with data and value added evaluation systems?
- What's the next "big thing" in education?
Teacher Tips
How to bring mindfulness into the classroom.
What does mindfulness look like/sound like in the modern classroom?
- Applying mindfulness to mundane classroom tasks:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/applying-mindfulness-mundane-classroom-tasks-abby-wills
- Mindfulness Resources from Edutopia
https://www.edutopia.org/article/mindfulness-resources
- Mindfulness in High School
https://www.edutopia.org/article/mindfulness-high-school
The Wrath of Khan (Academy): To what extent is Khan Academy replacing or supplanting regular classroom instruction? What are the upsides and downsides of the increasing use of services such as Khan Academy on student learning and the teaching force in general?
During today's episode, we use the Chalkbeat article entitled: "How Khan Academy, the popular free tool for students, wants to play a more official role in America’s classrooms"
Interview with Lee, high school student: Last week, Jeremy Adams from the LA Times wrote an Op-Ed complaining about how kids don't like reading anymore. Meanwhile, an incredibly well-versed student from across the country wrote an outstanding and pithy response that summed up the generational difference succinctly.
Dear Betsy is back! From the Washington Post, the gang discusses how incredibly awesome and amazing back to school tour by Dear Betsy that doesn't really include public schools: "Where Betsy Devos Started her back to school tour says it all about her agenda"
The gang's back for Season 3! Check out our season premiere episode where we discuss the legacy of Robby's dad, Dr. Alan Dodd, and spend a whole bootload of time discussing the Kim Brooks NY Times piece on how we are ruining childhood "...children today are more depressed than they were during the Great Depression and more anxious than they were at the height of the Cold War."
Episode Resources:
Feedspot Top 20 Podcast! https://blog.feedspot.com/educational_podcasts/
Seven ways parents and educators can improve kids middle school experience: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/seven-ways-parents-and-educators-can-improve-kids-middle-school-experience/2019/09/02/ad8eb938-bed2-11e9-a5c6-1e74f7ec4a93_story.html
We have ruined childhood: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/17/opinion/sunday/childhood-suicide-depression-anxiety.html
Show Notes:
Part 1: We discuss Suevon Lee's (@suevlee) recent piece about teacher shortages in Hawaii: Are solutions for the persistent Hawaii teacher shortage a model for the nation?
Part 2: The dudes interview the one and only Peggy Brookins, President and CEO of NBPTS.
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What should we know and hear from you about possibly attaining national boards?
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In some of NBPTS' published research findings, researchers examined the distribution of board certified teachers in six states—California, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio and South Carolina. It was noted that except for California, "board certified teachers are not equitably distributed across schools that serve different populations of students. In five of the six states examined, poor, minority, and lower-performing students are far less likely to have the opportunity to benefit from the teaching of a National Board certified teachers than are their more affluent, majority, and higher-performing peers." As president and CEO, what is your vision to address this inequity?
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Are their formal/informal ways that district/school leaders can support teachers?
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Using your magic wand, what would you like to have happen federally in regard to education policy?
Only two episodes left for season 2! Tune in today! Today's episode focuses on a recent Propublica piece: How Teach for America Evolved Into an Arm of the Charter School Movement: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-teach-for-america-evolved-into-an-arm-of-the-charter-school-movement - the gang discusses the variety of impacts TFA has on schools across the country, along with the impact of its financial sources.
We also have an incredible interview with Phyllis Fagell about why middle school matters and all about her upcoming book of the same title! "Middle School Matters": https://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Matters-Beyond-Parents/dp/0738235083/
Propublica Discussion: How Teach for America Evolved Into an Arm of the Charter School Movement: https://www.propublica.org/article/how-teach-for-america-evolved-into-an-arm-of-the-charter-school-movement
Interview with Phyllis Fagell: Check out her website: http://www.phyllisfagell.com/ and her upcoming book, "Middle School Matters": https://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Matters-Beyond-Parents/dp/0738235083/
The end of the school year is both a happy and sad time. While everyone looks forward to the end of the year, it's also the closing of meaningful relationships for adults and students. Listen to the gang discuss ways to make the most of the end of the year.
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Control what you can control- bring a positive attitude everyday.
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Finish the year with good relationships with all of your students.
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Try something new so you can see how it works before next year.
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Start thinking about all the things you did this year that worked, and what you want to change.
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Plan something fun to look forward to right when school ends.
The gang discusses content versus skills - where is the middle ground? As we move away from Common Core, what does this balance look like in schools?
We use the Forbes article entitled "The Biggest Education News Story You've Never Heard Of" https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2019/05/12/the-biggest-education-news-story-youve-never-heard-of/#22c96b6f60d4
What gets taught in our schools and how?
Show Notes:
We discuss @TweenTeacher's @Edutopia piece (https://www.edutopia.org/article/decluttering-your-classroom) on decluttering one's classroom, how to reflect upon one's cluttered space, and the best ways in which your classroom can be decluttered.
Detracking in SUSD in mathematics:
LeBron James Opened a School That Was Considered an Experiment. It’s Showing Promise.
The inaugural class of third and fourth graders at the school has posted extraordinary results on its first set of test scores.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/12/education/lebron-james-school-ohio.html
Ending tracking in math - showing progress in SFUSD:
https://cacollaborative.org/sites/default/files/CA_Collaborative_SFUSD_Math.pdf
"CONCLUSION: The allure of tradition is powerful, especially in public education. Influential leaders inside and outside of our school systems are often people who thrived in their own formal education settings. In SFUSD, however, traditional approaches to mathematics course sequencing and placement, even when amended to address key equity issues, failed to generate desired student outcomes."
