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

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/

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/

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

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!

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."

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

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

Greetings, CharterFolk!

This week, Andy and I are talking with Nina Rees, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, regarding charter schools and the American Dream.

For those of you who would prefer a video recording, we provide a link to YouTube. 

This week some of the topics include:

• Introductions (00:01)
• One of the greatest accomplishments for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS) over the last decade (06:11)
• How we should we think about charters relative to other choice options and what we need by way of leadership and advocacy (11:30)
• Nina’s thoughts regarding the most pressing charter issues 11+ years ago v. today (15:21)
• Nina’s biggest surprise (18:27)
• A backstage pass to leading and organization like the NAPCS and some of Nina’s enduring memories (24:33)
• The political leaders who support charter schools during a period of intense polarization, what we can do to support continued bipartisanship, and the importance of future elections (28:47)
• How to keep a charter base together, especially during vexing issues facing charter schools (34:10)
• The area Nina would encourage CharterFolk to work on for charter school success (44:11)
• Nina’s billboard for charter schools, “A ticket to the American Dream” (47:22)

Notes:

You can use the following links to access:

·      The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools’ report, Believing in Public Education: A Demographic and State-level Analysis of Public Charter School and District Public School Enrollment Trends. https://publiccharters.org/newsroom/publications/2023-public-school-enrollment-trends-report/

·      WonkyFolk Vol 5 – Special CREDO Episode with Macke Raymond. https://www.charterfolk.org/captivate-podcast/vol-5-special-credo-episode-with-macke-raymond/

·      CREDO’s report, As a Matter of Fact: National Charter School Study III, which is the third installment of a multi-decade study examining the academic progress of students enrolled in charter schools compared with those enrolled in traditional public schools. https://ncss3.stanford.edu/

·      Jed Wallace’s article, “The Charter-School Movement Just Keeps On Keepin’ On: Its momentum catalyzed by shifting politics, new strength, better advocacy, and simple staying power”. https://www.educationnext.org/the-charter-school-movement-just-keeps-on-keepin-on/

Greetings, CharterFolk!

 This week, Andy and I are talking with David Griffith, Associate Director of Research at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, regarding The Education Competition Index: Quantifying competitive pressure in America’s 125 largest school districts, which indicates the death of traditional public schools has been greatly exaggerated.

 For those of you who would prefer a video recording, we provide a link to YouTube as well. 

This week some of the topics include:

• Introductions (00:01)
• A brief description of the study, its findings, and their significance (04:07)
• The effects of competition generally (06:54)
• Evolution of the role of competition as advocacy battles intensify and polarization increases (14:54)
• Other creative ideas to increase competition (16:10)
• Interesting findings on variation in competition by demographics of students (24:46)
• Thoughts regarding the ability of new ESAs and voucher programs to increase competition (31:01)
• Upcoming Fordham studies (39:42)

 Notes:

 You can use the following links to access:

 ·      The Education Competition Index: Quantifying competitive pressure in America’s 125 largest school districts

https://fordhaminstitute.org/national/research/education-competition-index-quantifying-competitive-pressure-americas-125-largest

As ever, I’m eager to hear feedback and suggestions from CharterFolk. So, if you have a chance to listen to the discussion and want to drop me a line with some thoughts, feel free to reach me at [email protected].

If you haven’t yet heard or seen previous volumes of WonkyFolk, you can access them here.

Meanwhile, I thank you once again for being part of the CharterFolk community and for the efforts you are making to improve educational opportunities in our country.