The discussion delves into how a second Trump administration might reshape public education. Key topics include the potential impacts on immigration policies and undocumented students in schools. There’s an exploration of school choice and teacher unions, along with anticipated reforms affecting civil rights. The tension between national educational rhetoric and local realities is examined, alongside the recent Kentucky vote against private school vouchers. Activism and community engagement are promoted as crucial responses to these changes.

Rebecca Jacobson, a Professor of education policy at Michigan State University, explores the intertwining of politics and education. She discusses the rising chaos and conflict schools face, driven by the politics of disruption. Key insights reveal the financial and emotional toll of educational disputes on school communities. The conversation also highlights the need to reconnect with local communities to foster collaboration and address the damaging effects of nationalized politics on governance in education.

David Labaree, an education historian and professor emeritus at Stanford, dives deep into the ongoing debate over high school exit exams in Massachusetts. He argues that high schools have never been effective at preparing students for future jobs, leading to a troubling focus on standardized testing. Labaree discusses how educational systems evolved from fostering citizenship to prioritizing workforce readiness, all while critiquing the implications of educational privilege and the need for more inclusive educational policies.

Adam Lotz, a historian and author of "Mr. Lancaster's System," joins the conversation about the curious history of American public education. He introduces Joseph Lancaster, an early edu-grifter whose self-taught schooling model promised free education. Lotz dissects the cyclical nature of educational reforms and critiques past efforts at privatization. They discuss the historical reluctance to fund equitable education, underscoring the need for renewed community engagement and state involvement in public schooling.

In Fort Collins, community members passionately resist the closure of schools, revealing deep emotional ties and urgent educational concerns. The discussion delves into the complexities of school closure policies, highlighting the harsh realities faced by families. Insights from local reporters shed light on funding and demographic shifts. Grassroots advocacy shines as parents voice fears of 'school deserts.' The narrative also critiques the shift from community-oriented schools to a consumerist model, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms in education.

When Courtney Gore ran for school board in a deep red Texas county, she pledged to root out indoctrination. But once she got into office, Gore could find no evidence of indoctrination happening in the local schools. She has since disavowed the far-right platform she ran on and now argues that the school culture wars are being ginned up in order to build support for private school vouchers–and a growing number of local Republicans agree with her. Education journalist Karin Chenoweth interviewed Gore on her podcast, Democracy and Education, and gave us permission to share their conversation on Have You Heard. The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast

David Backer, a school district finance expert, challenges the standard solutions of cutting budgets, firing staff, and closing schools as responses to financial crises in education. He sheds light on the complex causes behind funding issues, such as declining enrollment and the end of federal aid. Backer advocates for empowering educators and communities with knowledge to fight for equitable funding. He also discusses innovative ideas, like creating a national infrastructure bank, to enhance educational finance.

Tom Berkshire, a passionate advocate for children and reforming the foster care system, shares insights alongside journalist and educator Nora De La Cour. They explore Treehouse, a unique community in Massachusetts fostering love and support for foster kids while providing affordable housing for seniors. The conversation highlights the importance of intergenerational bonds, community resilience, and the challenges faced by those in the foster care system. Listeners are uplifted by personal stories illustrating the transformative power of belonging and mentorship.

Education experts Erik Anderson, Noliwe Rooks, and Derek Gottlieb discuss the intense push to privatize schools, the importance of defending public education in rural communities, and the significance of uniting to protect democratic establishments such as public schools. The podcast covers anecdotes, scholar contributions, and upcoming products related to their new book, The Education Wars.

Education scholar Mark Chin discusses his research on the impact of school integration in the South, finding that students who attended integrated schools became less conservative and more tolerant adults. This challenges the focus on test scores in education policy and sheds light on the current trend of school privatization in the South aiming to produce more conservative and less tolerant individuals.