Quiz Show about the College Admissions Scandal!
In our second encore episode, we interview Mr. Rick Wormeli, who is a national voice in standards based grading, differentiated instruction, and all things education. Rick Wormeli was one of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, he brings 38 years of teaching experience in math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, and coaching teachers and principals. Rick’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, National Geographic Magazine, and the Washington Post. He is a frequent contributor to AMLE Magazine, and ASCD’s Education Leadership Magazine. Rick is the author of the award-winning book, Meet Me in the Middle, as well as the best-selling books Day One and Beyond, Fair Isn’t Always Equal, among others.
Show Notes:
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We discuss new policy proposals from the burgeoning 2020 presidential campaign field including Harris' plan to boost teacher pay from the federal level. How will it work? How will it be paid for? Will there be strings attached? How will it level the playing field between districts and states?
-
Casey quizzes Pete and Robby on their knowledge of the NCAA basketball tournament.
During today’s show, we discuss the following:
- Restructuring middle and high schools as they currently stand (departmentalization; interdisciplinary teams)
- How has departmentalization impacted student achievement in secondary schools?
We end the episodewith another outstanding, engaging and rigorous quiz administered by Casey – awards given to all! What do you know about the history of education in the US?
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
- Maryland PTSA Diversity Conference
- Semi Self-Contained Learning Communities in Grade 6: Bringing New Evidence to Bear on Middle Grades Education
- Twitter for Project SUCCESS
Show Notes:
Article on the docket for today's episode: "From the picket line to the charter school: The path union members should walk" by Jay Matthews of the Washington Post.
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What role should/can charter schools play in the education of our citizenry?
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Are all charter school funders coming from a greedy / non-educational place?
https://tinyurl.com/yyrfcfrg
Interview with Charlotte Danielson:
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What is the Danielson Framework and how did it come about?
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To what extent are value added measures effective in evaluating the performance of teachers?
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How has the role of principal changed in supporting the development of teachers?
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What else should we be looking at to create highly functioning schools?
Show Notes:
Today's show features a discussion about Rahm Emanuel's recent Mea Culpa published in the Atlantic entitled "I Used to Preach the Gospel of Education Reform. Then I Became the Mayor"
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/policymakers-need-new-path-education-reform/581995/
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What does a system look like that focuses on building the capacity and leadership skills of principals?
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Principal-focused reform, versus teacher-based reform
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Promoting principal autonomy
-
During part two, we interview THE Jon Saphier of Research for Better Teaching, and co-author of the incomparable Studying Skillful Teaching.
During our interview we discuss:
-
The recently unveiled "High Expertise Teaching Project"
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How to improve teacher prep programs
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What structures can schools put in place to improve teacher performance?
Show Notes:
How does seeing the state of public education in Arizona firsthand help you as you transition to this new role?
Do you think an increase in teacher pay alone is enough to attract more, and better, teachers to Arizona?
What are your plans for mitigating the absentee rate in Arizona?
What are your thoughts on the use of vouchers and school choice in general in Arizona?
Resources Mentioned:
Arizona Republic: One Arizona district has found a way to keep truant kids in school
Show Notes:
Segment 1: WaPost: Koch Brothers to get involved in K-12 education/policy
During today's episode, the gang discusses the increasing influence of the Koch Brother's and their money in the realm of public education.
What will this dramatic increase of private investment mean for schools across the country? How will their political, economic, and social beliefs play a role in school infrastructure, school funding, curriculum, etc.?
Other Sources Discussed:
The Washington Post: The Daily #1
The Washington Post: The Daily #2
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the article by Clair Cain Miller in the New York Times called "The Relentlessness of Modern Parenting" and ultimately its impact on schools and teachers.
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How does the "filling of time" lead to a "parenting gap" between poor and wealthy families?
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How is the type of parenting that is on the rise widening the reality between income levels?
NYTimes - Britain’s Risky parks: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/10/world/europe/britain-playgrounds-risk.html
Dear Betsy News Round Up:
Betsy DeVos gets bad reviews from employees as morale at Education Department plummets, survey finds
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series...
From Episode 206:
We talk with @EricaBuddington about how she and the @LangstonLeague are developing culturally relevant AND responsive curriculum (hint: they're not the same thing!).
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series...
From Episode 204:
We talk with Joe Feldman, author or "Grading for Equity" about how current grading practices perpetuate opportunity gaps for students of color, and run far afield of actual educative experiences.
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series... @petercrable @rwdodd @chsiddons
From the Maryland PTSA Diversity Conference: we talk with @FFEngageFamily about how can schools engage more diverse viewpoints within one's PTSA organization? and with @marice_morales about addressing the needs of racially and linguistically diverse children.
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series... @petercrable @rwdodd @chsiddons
From Episode 109 with @Ready4Rigor, THE Zaretta Hammond, we discuss the dangers of deficit thinking, and how to build the capacity of our colleagues to use brain science in promoting culturally responsive teaching.
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series...
From Episode 108 with Troy Boddy, Director of Equity Initiatives in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland - how do we further the conversations surrounding equitable outcomes in the day to day work of school improvement?
MLK day has come and gone. But what can we do to make it more than just a day out of the year? As we consider the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ed's (Not) Dead this week brings you our very first equity series...
From Episode 106 with Curtis Linton of Curious Schools - how do we define equity in schools? How does greater student autonomy = greater equity, and the difference between multiculturalism and equity?
Show Notes:
The LA Teacher Strike: what is happening and why in the second largest school district in the nation.
Why They’re Broke: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article223799285.html
Strike Overview: https://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-me-edu-los-angeles-teachers-strike-reasons-20190109-story.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/07/us/teacher-strike-lausd-utla.html
Interview with Erica Buddington, Founder of the Langston League: http://www.langstonleague.org/
Erica is a Dean of Students at a Bushwick Middle School, HBO Def Jam Poet, author, YouTube sensation and overall educator-extraordinaire from Brooklyn, New York. Erica is also the Chief Curriculum Officer for the Langston League - a culturally responsive/relevant curriculum design firm that specializes in student workshops, professional development sessions, and more.
The Langston League is a team of unconventional educators seeking to address educational and opportunistic inequalities in at-promise neighborhoods through culturally relevant/responsive, fun, and equitable curriculum. The League's primary focus is literacy, infused with STEAMD elements - science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and design.
Show Notes:
Today's episode focuses on a big ole' round up of education in the news including:
Finland’s digital-based curriculum impedes learning, researcher finds
- Is #EdTech as glorious a solution as it has been promoted? What are the downsides to technology in the classroom?
The Students Suing for a Constitutional Right to Education
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Should we enshrine public education into the US Constitution? What do current federal court cases say about where this is headed?
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Will Casey be the new director of social studies education for the state of Rhode Island? (**Hint: No).
Louisiana School Made Headlines for Sending Black Kids to Elite Colleges. Here’s the Reality
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To what extent does this story of abusive school practices call into question the legitimacy and governance of charter schools?
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What does this say about the governance of our public schools?
Show Notes:
During today's interview segment, we chat with Andrew Marcinek, former (and first) Chief Open Education Adviser for the US Department of Education, and current Chief Information Officer at Worcester Academy in Worcester, Massachusetts.
In his role at the Department of Education, Andrew focused on accelerating the adoption of open education policies within the Department and across the federal government. As part of this campaign, Andrew organized a White House event that launched a national movement called #GoOpen and brought together EdTech companies, district and state leaders, and nonprofits. His ultimate goal was to increase the curation and sharing of open educational materials by educators throughout the country. Prior to that, he served as Director of Technology, Instructional Technology Specialist, and secondary English teacher in schools in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
During our discussion, we ask Andrew about his role as Chief Information Officer at Worcester Academy, how the use of technology may be impeding student learning and widening achievement gaps, and what #EdTech may look like in the coming years and decades.
Questions and Resources:
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Recently, research from Finland was published that said that "digital-based curriculum impedes learning" - what kind of balance should teachers seek when utilizing technology in their classrooms? Is there a right/wrong way to do so?
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In your previous work, you worked to integrate 1:1 technology learning environment for schools. What does a 1:1 classroom look like in an ideal environment and how should school leadership teams go about facilitating this work?
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With more and more student data being shared and hosted online (e.g., Google Apps for Education), and with your depth of experience as it pertains to implementing technology in schools, what are your concerns for the future of student privacy? What are some things that schools/teachers/families should concern themselves with?
Show Notes:
During this episode's Teacher Tips segment, the gang discusses tips and tricks for how to check for student understanding throughout and at the end of each lesson, why it's important, and how to most effectively implement strategies.
Resource mentioned:
52 Ways to Check for Understanding
Show Notes:
During Episode 4's interview with Joe Feldman (of Crescendo Ed Group), we discuss the history of grading, why it hasn't changed, and how current grading policies widen opportunity gaps for students of color.
Assessing students is incredibly important, most teachers detest grading, but the purposes of grading have gone far afield from the foundations of a solid education experience.
Joe's Biography:
Joe Feldman has worked in education at the local and national levels for over 20 years in both charter and district school contexts, as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. He has been the Director of Charter Schools for New York City Department of Education, the Director of K-12 Instruction in Union City, California, and was a Fellow to the Chief of Staff for U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. Joe is currently CEO of Crescendo Education Group, a consulting organization that partners with school and districts to help teachers use improved and more equitable grading and assessment practices. Joe graduated from Stanford, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and NYU Law School. He is the author of several articles on grading and assessment, the author of Teaching Without Bells: What We Can Learn from Powerful Practice in Small Schools and his newest book is "Grading for Equity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How It Can Transform Schools and Classrooms" He lives in Oakland with his wife and two children.
Show Notes:
During the first segment of Episode 4, the crew discusses a recent piece by Valerie Strauss entitled: Linda Darling-Hammond VS Diane Ravitch and Carol Burris (https://wapo.st/2ziklcc)
Darling-Hammond's side takes exception in this piece that there is room for charters in America. She takes up "the issues of choice in public education from a different perspective from the one that has been driving debates since the election of President Trump."
This piece comes in response to what Diane Ravitch wrote about charter schools: Does it matter who operates America’s public schools? (https://wapo.st/2qU3iZF)
"That’s a central question in the national debate about education and the movement to find alternatives to school districts that are publicly funded and operated. While charter schools are publicly funded, they are privately operated and are not required in most places to be as transparent as publicly operated schools. The public also has little say in key operations of private and public schools that accept publicly funded vouchers."
During this episode's Teacher Tips, the gang discusses the ways in which teachers and school staff can maximize Parent Teacher Conferences for all involved.
Listen in for some useful information from the folks who've been there, done that, for many years!
