Vol 14 - Jed And Andy Tackle The Hairiest Education Problems WonkyFolk podcast

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Recorded live at the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools’ annual conference in Orlando , this special episode of WonkyFolk features a candid and thought-provoking interview with education leader and author Steven Wilson . Hosts Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace sit down with Steven to unpack his latest book, The Lost Decade , and explore what it means for the future of education reform. In their signature style—honest, informed, and unafraid of disagreement—Andy and Jed also share reflections from the conference floor and dig into the hard questions facing the charter movement today. It’s a conversation rich with insight, nuance, and vision for what comes next. 🎙️ In This Episode: • Steven Wilson breaks down the themes of The Lost Decade • Reflections on leadership, accountability, and innovation in schools • Why reform feels stuck—and what might move it forward • Conference takeaways and real-time reactions from the field • A few lively disagreements between Jed and Andy (naturally!) This is an essential listen for anyone working in or thinking about public education today. Watch it on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxLaJmygER8…

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Vol 26 - SCOTUS Punts 52:11

il y a 8 weeks52:11

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On this episode of WonkyFolk , Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace dig into the surprising 4-4 split from the U.S. Supreme Court on the controversial St. Isidore religious charter school case—and what it means for the future of public education, church-state boundaries, and the charter movement. They also explore big-picture trends reshaping education, from the erosion of academic rigor in K-12 to the political dynamics behind school funding, college value, and the explosion of school choice across the country. Plus, a deep dive into Steven Wilson’s new book on merit, equity, and excellence in education—and why it may signal a turning point for liberal education reformers. 👉 Topics include: Why the SCOTUS tie wasn’t just procedural—it was a signal The evolving politics of school choice and teacher pay in red states Are we underestimating the college-for-all backlash? Virtual schooling and its quiet but growing policy momentum Why merit still matters—and what Democrats risk by abandoning it 📝 Show notes include: Steven Wilson’s book Chad Aldeman on jobs Eduwonk (Andy's blog) post on books 4-4 Drummond decision Mark Walsh and Andy on SCOTUS cases The National Alliance’s standout amicus brief Jed and Starlee's conversation Texas virtual bill Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review—every little bit helps us keep it wonky.…

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Vol 25 - The Boys Speculate Wildly 1:02:59

il y a 11 weeks1:02:59

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In this episode of WonkyFolk , Jed Wallace and Andy Rotherham do what they do best—speculate wildly about the forces disrupting public education today and what might lie ahead. Prompted by Marlon Marshall’s recent insight on the need to “make progress amid the disruption,” the boys take on some of the biggest questions facing schools and policymakers right now. Will the St. Isidore Supreme Court case redefine what it means to be a public school? Could religious charter schools become a new frontier—or a new fault line—in education policy? What happens when AI enters the classroom faster than we’re ready for? And will federal funding keep pace with an increasingly decentralized education landscape? As always, Jed and Andy mix sharp analysis with insider perspective, offering a candid and occasionally irreverent take on where things stand and where they could be headed. Whether you’re a charter school leader, policy wonk, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and a few eyebrow-raising predictions. Takeaways: In this episode, we discuss the implications of the Supreme Court case regarding AI's role in education advocacy and school funding. We reflect on the challenges faced by school districts amid budget constraints and the increasing complexity of educational policies. The conversation emphasizes the need for education advocates to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on learning outcomes. We explore the potential consequences of the SCOTUS ruling on charter schools and the broader educational landscape across the United States. As we analyze the current state of education funding, we highlight the critical importance of maintaining equitable resources for all students. Finally, we express cautious optimism about the role of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool in education, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Notes: Article from The Dispatch on SCOTUS decision on charter schools: https://thedispatch.com/article/supreme-court-religious-charter-schools/ EduWonk on SCOTUS: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/wednesdays-department-of-education US News on the changing role of States in education: https://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/2015/12/10/new-education-law-is-bad-news-for-accountability…

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Vol 24 - Not All is Lost (Just Some) 58:34

il y a 17 weeks58:34

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Andy and Jed talk about the evolving landscape of education policy and its implications for both K-12 and higher education. They discuss recent developments, the complexities introduced by political dynamics and regulatory changes, the challenges faced by educational institutions, the impact of immigration on the workforce, and the necessity for reform in response to society's shifting needs. Jed and Andy also explore the potential consequences of the Supreme Court's decisions on charter schools and the broader implications for educational equity and access. Ultimately, they assert the importance of fostering resilient educational systems that can adapt effectively to the demands of an ever-changing world. They wrap things up by wondering what kind of swag they should give listeners. What's your vote? Takeaways: The conversation between Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace delves into the complexities surrounding higher education and charter schools. Both speakers express concern over the current state of higher education, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of its economic model. Rotherham highlights the troubling dependency of higher education institutions on federal funding and its implications for autonomy. Wallace shares a poignant story about former students overcoming challenges, illustrating the transformative power of education in the face of adversity. Notes: Dana Goldstein at NYT on college for all : BPC Commission on the American Workforce Emily Yoffe at the Atlantic about Race and Sexual Assault Cases on College Campuses Education at Economic Mobility - Ron Haskins at Brookings. Eduwonk on the Trump EO event Klein's interview with David Shor at the NYT about post-election polling. Abundance book by Klein and Thompson Why Nothing Works book by Dunkelman Shapiro on Bill Maher Gavin Newsom Takes Criticism About His New Podcast CharterFolk post - Graph of Century . Margaret Spellings Comment on Department of Education Oklahoma Governor's comments on audit of Tulsa schools Eduwonk post - Religious charter schools College is worth it - especially if you are low-income (Time article)…

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Vol 23 - LIVE: Crazy Times Call For a Stiff Whiskey (Folk) 1:03:14

il y a 22 weeks1:03:14

1:03:14

In this live Washington, D.C. episode, Jed and Andy tackle the early policy shifts of the new Trump administration and what they mean for charter schools, education funding, and equity . They discuss the chaotic rollout of federal budget cuts , block grants , and DEI policies , analyzing how these moves may shape the future of public education—especially in blue states. With federal oversight in flux , the conversation explores whether charter schools could be left without a seat at the table , the potential impact of religious charter schools , and the broader political realignment in education policy . The episode wraps up with a live audience Q&A , bringing in diverse perspectives on school choice, funding inequities, and the future of education reform . Key Takeaways: ✔ The chaotic pace of policy changes under the new administration and how it differs from 2017 ✔ The potential risks of block grants for charter schools, particularly in blue states ✔ The legal and political implications of religious charter schools and upcoming Supreme Court rulings ✔ Why charter school advocates must define their values and strategy amid shifting political winds ✔ The growing divide between red and blue states on public education policy Notes & References Eduwonk on IES cuts and the cultural moment we're in Eduwonk on the recent "Dear Colleague" letter SCOTUS Blog on the Oklahoma religious charter school case…

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Vol 22 - It Was My Understanding There Would Be No Math 1:05:03

il y a 25 weeks1:05:03

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In volume 22, we engage with Karim Ani, the founder of Citizen Math, who shares profound insights into the realm of mathematics education and its implications for democratic discourse. Central to our conversation is Karim's candid reflection on his personal journey, culminating in his decision to retire from American education, a choice influenced by both creative fulfillment and the formidable inertia within the educational system. Throughout our dialogue, we explore the necessity of reforming math education to better connect with real-world issues, emphasizing the importance of utilizing mathematics as a lens through which students can engage with contemporary societal challenges. Karim's narrative is not merely an account of his professional transitions; it is a clarion call for reimagining educational practices to foster a more engaged and rational citizenry. Ultimately, this episode serves as both a farewell to Karim's contributions and an invitation to rethink the foundational principles that guide our approach to teaching mathematics in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Takeaways: The podcast features a profound dialogue with Karim Ani, who shares his insights on the evolution of math education and its impact on society. Karim Ani reflects on his personal journey through math education and the importance of using mathematics to foster rational discourse in democratic contexts. Listeners are encouraged to ponder the disconnect between traditional math education and its real-world applications, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach. The discussion highlights the necessity of supporting teachers with effective resources, thus enhancing the learning experience for students in mathematics. Karim Ani advocates for a shift from abstract math problems to real-world scenarios that engage students in meaningful ways through mathematics. The podcast concludes with a vision for a collaborative classroom environment, where students work together on community-driven projects to apply their mathematical knowledge. Mentions in this episode: Karim's book, "Dear Citizen Math" Citizen Math Wheat and Chessboard problem Karim on Instagram…

