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."