While you're at it, check out our newest blog on this very subject: "Making the Most of Parent Teacher Conferences"
Show Notes:
During today's interview, we discuss gamification and standards based grading with Mr. Andrew Kozlowsky, high school social studies teacher from Maryland (@MrKoz31).
In his fifth year of teaching, Andrew has transformed his classroom from what was always a welcoming, rigorous social studies class, to one that is gamified: where students are motivate to learn by using video game design and game elements in the classroom environment.
Listen along as Mr. Koz explains how he pushes kids for excellence each and every day!
Resources:
Zombie Nation Site: https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/zombienation/home
Abraham Lincoln Movie Trailer Side Quest: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V9Q3_ZL2RbwgYik_Ms2WNCmYD_X6wba6/view?usp=sharing
Jamestown Minecraft Side Quest: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UDkNMVu8fo&feature=youtu.be
Standards Based Grading Rubrics: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WcsfCwX68fPSHiEaM8N6EAN6LczcxkPaO8e-vTd-NrE/edit?usp=sharing
Show Notes:
During today's main segment, we discuss:
- The Lost Generation of Millennials - how does the financial insecurity of our times impact schools, the teacher workforce, and teacher retention?
Business Insider: The 'lost generation' of millennials born in the 1980s may never be as rich as their parents
Chalkbeat: Voices: Get with it: Millennials are the future of teaching
- Dear Betsy - what is good 'ole Betsy up to lately?
Judge unblocks Obama rule on student debt relief after delays by DeVos
DeVos’ security detail projected to cost up to $7.7M during the next year
Betsy tells students to not be mean on Twitter
During today's Teacher Tips, the boys discuss Project Based Learning - what it is, how it works, and why it's important for all content areas to consider working on right away!
- What is it? Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. (Buck Institute for Education)
- Best practices for implementation: use chart of tasks so students can self pace while you monitor, answer a big question that engages a variety of skills (e.g.: identify a problem in your community and create a robot that can solve said problem), award credit to students for steps in the process, have them do several iterations of project with peer/teacher feedback along the way, use a clear rubric for each of the several skills students incorporate.
- Pitfalls to avoid: it’s not an all or nothing grade; consistent monitoring of student progress is essential, and if necessary pull students into small groups to work with the teacher. For students who are excelling at current skills or who finish early: have them research and incorporate new skills or ideas you have not yet covered.
During Part 2 of our second episode interview segments, we talk with Elena Aguilar, founder and president of Bright Morning Consulting.
During our interview with Elena Aguilar, we dig deeper into supporting the social/emotional needs of teachers and how to systematically prevent burnout in our educators at all levels of schooling. We also discuss the framework she created for this type of support found in her new book: "Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators."
During our interview with Dr. Matt Mingle, Superintendent of Warren Township schools in New Jersey, we discuss how he has taken great strides at building and supporting the social and emotional help of all students in his district through the "Whole Child Tenets" (from ASCD). Additionally, we discuss with Dr. Mingle how that transfers to supporting his teachers in maintaining their own social and emotional well-being.
Show Notes:
During today's main episode release, we discuss David Geurin's (@DavidGeurin) piece about why some educators burn out while others grow to be more passionate.
We all agree on the six points posited by Geurin, but must one be outwardly passionate in order to be an effective educator?
We end the main episode with a wonderful AARP quiz on how much sugar we eat, and more importantly a better quiz that checks our knowledge on Hispanic Heritage Month.
Why Do Some Educators Burn Out While Others Seem to Grow More Passionate
http://www.davidgeurin.com/2018/03/why-do-some-educators-burn-out-while.html
Episode Notes:
During our first edition of Teacher Tips, Robby, Peter, and Casey share their "go to" ideas for starting the school year on the right foot:
-
How to pronounce your student's names correctly from the start.
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How to preemptively and proactively communicate with families.
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Why it's important to think critically about one's routines and classroom structures, no matter one's grade level.
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss how the push for grit and growth mindset in schools couldlead to deficit thinking in teachers and communities. We reference the article: "Grit and Growth Mindset: Deficit Thinking? Examining the cultural narrative around these ideologies" by Rick Wormeli:
http://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/DiversityandSocialEquity/DivDet/TabId/185/ArtMID/791/ArticleID/937/Grit-and-Growth-Mindset-Deficit-Thinking.aspx#.W2r3jf644kp.twitter
And during our first ever Teacher Tips segment, Robby, Peter, and Casey share their "go to" tips for beginning the school year on the right foot.
Show Notes:
During the first part of our final episode of season 1, we interview Dr. Johann Neem, author of the new book "Democracy's Schools: The Rise of Public Education in America." Dr. Neem is a senior fellow at the University of Virginia's Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture and a professor of history at Western Washington University. He is the author of Creating a Nation of Joiners: Democracy and Civil Society in Early National Massachusetts, and the book that we will be discussing tonight.
Questions / Topics Discussed:
Dr. Neem's book covers a comprehensive history of public education in America, but looking toward the future: what do you believe the future of public education will look like?
What worries you about the state of public education in America? What gives you hope?
What parallels do you see from the time of Andrew Jackson and our current political climate as it pertains to the purposes of public education?
Show Notes:
During Part 2 of our interview with Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson, we discuss the following:
- How does one implement differentiated instruction? Where to start?
- What does differentiation look like when implemented with fidelity?
- Are there limits to differentiation?
Show Notes:
During today's show (a two-parter!), we talk with the legendary, the one and only, Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson about all things differentiation. During Part 1, we focus on the "big picture" of differentiated instruction:
- Inspiration for beginning research on differentiation...
