
Robert Pondiscio
Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and Commentary contributor. Focuses on education and school reform.
Top 5 podcasts with Robert Pondiscio
Ranked by the Snipd community

25 snips
Apr 21, 2023 • 57min
Ep. 146: Reading Comprehension is Not a Skill with Robert Pondiscio
Robert Pondiscio, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, challenges the notion that reading comprehension is merely a skill. He argues that comprehension relies heavily on background knowledge and discusses how knowledgeable readers excel in understanding texts. He also contrasts 'mirror' curricula that reflect students' experiences with 'window' curricula that expand their knowledge horizons. Pondiscio stresses that while independent reading is valuable, it cannot replace structured, knowledge-building instruction, which is crucial for real-world readiness.

10 snips
May 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Wreckage of K-12 Education
Robert Pondiscio, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and education reform expert, dives into the challenges plaguing K-12 education. He critiques the influence of wokeness on schooling and discusses how it undermines educational reforms. Pondiscio also addresses the decline in attendance and standards due to the pandemic, the impact of DEI policies, and the tensions between elite academic institutions and broader societal needs. He emphasizes the importance of high educational standards amidst cultural conflicts.

Dec 19, 2024 • 24min
The Deeper Purpose of Learning | Robert Pondiscio
Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and K-12 education expert, dives into the deeper purpose of education. He challenges the notion of 'teaching how to think,' emphasizing that thinking skills are domain-specific and rely heavily on background knowledge. Pondiscio advocates for the importance of literacy and classical education, which fosters a richer understanding of what it means to be human. He also highlights how education should focus on citizenship rather than just job preparation, making it an essential conversation about the future of learning.

Feb 21, 2024 • 33min
Robert Pondiscio on the Science of Reading
This week, Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former fifth-grade teacher, breaks down the science of reading and its significance for K-12 education. He shares insights from his own teaching experience with traditional literacy approaches, including the challenges in retraining teachers for new, evidence-based methods. Robert also discusses the importance of knowledge-building in reading, strategies for helping older students catch up, and the potential of AI to enhance literacy instruction. A thought-provoking discussion on education awaits!

Jun 30, 2021 • 54min
Robert Pondiscio – On How the Education System Went from Shaping Patriots to Indoctrinating Revolutionaries
Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former civics teacher, shares his insights on the evolution of public education. He discusses how the education system has shifted from fostering patriotism to promoting dissent and social justice ideologies. Pondiscio critiques the failures of education reforms and questions whether school choice effectively empowers parents. He emphasizes the need for a common curriculum to sustain democracy and warns against the pitfalls of legislation aimed at banning controversial ideas.


