The Education Exchange

Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, dives into the recent federal tax credit scholarship provision passed by Congress. He discusses its potential to help low- to moderate-income families access private education, while exploring its impacts on public schools. Enlow highlights the complexities of school choice, including political dynamics affecting approval processes and funding disparities across states. The discussion reveals both optimism and significant challenges regarding the accessibility and effectiveness of these new educational funding initiatives.

Matthew Lenard, an assistant professor of education leadership and policy studies at Florida State University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Lenard's latest research, which investigates the impact of magnet schools on student learning. "The Attraction of Magnet Schools: Evidence from Embedded Lotteries in School Assignment," co-written with Umut Dur, Robert G. Hammond, Melinda Morrill, Thayer Morrill, and Colleen Paeplow, is available now as part of the Program on Education Policy and Governance Conference Papers Series. https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/Taubman/PEPG/research/PEPG25_15.pdf

"School Enrollment Shifts Five Years After the Pandemic," co-written with Abigail Francis, is available now. https://wheelockpolicycenter.org/high-quality-education/school-enrollment-shifts-five-years-after-the-pandemic/

Jim Blew, co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss a school choice provision in H.R. 1, the U.S. House reconciliation bill that has moved to the U.S. Senate, and its potential impact on education.

Vladimir Kogan, a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Ohio State University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss a new report which finds that half of school board election races go uncontested and that incumbents are reelected more than 80 percent of the time when they run. The report, "High Turnover with Low Accountability: Local School Board Elections in 16 States," co-written with Stéphane Lavertu and Zachary Peskowitz, is available here. https://edworkingpapers.com/ai25-1213

Anna J. Egalite, a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development in the College of Education at North Carolina State University joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss how the Covid-19 pandemic has helped drive school choice in the state of North Carolina.

Paul DiPerna, Vice President of Research and Innovation for EdChoice, dives into the shifting tides of public opinion on school choice. He discusses how support for vouchers and education savings accounts is rising, especially among minority communities. The podcast also compares polling methodologies and reveals surprising partisan divides in attitudes. DiPerna emphasizes regional differences and the role of messaging campaigns in shaping views, sparking a lively conversation on the future of educational options in America.

Angela R. Watson, a senior research fellow at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy, dives into the evolving world of homeschooling. She highlights the growth from 3% to 7% participation, revealing surprising demographics that challenge common stereotypes. Discussions include how state laws affect homeschooling rates, the significance of Education Savings Accounts, and parents’ unique definitions of success that often prioritize outcomes beyond traditional college pathways. Watson's insights paint a comprehensive picture of this dynamic educational landscape.

Jason Riley, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a columnist for the Wall Street Journal, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Riley’s new book, The Affirmative Action Myth: Why Blacks Don't Need Racial Preferences to Succeed.

David Figlio, the Gordon Fyfe Professor of Economics and Education at the University of Rochester, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Figlio's latest report, which investigates the effects of a Ohio school voucher program on student college success. The Effects of Ohio’s EdChoice Voucher Program on College Enrollment and Graduation, co-written with Matthew Chingos and Krzysztof Karbownik, is available now. https://www.urban.org/research/publication/effects-ohios-edchoice-voucher-program-college-enrollment-and-graduation