The Harvard EdCast

Questions about the power of report cards led high school history teacher Wade Morris to dig deep into how these pieces of paper came to carry so much weight in the world. In his book, “Report Cards: A Cultural History,” Morris uncovers the evolution and significance of report cards. “Since the birth of report cards, report cards have had critics and they've had reformers that have tried to create alternative systems,” he says.He traces the origins of report cards to the 1830s and 1840s, revealing how teachers in common schools grappled with the challenge of gaining parental support and controlling unruly students. Morris emphasizes that the emergence of report cards was a grassroots development, with teachers documenting their intentions and experimenting to find effective means of control. Over time, report cards have come to be more than just academic assessments and carry profound impact on students, parents, and teachers. “[Report cards are] effective at motivating students even though it's an extrinsic motivation that has all kinds of unintended consequences like anxiety and sometimes bitterness and neurosis and self-loathing.” Morris says. “And it's also extremely effective at still today winning over the support of parents…I still save report cards of my kids. Now they're digital. They're in a Google Drive now, but we still save them. And because there's something deeply rooted about our psyche… report cards are a great way of controlling people because we like it.”Morris says reports cards are instruments of documentation and surveillance, having a unique role in shaping power dynamics within the educational landscape and also influence college admissions, job applications, and even juvenile corrections systems. In this episode of the EdCast, Morris shares how understanding the historical context of report cards can provide a sense of wisdom and perspective. He encourages parents and educators to navigate the complexities of the educational system with a deeper awareness of its evolution and the inherent challenges associated with grading and assessment.

A superintendent of Batesville Public Schools in Arkansas implemented a solar energy initiative to overcome financial challenges and provide raises for teachers. The project rapidly implemented solar initiatives, gaining credibility and inspiring students. The positive impact on education and community was highlighted, along with the satisfaction of conservatives and liberals.

A rise in mass shootings and growing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas War are just a couple things that children are likely hearing about – regardless how parents may try to shield them. These events compounded with other factors like existential uncertainty, the pervasive influence of social media, and a breakdown of civility in society are likely impacting children today and contributing to increased anxiety, says Abigail Gewirtz, a professor of psychology at Arizona State University. Many of today’s challenges are unfamiliar with parents who are left trying to figure out the best way to respond. “Parents are dealing with things in this generation that parents didn't have to deal with, at least in the last couple of generations. And that's a tricky thing to do, to know what to say, how to say, when to say it, what to listen for,” she says. Although it may seem like there is nothing a parent can do, Gewirtz believes parents can take on these difficult conversations. In this episode of the EdCast, she shares effective communication strategies, including regulating parents' emotions and engaging in problem-solving conversations with children, and strking the balance between shielding children and providing age-appropriate information. “I just want to acknowledge there's no resolution to these terrible events. But when I talk about resolution I'm thinking about how we can empower our children to feel better,” Gewirtz says. “These things worry us and upset us. And often we can be left feeling like, ‘There's nothing I can do,’ and we can be left feeling hopeless. But I think one of the most important messages that parents can convey to children is there is always something you can do.”

Resistance to change in higher education, the role of shared governance and tenure, challenges and potential innovations in higher education, rising costs and access, importance of technology and self-directed learning.

What does it mean to raise a grateful child? Developmental scientist and psychologist Andrea Hussong from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill says it’s a lot more than teaching your child about basic manners. In fact, it’s a lot deeper than that and parents play a crucial role in modeling gratitude, how they create opportunities for children to experience gratefulness, and even talking to their children about it. After studying parents and children, she recognized components of gratitude: what we notice, how we think or feel about it, what we do and how we enact grateful behaviors. “One of the big things that gratitude does that I think is so important for kids is it helps us find people in our environment that care about us.” Hussong says. “It strengthens our relationship with them, and it makes that support network surround us with a little more care. And we know social support is so important, particularly now, when we're dealing with these pandemics of loneliness and isolation. We really need that.”In this episode of the EdCast, Hussong shares strategies that can help your child develop a deeper understanding of gratitude,  how you can foster it in the hearts and minds of your children, and the way to pivot as your child becomes a teenager. She also addresses the potential impact of gratitude on mental health. 

Tony DelaRosa, an author emphasizing the importance of being pro-Asian American in the classroom, discusses the challenges teachers face in implementing Asian American education. He emphasizes the need for racial literacy and the importance of focusing on Asian American joy. DelaRosa explores the concept of being pro Asian American, highlighting its connection to other social movements. He also discusses the importance of intersectionality in understanding Asian American experiences and addresses the challenges of racial education and the need for cross coalition building.

Neuroscientist Nadine Gaab argues for early intervention in dyslexia and other learning differences, emphasizing the need to move away from a reactive deficit-driven model. Brain alterations are already present in infancy, making early identification crucial. Universal dyslexia screening is just the tip of the iceberg; the entire community should be involved. Reading development starts before birth, and early intervention is vital. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in advocating for children with reading disabilities.

Justin Cohen, writer and activist who authored, 'Change Agents: Transforming Schools from the Ground Up,' discusses the challenges of implementing change in schools. He emphasizes the importance of open conversations, empowering educators, and avoiding misconceptions. The disconnect between policymakers and educators is highlighted, along with the need for continuous improvement habits and administrative support. Forming a group or 'crew' for change is also discussed, as well as the timeline for educational change and the impact of instant success expectations.

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education in light of the Supreme Court's decision to end race conscious admissions. It explores the need for new approaches to DEI work, highlights the impact of removing affirmative action on higher education diversity, and discusses the challenges and resistance against DEI in colleges and universities. The episode also addresses strategies for creating inclusive climates in DEI work.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we work with implications for the future.  A recent study, conducted by edX Founder Anant Agarwal and Workplace Intelligence,  reveals how AI is already impacting the workforce. With the explosion of AI, 87 percent of executives are already struggling to find talent for jobs. In order to prepare students for the future -- this means educators must also learn to incorporate AI in their work and classrooms, he says. Agarwal compares the adaption of AI in education as similar to other technological innovations like the Internet. “While students should learn how to use AI to research stuff and how to find different kinds of content, we need to help them understand how to use it in their day-to-day lives and at work, much as we brought in search engines and the Internet into the education process without fighting it," he says.In this episode of the EdCast, Agarwal discusses why everyone needs to upskill in AI and how educators can begin learning more about AI in order to figure out the best approach in the classroom.