This week, Chandler Fritz, author of Harper’s Magazine’s cover story The Homemade Scholar, shares what he discovered when teaching in an ESA-funded micro-school—including a lackluster curriculum but undeniably joyful kids.

On the Research Minute, Adam Tyner unpacks California’s big school-spending surge—showing that despite major funding increases, starting teacher pay hasn’t risen and staffing levels have barely changed.

Recommended content

The Homemade Scholar —Chandler Fritz, Harper’s Magazine
The “à la carte education” accountability conundrum —Michael J. Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Student experience data is sending a message. Will we listen? —Dr. Deborah A. Gist for the Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Why I’m wary of universal education savings accounts —Chester E. Finn, Jr., Thomas B. Fordham Institute
Doing educational equity right: School finance —Michael J. Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham
Teacher Staffing Trends in California: Assessing the Impact of Recent Spending —Julien Lafortune, Iwunze Ugo, and Brett Guinan, PPIC (2025)

Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for our show? Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

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