Have You Heard

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.

In this insightful discussion, John Warner, author and expert in writing education, and Ben Riley, founder of Cognitive Resonance, challenge the frenzy surrounding AI in education. They dissect the long history of tech hype and its implications, urging listeners to question the true potential of AI tools. The duo emphasizes the risks of blindly adopting new technologies, critiques the impact of these pressures on learning, and highlights the importance of understanding human cognition amid innovation. A compelling mix of skepticism and critical thoughts!

Legal scholar Derek Black, a critic of anti-DEI measures during the Trump era, delves into the constitutional implications of ‘loyalty oaths’ in schools. He connects historical struggles for Black literacy to today's educational censorship, emphasizing how such measures threaten democracy’s foundations. Black advocates for robust public education as essential to free speech and due process, urging collective action and resilience in the face of adversity. His insights provoke thought on the narrative of American identity and the role of literature in fostering courage against oppression.

We’re headed to California, where high school students will soon be required to complete an ethnic studies course in order to graduate. The policy has set off the predictable culture war response, with critics charging that ethnic studies is indoctrination, activism, DEI, CRT, etc. But lost in the fog of backlash are the impressive results that ethnic studies has shown for students who struggle in school, including boosting attendance, GPA, and engagement. So what’s the problem? It turns out that ethnic studies’ inherent activism is precisely why the course is so effective, and why it’s such a target these days. The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast

Michael Hicks, Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, dives deep into Indiana's troubling educational landscape. He critiques disastrous policy choices over the past decade, including cuts to K-12 education and the inequities of the school voucher program. Hicks argues that these moves have widened the gap in educational attainment and economic prosperity. The conversation highlights the nostalgic pull towards a less educated past and warns of the long-term repercussions of neglecting investment in education.

The best schools in the country may be run by - wait for it - the Defense Department. But as education researcher Kenneth Wong tells us, the schools’ success is a fairly recent development, reflecting a years-long overhaul centered on improving teaching and learning. Alas, the ‘what works’ era that would have once sent education experts rushing to the scene in search of the secret sauce is no more. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has priortized the crusade against DEI while his boss has ordered him to draw up a plan to voucher-ize the schools. The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast

Vermont's public schools are facing a 'perfect storm' of rising costs and declining enrollment, igniting taxpayer unrest. A recent Supreme Court ruling complicates matters by demanding public funds for religious education. The state's governor proposes a radical transformation of the educational landscape. The discussion highlights the connection between public education and workforce development, emphasizing the need for community involvement to navigate these turbulent times. Will Vermont's challenges foreshadow issues in other states?

Like just about everyone these days, our own Jack Schneider is troubled–make that frightened–by our political landscape. But however deep our divides may be, there’s one issue that can, if not bring us together, allow for at least a conversation. The dismantling of the public education system would be so obviously bad for all of us that maybe, just maybe, a shout from the other side of the partisan divide might actually be heard. In this Letter to a Trump Voter, Jack reminds us of all the important areas of aggreement Americans actually share when it comes to their public schools. "Maybe if we can agree to protect public education we can find other things to agree on." Music for the episode provided by the brilliant Francisco Rafart. Song list: - Caminito del Turia - Always with you - Andes Haze - Magic Concepts Links to music: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EIxblOsWLuH54ZRWDuw1m Website https://rafartmusic.com/albums The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast