The Education Gadfly Show

Mike and Rick channel the shock jock king as they discuss the implications of Fordham’s science standards report (which made an appearance on the Stern show) and the latest NCLB waiver craziness. Amber looks at the recent MDRC study and Chris learns never to call a teacher cute.

Mike and Rick wonder what (if anything) Newt’s resurgence means for education in the 2012 election and whether the white working class would benefit from schools that sweat the small stuff. Amber delves into NCTQ’s latest teacher policy report and Chris ponders a texting-free education.

Fresh off his South American adventure (seriously!), Rick reunites with Mike to catch up on what he missed: NCLB reauthorization, tough talk in New York, and the fall of Tim Tebow. Amber explains why the latest value-added study really is a big deal and Chris describes a teacher scandal that really will leave you asking, “What’s up with that?”

This week, Janie explains why she wouldn’t want to head a school, Mike breaks down the latest NCLB proposal, and your hosts discuss how much online learning really costs. Amber explains the fuss around the Gates Foundation’s latest study, and Chris wonders what’s wrong with Tebowing.

The podcast kicks off the new year in style, with special guest commentary from Diane Ravitch on what 2012 will bring. Amber sees charter-school closures as a glass half empty and Chris loves up some celebrations.

This last 2011 installment of the Gadfly Show won’t disappoint, with Mike joined by Chris Tessone (formerly of Dollars and Sen$e fame). The two reflect on the past year in education reform before getting serious about charters, special education, and the achievement-gap truth. Amber splashes cold water on the teacher-residency model and Chris Irvine sees Santa-red.

Mike and Daniela go edu-meta, asking whether the accountability era has run its course, what the role of for-profits are in digital education, and how state-run districts and schools may reshape governance. Amber investigates the science “proficiency illusion” and Chris channels the Grinch.

Special guest appearance! Terry Ryan flies in from the Buckeye State to talk with Mike about charter incubators (using our new report as backdrop), the striking similarity between the EU and the Common Core, and D.C.’s school-choice initiatives. Amber dances the TUDA and Chris believes in Santa Claus.

Mike and Rick come out swinging after their Thanksgiving respites. In Pardon the Gadfly, they attack our current governance model, sympathize with Newt Gingrich, and consider what to do about private donations to public schools. Amber brings autonomy down to the school level and Chris requests a State of State Moral Standards.

With the closing of Zuccotti Park, Rick is back with the podcast in full force—shorts, Birkenstocks, and all. He talks with Mike about Fordham’s new digital-learning papers, union-school board incest, and our parenting problem. Amber reads from the digital-learning encyclopedia and Chris gives corporate sponsorship an A-plus.

Mike and Janie bite off big topics in this week’s podcast—from the repeal of SB5 to racial imbalances in gifted-ed programs to online learning. Amber wants CRPE to name names and Chris starts subbing for the pension benefits. You’re gonna want to sit down for this.

Everyone’s favorite guest host, Dave DeSchryver, joins Mike to discuss the 2011 NAEP results, ESEA reauth, and charter schools in middle-class locales. Amber dissects the Chinese education system and Chris extols the virtues of eating red meat.

Mike and Janie hold down the fort this week, discussing the Harkin-Enzi bill, same-sex schooling, and St. Louis (both its new gifted-ed program and the Cardinals). Amber evaluates teacher-prep programs and Chris finds a novel way to hide a bald spot.

Mike takes back the driver’s seat, with Rick, once-again, in his sidecar. Together, they offer up substantive takes on Harkin’s new ESEA bill, Jerry Brown’s API veto, and the role of for-profits in education; chat with Amber about controlled-choice programs; and go on a sting operation with Chris. Then they ride off into the sunset.

Janie and Daniela go two-for-two. This week they unpack Duncan’s teacher-prep plan, quality control in digital learning, and the parallels between football and education. Amber boots out ineffective teachers and Chris calls out of turn.