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Vol 21 - 2024 Lookback, 2025 Forecast, and the Boys Don Their Holiday Best 53:50

il y a 31 weeks53:50

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We missed our November recording due to me coming down with the crud. It left us a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time. Topics we touch upon include: Elections perspective six weeks later Linda McMahon reactions, including a somewhat surprising lack of acrimony across the political spectrum on her nomination. The biggest story in public education this year - Democrats embrace stasis, while Republicans embrace ESAs and vouchers. Are Dems approaching a "gray divorce" on their education priorities, while Republicans head into a "honeymoon period" on ESAs and vouchers? The biggest story regarding charter schools - Are charter schools in a "sweet spot" or in a "dead zone" headed into 2025? And our biggest reasons for optimism and concern headed into 2025. References: * Tim Daly's piece: https://www.educationdaly.us/p/we-are-in-the-midst-of-an-educational * Election reax: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/shellacked-what-are-the-education * Fiscal situation: https://www.pgpf.org/article/7-charts-that-show-how-the-nations-fiscal-outlook-worsened-in-2024/ * Andy and Lindsay Fryer discuss Linda McMahon: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7265157124941369344/comments/ * Musical chairs: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/charter-schools-might-not-have-a…

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Vol 20 - The “Just No Steely Dan” Episode - WonkyFolk Theme Music and the Need for a Stronger Education Theme in National Politics 40:37

il y a 39 weeks40:37

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Andy and Jed discuss what the theme music for their podcast should be before shifting to their voting experiences and frustrations with the current political landscape. The conversation delves into polarizing views on education, highlighting voter behavior differences, the impact of California politics, and significant historical events influencing perceptions. The nuances of charter school regulation, accountability, and data-driven decision-making are explored, emphasizing the difficulties of balancing regulation with performance metrics. The importance of evidence-based advocacy, critiques of past and current administrations, and the need for a balanced approach to promoting a healthy educational environment are underscored. Finally, the discussion addresses systemic issues in education, the challenge of intergenerational advocacy, and the impact of political climates on education reforms. Show Notes: PPI report https://www.progressivepolicy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/PPI_Searching-for-the-Tipping-Point-paper.pdf Parker Baxter Denver study https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider36/default-document-library/denver_systemwide_and_intervention-effects-technical-report-september-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=f4236bb4_1 Michael Bennet and Tom Boasberg on Denver https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider36/default-document-library/leading-for-equity-and-student-growth-lessons-transformation-the-denver-public-schools-sept-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=237174b4_1 Eduwonk on election https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/come-talk-ed-politics-plus-heres Chalkbeat on CO consolidation https://www.chalkbeat.org/colorado/2024/10/16/denver-families-for-public-schools-move-past-education-reform/ 74 on school choice referendum https://www.the74million.org/article/school-choice-questions-dominate-november-ballot-propositions/…

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Vol 19 – The Stamina Episode: Corey DeAngelis melts down, ESA funding questions rise up, Denver succeeds & Don Shalvey inspires. 55:51

