The Harvard EdCast

Meira Levinson, political philosopher at HGSE reflects on the challenges of teaching 9/11 in the classroom and how to explain these events as both a mother or teacher to children born after September 12th.

U.N. Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Thompson discusses the role of education in sustainable development, an upcoming 'Earth Summit' in Rio, and life at the U.N.

Martin West, assistant professor of education at HGSE shares surprising new data on the public's perception of school reform.

Lisa henson edcast final by Harvard Graduate School of Education

Martha L. Minow, dean of the Harvard Law School shares her thoughts on the convergence of education and law, her new book 'In Brown's Wake', and teaching a young Barack Obama.

Lisa Henson, CEO of The Jim Henson Company, reflects on her father’s creation of the Muppets and the family company’s continuing impact on children’s learning with shows such as “Dinosaur Train” and “Sid the Science Kid.”

Marian Wright Edelman, president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund reflects on her work defending the cause of children, her life and leadership, and preparing for countless commencement speeches over the years. Marian Wright Edelman has been an advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life. Under her leadership, CDF has become the nation's strongest voice for children and families. The Children's Defense Fund's Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Lois Lowry, author of The Giver and Number the Stars discusses children's literature, reading, and her books (slowly) being made into movies.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Professor Daniel Koretz, an expert in school testing, discusses inappropriate test prep in schools and how, unfortunately, there is little parents can do about it.

Lawrence Blum, author of the book "High Schools, Race, and America's Future" reflects on his experience teaching a rigorous high school course on race and racism.