- Maintaining high expectations for all...
- Improving belief systems in teachers...
Show Notes:
During Part 2 of the MD PTA Diversity Conference, we feature the most important voices in our line of work: student advocates! With each of our student-guests, we discuss the gun control debate, the grassroots advocacy they are working on, and their future plans!
- Matt Post (@mattlpost) - Sherwood HS; 2017-2018 MCPS Student Member of the Board of Education (SMOB)
- Nate Tinbite (@MCRSGA and @Natetinebite) - Kennedy HS; 2018-2019 Montgomery County Regional Student Government Association (MCR-SGA), President
- Alessia Modjarrad (@AAModjarrad and @moco4guncontrol) - Poolesville HS - Montgomery County Students for Gun Control Legislation (MC4GC), Transportation Leader
- Emily Dohler Rodas (@MXLSSSS and @moco4guncontrol) - Einstein HS - Montgomery County Students for Gun Control Legislation (MC4GC), Co-Vice President
Show Notes:
During Part 1 of the MD PTA Diversity Conference, we feature a number of amazing guests to discuss how to engage more diverse viewpoints and families within a school's Parent-Teacher Association.
What is the vision for the MD PTA Diversity Conference?
How do we address the issues of racially, linguistically diverse children and their needs - how do we talk about those issues and make it a part of what we do? How do we raise those parent voices up in the PTA?
- Frances Frost (@FFEngageFamily) - Diversity and Inclusion Committee Chairperson, Maryland PTA
- Marice Morales (@marice_morales) - Delegate for District 19 in Maryland
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
- Maryland PTSA Diversity Conference
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following:
- Restructuring middle and high schools as they currently stand (departmentalization; interdisciplinary teams)
- How has departmentalization impacted student achievement in secondary schools?
We end the episode with another outstanding, engaging and rigorous quiz administered by Casey - awards given to all! What do you know about the history of education in the US?
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
- Maryland PTSA Diversity Conference
- Semi Self-Contained Learning Communities in Grade 6: Bringing New Evidence to Bear on Middle Grades Education
- Twitter for Project SUCCESS
During this super special episode extra of Ed's (Not) Dead, we endeavor upon an excellent interview with the principal and assistant principal of Minnetonka High School; Mr. Jeffrey Erickson and Mr. Robb Virgin (respectively).
Jeffrey and Robb have developed an effective and proactive way to support students throughout the school year, known as "Minnetonka Academic Success Time" or "MAST."
During our interview, we discuss what MAST is all about, what kind of results they have seen from their interventions, and how they have managed the systemic changes to their daily schedules to incorporate MAST (from a leadership perspective).
For more information, here are some links and resources:
- Beyond 140: This is a faux infomercial that the team created to "sell" MAST. It is both hilarious AND clear in how it explains how students should be using MAST.
- Minnetonka High School Website
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss a number of education stories from the news of the past two weeks.
- Nationwide Teacher Walkouts
- The deaths of two major figures in education history: Linda Brown Thompson (of Brown v. Board) and Johan van Hulst, a principal in Amsterdam who saved the lives of over 600 children from the Nazis.
We end this episode with another outstanding, engaging and rigorous quiz administered by Casey - awards given to all! What do you know about the history of teacher strikes in the US?
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
- ‘Starbucks classrooms,’ plus six other new approaches in education
- Linda Brown Thompson, girl at center of Brown v. Board of Education case, dies
- Johan van Hulst, Who Helped Save 600 Children From the Nazis, Dies at 107
- No end in sight to Oklahoma teachers strike
Welcome to a very special Ed's (Not) Dead short, where we will be focusing on the March 14th "MARCH FOR OUR LIVES" protest. We felt that it was an important enough event and potentially a watershed moment in not only addressing school shootings but also in student activism, that we wanted to hear what participants had to say about it, without adult commentary or interference. We were fortunate enough to have a correspondent on the National Mall who asked students “why are you here” and “what do you hope to achieve.” These responses are, for the most part, unedited and reflect not only the student’s individual viewpoint but the essence of the event as a whole. We hope you enjoy.
How do you implement standards based grading within the constraints of the performance / letter-grade system?
"Become totally evidentiary..."
"Spend...time determining, what is excellent, almost excellent?"
"Am I going to separate out behavior, from mastery?"
Show Notes:
During today's show, we debrief Betsy DeVos' terribly embarrassing interview on 60 Minutes during our first segment.
- What are the impacts of having an education secretary with such little experience and investment in and around public schools?
In our second segment, we have Tara García Mathewson from The Hechinger Report about the lack of physics teachers in schools with high poverty levels and schools that are composed largely of students of color.
Tara García Mathewson is a staff writer for The Hechinger Report where she covers national education issues. After graduating from Northwestern University, Tara worked at the Daily Herald, Illinois' third largest newspaper where she covered city government and education in Chicago's suburbs. Tara grew up in rural Western New York, and currently lives in Boston.
"Physics is widely considered to be a building block for a range of STEM disciplines— science, technology, engineering and math — and taking the course in high school is strongly correlated with getting a degree in a STEM field. Educators, policymakers and the general public agree that education in STEM is important. STEM occupations, jobs data show, pay more, and employment in STEM fields has grown at a faster rate than overall job growth."
In our final segment, we discuss new playground/recess ideas in Britain, and Casey leads us through a quiz show that will blow your mind!