il y a 43 weeks55:51

55:51

In this conversation, Andy and Jed discuss a range of topics related to education policies and the role of teacher unions, particularly reflecting on experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico and the United States. Jed shares his observations about the strong presence and activities of teacher unions in Oaxaca, contrasting them with unions in the U.S. The discussion extends to broader issues within the education sector, including the dynamics of charter schools, governance models, and the impact of large education reforms in cities like Denver and Indianapolis. They also touch on recent studies and political developments, such as the upcoming elections and their potential implications for education policies. Additionally, they reflect on the contributions and legacy of influential education leaders like Don Shalvey and Larry Rosenstock. Show Notes: Tim Daly on Finland https://www.educationdaly.us/p/the-rise-and-fall-of-finland-mania OG Eduwonk on Finland https://www.eduwonk.com/2004/04/finland-rising.html Eduwonk on DiAngelis https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/the-bloom-is-off-the-seth-rose-what 74 on DiAngelis backstory https://www.the74million.org/article/corey-deangelis-disgraced-not-by-liberals-he-trolled-but-right-wing-parents/ Denver Study https://publicaffairs.ucdenver.edu/docs/librariesprovider36/default-document-library/denver-study-summary-september-2024.pdf?sfvrsn=60236bb4_1 Denver Public Radio story https://www.cpr.org/2024/09/23/denver-public-schools-controversial-reform-successful/ Denver Post story https://www.denverpost.com/2024/09/23/denver-school-reform-academic-performance-study/ Matt Landner on ESA finance https://www.reimaginedonline.org/2023/07/arizona-governor-touts-misleading-narrative-on-arizona-empowerment-scholarship-program/ Bellwether school finance work https://bellwether.org/publications/splitting-the-bill/ Rotherham in New York Times on when teachers unions fought their own teachers over innovation: https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/opinion/10rotherham.html Jed Wallace on Don Shalvey https://www.charterfolk.org/remembering-don-shalvey-a-mid-summers-nights-dream-of-loving-what-we-do-and-who-we-do-it-with/ Eduwonk on Don Shalvey https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/don-shalvey Don Shalvey on doing what you love (Part 1) https://www.charterfolk.org/charterfolk-contributor-don-shalvey-education-equals-opportunity/ Don Shalvey on doing what you love (Part 2) https://www.charterfolk.org/charterfolk-contributor-don-shalvey-do-what-you-love-part-2/…

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Vol 18 - Jed and Andy Want Freedom from Dysfunction 49:44

il y a 47 weeks49:44

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Andy and Jed explore the intersection of education and politics in a rapidly changing landscape. They start by analyzing the Democratic Party's surprising silence on education during their convention, delving into why education has become a party splitter and how this could affect upcoming elections. The conversation then shifts to Kamala Harris' role and what her presidency might mean for education policy, especially concerning the influence of teacher unions and school choice. The hosts also tackle the Republican stance on universal vouchers, the evolving dynamics within the GOP, and the broader implications for urban education in cities like Chicago and St. Louis. This episode is packed with in-depth analysis, covering everything from the NEA's strategic influence to the potential long-term consequences of declining public school enrollment. Don't miss this insightful conversation that sheds light on the critical issues facing American education today. SHOW NOTES: Andy's Eduwonk post on Biden being a centrist Andy's Eduwonk post on Tim Walz Tim Daly's piece about grading the Biden Administration on education policy The cringy "Mommala moment" from the Drew Barrymore interview with Kamala Harris The full interview between Barrymore and Harris Derrell Bradford and Tim DeRoche's Op-Ed in the 74 about Milliken vs Bradley…

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Vol 17 - At the Edge of Seventeen with Lynne Graziano 53:21

il y a 1 year53:21

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In this thought-provoking episode, Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace are joined by Lynne Graziano from Bellwether Education Partners to dive deep into the complexities and inconsistencies of adolescent laws across the United States. Using Bellwether's new "Edge of Seventeen" report as a cornerstone, this discussion covers a wide range of topics from the age of consent and marriage laws to labor rights and education policies. *Key Topics Discussed:* - The diversity in state laws regarding age-related permissions. - Surprising statistics on child labor and marriage. - The influence of federalism on policy consistency. - The impact of these inconsistencies on today’s youth. - The role of schools and education policy in navigating these challenges. *Episode Highlights:* - [ 01:45 ] Introduction of guest Lynne Graziano and the Edge of Seventeen report. - [ 05:30 ] Discussion on the age of consent and marriage laws. - [ 15:00 ] The role of federal legislation in creating consistency. - [ 25:20 ] How adolescent laws impact education policies. - [ 35:45 ] Viewer Q&A and final thoughts. *Why Listen?* This episode is a must-listen for educators, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of youth, law, and education. You’ll gain fresh insights into the often-overlooked area of adolescent policy and its real-world implications. *Show Notes:* - Edge of Seventeen Report by Bellwether Education Partners: https://bellwether.org/publications/t... - Aspen on cross-partisanship: • Crossing the Partisan Divide in Educa... https://www.aspeninstitute.org/public... - Reagan Institute conference: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/reag... - SD state superintendent race: https://www.inforum.com/news/north-da... - NC state superintendent race: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/14/politi... - Eduwonk musical chairs post: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/charte... - Eduwonk musical chairs post: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/charter-schools-might-not-have-a - Brandon Brown agrees with Andy: https://x.com/BBrownIndy/status/1789041617715794327 - Travis Pillow agrees with Jed: https://x.com/travispillow/status/1789414349141856388 Thanks for listening! See you in the next episode of WonkyFolk!…

