The Education Exchange

Heather Mac Donald, the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Mac Donald's recent article, which is critical of the changes the Trump Administration has made with the National Science Foundation. Mac Donald's article, "Trump Takes on Big Science," is available now from City Journal. https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-national-science-foundation-education-grant-funding

Ilya Marritz, an independent journalist, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Marritz's recent reporting on the relationship between Alan Garber, the president of Harvard University, and Jay Bhattacharya, who is currently the director of the National Institutes of Health. Marritz's article, "Alan Garber's former student now holds the keys to Harvard's future," is available now from The Boston Globe. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/11/metro/alan-garbers-former-student-now-holds-keys-harvards-future/

Scott R. Levy, an Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education and author of 'Why School Boards Matter', discusses the pivotal role of school boards in today's educational landscape. He highlights their transformation from operational roles to governance entities, emphasizing community engagement amid declining enrollments. Levy also tackles the rise of homeschooling, the importance of local autonomy, and the need for transparency in educational policies. His insights delve into balancing state oversight with parental control, essential for fostering effective learning environments.

Brian Stephens, the CEO of Caissa K12, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss how public schools can make themselves more appealing to students and parents as vouchers and tax credits becomes more popular across the country.

Paul Carrese, a Professor in the School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Columbia University's recent $200 million settlement with the Trump administration.

Derrell Bradford, the president of 50CAN, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss how states might react to the new tax credit scholarship provision that was part of budget reconciliation bill, which was passed by Congress and signed into law on July 4, 2025.

Ester Fuchs, Professor of International and Public Affairs and Political Science at Columbia University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss the New York City mayoral race, and what it could mean for education in the city.

Robert Maranto, the 21st Century Chair in Leadership in the Department of Education Reform at the University of Arkansas, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss the Free Inquiry Papers, a project which looks into how freedom of expression was suppressed at institutions of higher education, and how universities can change course. "The Free Inquiry Papers: How to Bring Back Free Inquiry," co-written with Sally Satel, Catherine Salmon, and Lee Jussim, is available now. https://www.aei.org/research-products/report/the-free-inquiry-papers-how-to-bring-back-free-inquiry/

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