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
WaPost Transcript of 60 Minutes Interview
DeVos Takes Shot at 60 Minutes Interview
https://www.newyorker.com/humor/borowitz-report/betsy-devos-calls-60-minutes-a-waste-of-a-half-hour
Analysis of PISA and TIMMS
The Hechinger Report page for Tara Garcia Mathewson
One reason students aren't prepared for STEM careers? No physics in high school
In Britain's Playgrounds, 'Bringing in Risk' to Build Resilience
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the Marjory Stoneman Douglas HS shooting during our first segment.
- Despite all the noise on this issue, as educators, how do you think we should improve what we do to keep students and staff safe in our schools?
We discuss the major points in the case, who is on each side, and the implications for teacher unions moving forward.
In our second segment, we discuss the Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Case.
- Public employees in Illinois did not want to pay mandatory union fees in a state where all employees who work in a job with unions must pay "fair share" dues, omitting portions of the fee that go towards political action.
- Janus argues that the required fees are a violation of his First Amendment free speech rights because the Union engages in speech and causes that he disagrees with, referred to as a compelled speech.
- Unions obviously view a decision against them as 1) would bring about their demise, 2) would take away worker protections as it relates minorities and women, and 3) there is no first amendment right to be free from compelled subsidies, 4) that Janus’ characterization of unions as purely political is a gross mischaracterization of union activities.
In our final segment, a new Dear Betsy segment devolves into a discussion about nothing, kind of like Seinfeld, and kind of like Betsy Devos' actual work with education...nothing!
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Dana Milibank: The Koch’s are Trying to Kill Unions
George Will on Janus
Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Case
Why was Betsy DeVos at a Supreme Court hearing about the fate of workers unions?
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- From The Denver Post, we discuss the pros and cons of shortening the school week: "The four-day week, once a tool of rural districts, is coming to a Denver metro school district."
- Funding issues are causing school districts across the country to cut days from the school week.
- Achievement levels seem to stay at similar levels (in spite of the loss of an instructional day).
In our second segment, we interview Mr. Rick Wormeli, who is a national voice in standards based grading, differentiated instruction, and all things education. Rick Wormeli was one of the first Nationally Board Certified teachers in America, he brings 38 years of teaching experience in math, science, English, physical education, health, and history, and coaching teachers and principals. Rick’s work has been featured on Good Morning America, National Geographic Magazine, and the Washington Post. He is a frequent contributor to AMLE Magazine, and ASCD’s Education Leadership Magazine. Rick is the author of the award-winning book, Meet Me in the Middle, as well as the best-selling books Day One and Beyond, Fair Isn’t Always Equal, among others.
In our final segment, Casey leads us through a pop quiz on Higher Education!
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Rick Wormeli's Website: "Let's Change Education Together"
4 Day School Week Coming to Suburban Denver
Study Shows Math Gains in 4 day School Week
AMLE.org
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- From EducationNext, we discuss Chester Finn's piece entitled: Emphasis on Thinking Skills over Facts in Schools Contributes to Truth Decay.
- Are teachers teaching thinking skills devoid of facts?
- What is the difference between math/science facts and social studies facts? Is there room for interpretation?
- What does Finn mean when he talks about "curricular squeamishness"?
In our second segment, we interview Ms. Gillian Williams, President of The Rensselaerville Institute. During our interview, Gillian and the gang discuss how TRI and their turnaround efforts are effective, what "durable change" looks like, and the key areas of successful educational change.
In our final segment, Robby leads us through the "Top Ten Most Controversial Education issues in US History."
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Robby's Published! Semi Self-Contained Learning Communities in Grade 6: Bringing New Evidence to Bear on Middle Grades Education
EducationNext: Emphasis on Thinking Skills over Facts in Schools Contributes to Truth Decay by Chester Finn Jr.
The Rensselaerville Institute
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- From the Washington Post, we discuss the previously lauded Ballou High School where it was just discovered that many students who received a diploma missed an extensive amount of school (so much so that they probably shouldn't have graduated by traditional metrics).
- More than 1 of every 10 students receiving a diploma from a D.C. public high school last year missed most of the academic year, according to an investigation released Tuesday that casts a shadow on a district that has trumpeted improvements in graduation rates.
- What does it mean to receive a diploma? Why is there doubt cast upon the students, when in reality it is an adult-created / system-created problem?
In our second segment, we bring back Hot Takes! and talk about school awards, teacher evaluations, tracking students to specific careers, and extracurricular activities.
In our final segment, we bring back another beloved segment all about #DearBetsy! During #DearBetsy, we discuss Devos' most recent speech that posits that Bush 2 and Obama's respective education reforms have done little to impact students.
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Devos: Nothing Presidents Barack Obama or George W. Bush did in Education Reform Really Worked
No More School Awards!
What to do with extracurricular activities?
Article about just Ballou High School (WaPost)
DC Graduating Chronically Absent Students (WaPost)
Ask the Right Questions and Learn Something (WaPost Op-Ed)
Not Ballou's Fault (WaPost Op-Ed from Valedictorian)
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- From the New York Times (linked below), the way schools are evaluated may be changing. We discuss how a new study shifts how we look at "underperforming" schools.
- This study suggests that policy makers and education leaders may be thinking about student outcomes in all the wrong ways!
In our second segment, we have two very special guests to discuss Social Emotional Learning and a program they created called "TEAMology."
