Eric Kelderman

Sarah Mervosh, an education reporter at The New York Times, covers K-12 policy, while Eric Kelderman focuses on higher education for The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Jill Barshay reports for The Hechinger Report, emphasizing student learning. They delve into the Trump administration’s impact on education, alarming declines in reading, and rising absenteeism. They analyze cuts to education funding and discuss the looming challenges of graduation rates and FAFSA processing, highlighting crucial under-reported stories affecting schools.

Jaweed Kaleem, an education reporter for the Los Angeles Times, Eric Kelderman, a senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, and Siobhan Braybrook, an associate professor at UCLA, dive into the contentious $1 billion fine and grant freeze imposed by the Trump administration on UCLA. They discuss allegations of antisemitism and discrimination in admissions that have sparked significant backlash. The trio also explores how these developments may affect higher education, the strain on academic programs, and the tension between university funding and political pressures.

Maya Bhattacharjee-Marcantonio, co-founder of The Marcy Lab School, and Eric Kelderman, senior writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education, dive into the evolving landscape of education and careers. They discuss the rising trend of vocational training as a viable alternative to traditional college, especially for underserved communities. The guests share stories of individuals achieving success outside of college, the cultural shifts affecting perceptions of education, and the financial pressures driving young adults toward immediate workforce entry.