Have You Heard

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.

Co-founder of Braver Angels, Bill Doherty, discusses how polarized debates over education can be tackled, emphasizing the need for civil discourse and understanding differing viewpoints. The podcast explores bridging political divides, addressing racial tensions through dialogue, and uniting Americans in divisive times through grassroots efforts and advocating for education policies.

Author Jonathan Gyurko discusses the concept of publicization in education, advocating for truly public schools. Topics include funding, governance, accountability, and redefining the purpose of school. Moving beyond privatization requires a hopeful vision of education.

The podcast explores Idaho's success in rejecting school vouchers, attributing it to grassroots organizing and influential business opposition. It delves into the challenges of rural school district consolidation and the influence of billionaires on education policies, revealing the complex motivations behind their support of voucher programs.

From huge voucher programs that shift funding to private schools that don’t have to accept kids with disabilities to a backlash against funding, special education and the students who rely on it are newly vulnerable. In this powerful episode we hear from parents and advocates in six states about their concerns. And we’re reminded that the nation’s commitment to educating kids with special needs has always been tenuous. The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast Or donate on PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/haveyouheardpodcast

Legal expert Rachel Laser and plaintiffs discuss the dangers of tax-funded religious charter schools. They highlight the implications for civil and disability rights and labor protections. Despite challenges, there is hope in the public's resistance to the blending of church and state.

Debunking the myth of a looming skills gap in the economy, authors challenge the narrative driven by figures like Bill Gates. They explore the influence of policy elites on education and politics, advocating for a more holistic approach to economic challenges. Emphasizing the importance of questioning data and values in policy debates, the podcast delves into the transformative potential of education and collective actions.

The podcast explores the rise of 'war moms' in defense of public schools, with guest Ashley Daly from Oklahoma. It delves into the influence of politics on education, the importance of diverse literature, and the role of women in advocacy. Additionally, it discusses the impact of centralized education systems and previews upcoming book releases and virtual reading groups.

Former teacher Nora De La Cour thinks test-centric reforms have drained the life from public schools, demoralizing teachers and leaving students feeling disillusioned. She discusses the appeal of right-wing educational offerings and the battle for public education, the shift in teaching emphasis, sidelining of literature in the Common Core curriculum, teacher motivation, and the problems with standardized testing and education policy.