Diane Ravitch

Diane Ravitch, an author and historian at New York University, critiques the charter school movement in her latest discussion. She explains her journey from supporter to skeptic, emphasizing how charter schools drain resources from public education. Ravitch explores the detrimental effects of billionaires' investments in education and the misinformation spread by 'Waiting for Superman.' She also highlights the dedication of teachers in underfunded schools and calls for a systemic rethink of educational equity and support.

Diane Ravitch, an education policy expert, discusses the unintended consequences of popular education reform movements such as accountability and choice. She argues that these reforms have corrupted testing, taken time away from other subjects, and failed to boost success in math and reading. The discussion also explores the manipulation of numbers in education and business, the flaws in the No Child Left Behind policy, the history and impact of voucher programs, the success of Catholic schools, the growth and impact of the charter school movement, and the importance of parental involvement in education.

Diane Ravitch, a historian of education and former Assistant Secretary of Education, discusses her remarkable journey from promoting standardized testing and school vouchers to advocating for public schools and tackling poverty. She reflects on her relationships with influential thinkers and how her experiences shaped her views. Ravitch emphasizes the harms of high-stakes testing, the need for robust support for teachers, and her commitment to social justice. Her candid memoir reveals her transformation and calls for action against inequality in education.