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
How effective is your school district? A new measure shows where students learn the most
TEAMology
Invent Penn State backs TEAMology with $75,000 award from Fund for Innovation
TIME: Betsy Devos: The Biggest Controversies from year one
Devos reverses policy on campus sexual assault investigations
Ed Dept says it will scale back civil rights investigations
Betsy Devos wants to spend millions on school vouchers. Two new students say they don't actually work
A raw deal from Betsy Devos
For-profit college regulations
Devos Forcing scammed students to repay loans for meaningless degrees
Devos has 10 boats, two helicopters, a yacht scheduler and a lifestyle that you can’t afford ($580m in assets)
The Polarizing Pick to be Betsy Devos’ right-hand man
Students boo Betsy Devos as commencement speaker at HBCU
Republican Tax plan is an early christmas gift for Devos family (Senator Toomey inserted amendment that exempts schools that don’t accept federal funds from being taxed on their endowments)
Guest Information:
Tonight we have two guests who are experts in Social Emotional Learning and building Character in our young students. Students who rank higher on the Social Emotional Learning scale have demonstrated they are more successful students, as they demonstrate higher levels of skills such as problem solving, resiliency, and leadership, they are shown to score higher on tests, attend school more regularly and become more valuable assets to future employers and society.
Linsey Covert is a former teacher and school counselor and now instructor in the Penn State College of Education. As a graduate student, she saw a need for a practical solution to help students develop better relationships and life skills for a more successful future. She began developing ideas for Project TEAM over a dozen years ago and is now the director of Project TEAM, a school-wide anti-bullying movement developed at Penn State to help schools evolve into TEAM-oriented climates. She founded TEAMology, which under license from the university, began recently spreading the SEL and Character Foundations to schools throughout the region by launching a cloud based platform allowing teachers to easily access research based SEL curriculum, track progress, earn badges in SEL, and most importantly communicate, collaborate, and support one another.
Linsey is joined by Lisa DiBernardo, who not only taught these skills successfully to students in NJ for 6 years, and won awards, she joined the TEAMology movement as an Education Director and has been largely credited with helping 1,200 teachers and now 14,000 students improve their Social, Emotional and Character skills.
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- From the Washington Post piece on private school enrollment (below), how are private schools contributing to school segregation?
- To what extent are private schools necessary for a high-functioning education system?
In our second segment, we have THE Zaretta Hammond on our show, author of Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Zaretta Hammond joins us from the beautiful state of California, right after a full day of leading professional development!
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
New research says schools don’t matter much in helping kids climb the economic ladder
Private School enrollment contributes to school segregation
Zaretta Hammond's Blog "Ready4Rigor"
Guest Information:
Zaretta Hammond is the author of the bestselling book, Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain. Zaretta is a former writing teacher turned equity freedom fighter and over 19 years ago, Zaretta moved from supporting students in her classroom to supporting teachers who are committed to getting better results with their culturally and linguistically diverse students. Zaretta has trained instructional coaches, designed national seminars for teachers and school leaders and is a regular presenter at national conferences for education. Zaretta's research revolves around literacy, vocabulary development and equity. Zaretta established and writes for the blog "Ready4Rigor" and is most widely known at present for her more recent publication: "Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain." Finally, Zaretta is the proud parent of two young adult children, both of whom she taught to read before they went to school. She resides in Berkeley, California with her husband and family. So let’s get into it
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss the following topics during our first segment:
- Clandestine meeting between Randi Weingarten (President of TFA) and Steve Bannon, former top advisor to President Trump.
- Reed College, a private liberal arts school in Oregon, is experiencing ongoing and persistent student protests over a required humanities course: "Lectures for one of Reed College’s signature learning experiences, a humanities course on the ancient Mediterranean, were canceled after protesters tried to interrupt the class to protest perceived Eurocentrism. What’s the future for courses grounded in ancient -- largely Western -- texts?"
In our second segment, we have yet another excellent guest to continue our conversations over equity in schools, Mr. Troy Boddy. Troy Boddy is currently the Director of Equity Initiatives in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Why did Steve Bannon meet with teachers union leader Randi Weingarten? The man who set it up says Trump ‘likes her.’
Professors like me can’t stay silent about this extremist moment on campuses
Occupation of HUM 110
Tami Jimenez (Twitter) , elementary teacher and education enthusiast! Check out her podcast, "Time to Teach" on Libsyn!
Guest Information:
Troy Boddy is currently the Director of Equity Initiatives in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland. Troy began his career as a reading teacher, staff development, assistant principal, and elementary school principal prior to his current role as director of the equity unit, whose purpose is to support and collaborate with schools to address equity and cultural competence in the 16th largest school district in the United States. Troy's office help schools and offices address structural barriers that enable the racial achievement gap to persist.
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss what some Kansas education policy makers are planning on doing with their public schools (hint: it's probably not a good idea). From the Lawrence Journal-World, we discuss the idea of no longer adhering to age-level grading, the impacts it may have, and why it actually might be a decent idea (to some degree).
In our second segment, we have a very special guest on from our friends over at Education Excellence - Ardith Wieworka is our guest tonight.
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Kansas schools may no longer group students by grade level as part of plan to remake education system
Massachusetts Afterschool Partnerships
EdWeek: Ed. Dept. Sweets Away Old Special Education Guidance and Regulations (List of regulations lifted)
Tami Jimenez (Twitter) , elementary teacher and education enthusiast! Check out her podcast, "Time to Teach" on Libsyn!
Guest Information:
Ardith is the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership, a non-profit agency dedicated to ensuring that all children and youth have equal access to high quality afterschool and summer programming, before school, after school, and during the summer months. She also serves on the senior management team of Child Development and Education, an early education and school age care program serving 4000 children in Massachusetts.
