Planning Period

The recording studio was closed for the hurricane, so this week's episode is an old test episode! Jay and Robin discuss the Glee episode "The Substitute." Topics include how fun school should be, Gwyneth Paltrow's excellence, and Will Schuster's perpetuation of dangerous teaching stereotypes.

Jay and Robin discuss Stand and Deliver, the 1988 film about real life math teacher Jaime Escalante. Topics include: the bogus nature of educational research, difficulties with condensing time in adaptation, and other topics that are much more fun, we promise.

Robin and Jay discuss Mr. Holland's Opus, directed by Stephen Herek (who also directed the very similar film Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure) and starring Richard Dreyfuss. Topics include teacher fantasies, the fact that the order of scenes matters, and the absurdity of telling your deaf son "you wouldn't understand" in reference to John Lennon's murder.

It's Christmas in September as we cover Alexander Payne's The Holdovers. Topics include ethical dilemmas, whether or not to fail students, and Robin repeatedly referring to Angus as Agnes.

Jay and Robin discuss Peter Weir's Oscar winning film Dead Poets Society. Topics discussed include: the SNL sketch "Farewell, Mr. Bunting," the actual Understanding Poetry book, and parents refusing responsibility.

In the first ever episode of Planning Period, brothers & former teachers Jay and Robin discuss the classic Richard Linklater & Mike White film School of Rock. Topics include: Gen X sensibilities, vans without seatbelts, and critically oriented arts education theory.