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Vol 16 - Hoodies, the Need to Buck Up, and Getting Crisp 49:50

il y a 1 year49:50

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This week Andy and I start out debriefing the ASU-GSV conference and explore why the open and optimistic spirit of that gathering feels so at odds with the vibe that prevails across much of ed reform these days. That leads to a discussion about Andy’s widely read article about ed reformers needing to buck up and realize the progress that has been made in recent decades. That leads me to chime in about the need to keep a decades-long view in order to appreciate the accomplishments of the charter school movement. We then talk about the fact that many ed reformers are in blue contexts, which are also the most difficult politically, and so the voice of those Folk is loud enough to drive the national narrative among ed reformers regarding prospects for continued impact, We close with Andy identifying the political folly of blues at a national level not embracing greater ed reform and charter schools as a way to win over critically needed swing voters. SHOW NOTES: ASU-GSV "Brave New World" keynote from Michael Moe Vinod Khosla interview from ASU-GSV “Buck Up!” article from Eduwonk Economist on YouGov Poll The live WonkyFolk episode where we both praise Starlee: Video | Audio Eduwonk’s Public Relationists V. Achievement Realists Article about Proposal to change a school in Gainesville, Florida to selective admissions CharterFolk post about charter school history not being "a bucket of ashes."…

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Vol 15 - Live at the Charter Growth Fund 1:08:17

il y a 1 year1:08:17

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Jed and Andy record WonkyFolk's first live session as they keynote at the Charter Growth Fund. WonkyFolk's first live episode discusses the vital role of charter schools and civic engagement in advocating for education reform, particularly within African American and Hispanic communities. Jed and Andy delve into policy-making dynamics, the influence of political affiliations on educational initiatives, and how charter schools can serve as catalysts for community mobilization towards improved educational outcomes. Highlighting the importance of a cohesive advocacy strategy, the podcast also explores the implications of school choice mechanisms like vouchers and Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), advocating for significant policy adjustments to ensure access to high-quality education for all, fulfilling diverse community requirements. 00:00 Welcome to the Wonky Folk Podcast Live Episode! 00:53 Kicking Off with a Live Audience: The Excitement and Challenges 01:48 Charter Schools Advocacy and the Impact of COVID-19 02:57 Navigating the Political Landscape of Charter Schools 07:54 The Importance of Narrative and Controversy in Advocacy 17:07 Exploring School Choice and the Political Divide 26:39 The Future of School Choice in a Polarized Political Climate 32:48 The Struggle for School Choice and Accountability 33:57 The Need for Strong Advocacy and Communication in Education 35:47 Challenges and Successes in Charter School Advocacy 38:30 The Importance of a Unified Advocacy Strategy 43:57 Navigating Political and Policy Challenges in Education Reform 50:13 Building a Stronger Narrative and Policy Agenda for Charter Schools 56:28 Engaging Communities and Shaping the Future of Charter Schools 01:07:57 Closing Remarks and the Path Forward…

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Vol 14 - Jed and Andy Tackle the Hairiest Education Problems 1:00:28

il y a 2 years1:00:28

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This week, Andy and I are talking about the furries, a fiscal cliff, higher education, and trade schools. You can also watch it on YouTube . Show Notes: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/theyre-furious-in-oklahoma-plus-baesler https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/01/17/fact-sheet-biden-harris-administration-announces-improving-student-achievement-agenda-in-2024/ Bellwether School Finance: https://bellwether.org/tag/school-finance/ Bellwether Admission: https://bellwether.org/beta/admission/ Higher Ed Hypocrisy: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/odds-ends-and-fish-higher-ed-pisa…

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Vol 13 – The American Dream Lives at WonkyFolk 51:31

il y a 2 years51:31