Prior to her work in the private for-profit and non-profit education sectors, Ardith served in state government as the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Office for Children and the Office of Child Care Services, overseeing the field of early education and expanded learning opportunities.
Show Notes:
During today's show, we discuss how Florida is in the process of "resegregating" their schools and what that means for closing the opportunity gaps across the nation. Using Moriah Balingit's article from the Washington Post (linked here) we discuss why it is happening, and what we should be thinking about in regard to its impact across the country.
Then, we have the absolute pleasure in having THE Curtis Linton on the show with us for Part 1 of our series on equity in schools. During our discussion, we discuss how equity is defined for schools, how it different schools experience success in equitable outcomes, how student autonomy=greater equity, and the difference between multiculturalism and equity in schools.
Resources Mentioned/Referenced:
Angela Watson's "Truth for Teachers" Episode 106: 3 Beliefs that Damage Teacher Relationships with black male students
Florida's Schools - once integration's great hope - are resegregating by Moriah Balingit
School Segregation Report by Race, Poverty, and State by Gary Orfield
Equality of Educational Opportunity: A 40-Year Retrospective (on the Coleman Report) by Gameron and Long
Guest Information:
Curtis Linton is the CEO and founder of Curious School. He is a renowned expert in educational equity and growth leadership. In his career, he has documented on film and in writing with School Improvement Network the successful practices of hundreds of successful schools, organizations, and leaders. He is the best-selling author of the Equity 101 series and co-author of the award winning Courageous Conversations About Race. With Curious School, Curtis is supporting the development of principals and educational leaders through the Growth & Equity Leadership Institute--a dynamic peer-to-peer collaborative learning experience that brings together engaged educators who aim to become Authentic Leaders, Equity Advocates, and Social Entrepreneurs capable of building equitable learning environments that work for diverse learners. After adopting their children, Curtis and his wife Melody started the Domino Foundation, which serves families that have adopted transracially with social and learning opportunities. They live with their two beautiful children in Salt Lake City, Utah.
During this episode of Ed’s (Not) Dead, we welcome Dr. T.J. Vari and Dr. Joseph Jones on the show. Dr. Vari and Dr. Jones cofounded TheSchoolHouse302 blog, which is a leadership development institute startup firm. Both Joe and T.J. are well-versed in topics of school leadership and we are so glad to have them on the show for episode 5.
Today, we discuss TJ’s and Joe’s framework on hiring and retaining high quality teachers.They have structured their BDA framework after a very well known approach to reading comprehension.
During Episode 5, we premiere two new segments, one of which is produced through “Education Excellence” and Michael Levin Epstein and Sue Sempeles. Throughout Education Excellence we will be focusing on success stories with guests who are making a big difference in the field of education right now.
The second new segment premiered on this episode is called “Hot Takes.” Hot Takes is a segment where Peter, Robby, and Casey discuss a random assortment of education issues with a few rules: Thoughts can be completely uninformed (or ill-informed), highly biased, and may be considered ridiculous overall.
During today's episode, the Ed's (Not) Dead hosts talk about teacher autonomy and what are and what to do about failing schools. Episode 4 ends with an incredibly mundane discussion about Betsy Devos's "uplifting" speech to...children.
Our driving questions:
-
How much autonomy should teachers have between their instruction and their classroom routines?
-
What defines a failing school and what should be done about it?
Enjoy!
In Episode 3 we are Back to School! Back to School also means that it’s time for principals to start the all important job of instructional leadership: providing teachers with support and feedback for improvement. But why does it happen that when some teachers struggle, they are not evaluated accurately? We examine a recent article by esteemed education writer, Jay Matthews of the Washington Post that reveals a very interesting, and possibly troubling reason, for why principals don’t fulfill this critical responsibility with fidelity. In honor of the indispensable role teachers play in education, we are going to interview a teacher who not only survived, but thrived, in his first year as a middle school social studies teacher. We put Mr. Matt Baldassano on the hot seat and learn all that we can from him about the highs and lows of being a first year teacher. Matt shares some important things about building relationships with students, planning, and how his undergraduate teacher preparation program prepared him for actual teaching.
During this episode, we will be talking about vouchers, algebra requirements, and Betsy Devos' love of bears. Vouchers have become an incredible dicey topic within education circles, and indeed are the "new, new thing" especially with our current department of education secretary at the helm. We will be talking about why this might not be the best way for our students and their education. In California, a decision was recently announced that students will no longer have to pass algebra in order to graduate from community college. Along with determining if this is actually a good thing, we will be discussing Pete's mathematical acumen, and the merits of a liberal arts education. Finally, we end with an incredibly well-versed "Top 10" List of overused educational idioms.
It’s summertime and for principals that means staffing and for teachers, it’s time to switch schools, take on a new challenge in a new position, or find that first teaching position. During this episode, we’re going to discuss how to hire the best teachers which is an inexact science but crucial to school improvement. Also, we’re going to dive into Rahm Emmanuel’s new and controversial educational mandate in Chicago Public Schools that requires students to have a college acceptance, apprenticeship, job, military attestation, or gap plan in order to graduate. Finally, we’re also going to kick off our first installment of a regular segment called "Dear Betsy." It will be our take on Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ latest move to improve or some might say undermine public education. Today on Dear Betsy we are going discuss the Education Department’s latest move to suspend regulations that protect students who borrow to attend college.