The New Liberal Podcast Building Excellent Schools ft. Jack Despain Zhou
Jul 15, 2025
Jack Despain Zhou, founder of the Center for Educational Progress, dives into the pursuit of excellence in education. He questions the balance between equity and academic performance, arguing that focusing solely on closing achievement gaps may hinder overall progress. The discussion also highlights innovative schools that personalize learning and the importance of inclusive yet rigorous academic standards. Parental concerns about advanced classes and grassroots movements striving for reform reveal the complexities of modern educational policy.
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Equity Can Distort Excellence
- The pursuit of equity in education often distorts the purpose of academically rigorous programs.
- Focusing solely on closing gaps has led to deprioritizing interventions that raise achievement for all students.
No Child Left Behind Failed Gap Closure
- The No Child Left Behind act aimed to close achievement gaps but ultimately failed.
- Children learn at different rates, so universal targets for all are unattainable and can hurt teachers and students.
Closing All Gaps Is Unrealistic
- Closing all academic gaps is impossible because education inherently creates skill differences.
- Important gaps like funding and access should be closed, but expecting equal performance level is unrealistic.
