EconTalk Robert Pondiscio on How the Other Half Learns
May 18, 2020
Robert Pondiscio, an author and senior fellow at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, shares his transformative experience at a Success Academy Charter School. He highlights the innovative approaches that lead low-income students to remarkable academic success. The conversation also addresses the complexities of educational equity, parental involvement, and the need for a well-rounded curriculum beyond just core subjects. Pondiscio challenges conventional perspectives on education reform and emphasizes the importance of structure in fostering effective learning environments.
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Career Shift to Teaching
- Robert Pondiscio, a former journalist, transitioned to teaching in his late 30s.
- He initially planned to teach for two years, but it became a five-year commitment, sparking his passion for education.
The Black Box of Education
- Education reform often overlooks the practical aspects of teaching, focusing instead on structures and outcomes.
- Pondiscio highlights the lack of guidance for new teachers on curriculum and instruction, emphasizing the need for practical knowledge.
Lack of Curriculum Guidance
- When Pondiscio asked his principal what he should teach, the response was that he should know what each child needs.
- He found this unhelpful, highlighting the disconnect between administration and practical classroom needs.
