Have You Heard

Susan Engel, a research psychologist and professor at Williams College, dives deep into the world of kindergarten, drawn from her observations across 29 classrooms nationwide. She reveals how kindergarten acts as a developmental turning point, shaping children's identities and social skills. Engel shares fascinating insights on balancing play with academic rigor and critiques the current overemphasis on phonics that may hinder a love for reading. She highlights effective teaching that prioritizes intellectual curiosity, urging a reevaluation of how we nurture young learners.

In this compelling discussion, Kevin Kumashiro, former dean and author, and Laura K. Fields, scholar and author of 'Furious Minds,' delve into the MAGA vision for education. Kumashiro reveals how Christian nationalism seeks to reshape public schools with a dual strategy of deinstitutionalization and re-Christianization. Fields introduces the 'new right' intellectuals influencing a push for patriotic curricula and critiques the response to the 1619 Project. Both guests highlight the urgent need to address the meaning crisis in education while advocating for a pluralistic approach in schools.

Patrick Brosnan, executive director of the Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, and Sofia Rodriguez, an associate professor at NYU, dive into the past and present of immigrant education rights. They discuss the impact of ICE activities in Chicago schools and explore the implications of the Plyler v. Doe ruling. Patrick shares efforts like the Southwest Rapid Response Team to protect students, while Sofia highlights local victories in legislation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community organizing and the critical need for educators to advocate for immigrant rights.

Have You Heard heads to Florida, where education policy is increasingly being determined by wealthy donors. We meet a billionaire who has been putting big bucks behind a very particular vision for the state’s education future. And we learn, yet again, that even the best laid plans have a way of going awry. Corporate influence exposer Jason Garcia and public education advocate Sue Woltanski take us on a tour of the Florida swamp, while Jack provides some answers to a question that many Floridians are asking these days: whatever happened to local control? The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast

Quinn Slobodian, a historian and Boston University professor, dives into the resurgence of race science and its political roots. He reveals how the fixation on IQ mirrors historical social upheavals, linking modern arguments to the 1970s and 1990s. Slobodian discusses the damaging implications of these ideas for public education and civil rights. He also examines how rhetoric around genetic determinism resurfaces as a backlash against social progress and explores the unlikely coalitions pushing for privatization in education. A thought-provoking conversation!

Emily Penner, an education researcher and co-author of 'Schooled and Sorted', explores how schools act as sorting machines contributing to social inequality. She discusses categorization in education and its lasting impact on student motivation and future opportunities. The conversation dives into Portland's Access Academy and the resource disparities it creates. Parents advocate against segregation in schools, pushing for a dialogue about privilege and solidarity in public education. Insightful recommendations for reshaping school categories are also shared.

A recent ruling declared Ohio’s billion-dollar religious school voucher program unconstitutional, sparking debates about its impact on public education. Experts articulate how vouchers drain public resources and conflict with the state constitution. Listeners voice both fear and hope as they navigate political shifts affecting local schools. Historical context from the Northwest Ordinance highlights education’s foundational role. Community engagement and advocacy emerge as vital strategies for protecting public education in Ohio.

David Backer, an education policy expert and author, dives deep into the financial struggles public schools face today. He discusses the impact of the sudden loss of $6.8 billion in federal funding and the challenges posed by legislation like House Bill 96. Backer also shares inspiring stories of community advocacy that led to funding formula changes. Highlighting candidates with progressive visions for urban education, he emphasizes the power of collective action in driving meaningful reform. Tune in for an insightful look into the future of school finance!

Discover the inspiring stories of eight former prison inmates now thriving at Boston College. They share their unique journeys from incarceration to higher education, reflecting on the joy and challenges of their new freedom. Milestones like the first on-campus graduate highlight their triumphs, while discussions on philosophy emphasize critical thinking and the power of questioning. The transformative impact of liberal arts education shapes their identities and fosters resilience, proving that learning can flourish even in the most unlikely environments.

Derek Gottlieb, a Professor of Education focused on accountability and governance, and Rachel White, an Associate Professor and former school board member, delve into the dynamics of local democracy in schools. They tackle the challenges of school boards as true democratic institutions, emphasizing community involvement and respectful discourse. The conversation also tackles the messy nature of public engagement and highlights the need for trained board members to foster trust and effective governance. Finally, they humorously critique the intrusion of cryptocurrency in education.