EdFix Podcast

In this episode of EdFix, education policy veterans Denise Forte and Andy Rotherham tackle one of the most pressing—and polarizing—questions in American education: should the U.S. Department of Education shrink or shift power to the states? With sharp insights and real-world experience, they unpack the motivations behind efforts to dismantle the department and what that could mean for equity, accountability, and student rights. From civil rights enforcement to federal funding, they explore what's lost (and what might be gained) in a state-led system. It's a timely and clear-eyed conversation about equity, accountability, and the future of public education. Denise Forte is President and CEO of EdTrust. Andy Rotherham is Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Bellwether. [Transcript for Episode 42 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]

In this episode of EdFix, Judge David Tatel, who served nearly three decades on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit—the nation's second highest court—shares his remarkable journey from civil rights lawyer to judicial trailblazer. Blind since his mid-30s, Judge Tatel has dedicated his career to expanding access to justice and improving opportunities for all. He reflects on pivotal moments in education law, including school desegregation, affirmative action, and Title IX, while offering his perspective on recent Supreme Court decisions that are reshaping the educational landscape. Judge Tatel also discusses his powerful new book, Vision: A Memoir of Blindness and Justice, providing listeners with a deeply personal and inspiring look at the intersection of his life, law, and justice. [Transcript for Episode 41 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]  

The Southern Education Foundation has played a crucial role in transforming education for African American and low-income students in the South. Dr. Raymond Pierce, former civil rights attorney and dynamic President and CEO of the Southern Education Foundation, dives into the organization's rich history, rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War, and its relentless mission to revolutionize education. In this episode, Dr. Pierce addresses the ongoing challenges of achieving educational equity, highlighting the essential contribution of civics education in advancing racial justice and democracy. Despite the many obstacles, he remains optimistic about the potential for progress and the future of equitable education. [Transcript for Episode 40 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]

Dr. Ryan Watkins, Professor of Educational Technology at George Washington University, describes artificial intelligence (AI) as computational tools that can do things that, until recently, we thought only humans could do. He believes that platforms such as ChatGPT bring both groundbreaking opportunities and ethical considerations to education. To embrace the reality of AI in our classrooms, he advocates for a shift in teaching and assessment strategies so we can foster the critical thinking skills needed for success in the digital age.  [Transcript for Episode 39 is available on EdFixPodcast.com.]

As President and CEO of ETS (Educational Testing Service), Amit Sevak is keenly aware of the growing concern over the perceived value of education and standardized testing. To address these challenges, he is leading a transformation at ETS towards a more human-centric approach, with a focus on educator solutions, global mobility, and professional credentialing. And he believes that crafting assessments that showcase skills in new ways, backed by rigorous research, can help break the cycle of entrenched inequalities in education and open up new avenues of opportunity in the workforce. [Transcript for Episode 38 is available on EdFixPodcast.com.]  

For nearly three decades, Jack Jennings was the foremost expert on education policy in the U.S. House of Representatives. His legacy spans some of the most significant legislative initiatives, including the Elementary and Secondary Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Higher Education Act. After leaving Congress, Jack founded and led the Center on Education Policy, a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank focused on the improvement of public schools. In this fascinating conversation, Jack shares his reflections on bipartisanship, the effects of our Federalist system, and a blueprint for cultivating a pipeline of exceptional teachers. Learn more about Jack Jennings: JackJenningsDC.com [Transcript for Episode 37 is available at edfixpodcast.com]

Community colleges welcome learners of all backgrounds and ages with low-cost tuition and open admission policies. According to Robert (Bob) Schwartz, co-author of America's Hidden Economic Engines: How Community Colleges Can Drive Shared Prosperity, these institutions are also extremely well-suited to forge strategic partnerships with industry leaders, skillfully addressing the demands of local labor markets. Through these collaborations, students, employers, and the community reap the rewards of tailored skill development programs. Yet community colleges often face inadequate funding for these kinds of initiatives. Bob advocates for increased recognition and investment in such alternative pathways to help unlock the full potential of community colleges. [Transcript for Episode 36 is availble on EdFixPodcast.com.]

In October of 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court heard two cases challenging race-conscious admissions at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. As a result, most people expect the court's ruling to end affirmative action policies, significantly affecting the way universities consider an applicant's race during the admissions process. In this extended bonus episode, esteemed experts Amy Berman, Deputy Director of the National Academy of Education, and Rick Kahlenberg, Professorial Lecturer of Public Policy at the George Washington University and Nonresident Scholar at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy, offer unique perspectives on race-based preferences in college admissions–and the potential ramifications of the court's decision on the pursuit of educational diversity. This episode was recorded during an education policy graduate class session taught by podcast host Michael J. Feuer. For copies of Amy Berman's slides and Rick Kahlenberg's slides, which are referenced in the episode, visit EdFixPodcast.com. [Transcript for Episode 35 is also available on EdFixPodcast.com]  

How does an online secondary school establish a reputation as a legitimate and academically challenging institution? And can we really foster personal connections–so important to youth development–in a virtual environment? Join us as Head of School Alison Mistretta, Associate Head of School Maria Coyle, and GW Professor Michael Corry unveil the striking success story of the GWU Online High School. They share insights into overcoming skepticism around the quality of virtual learning, meeting the social and emotional needs of high school students, and furthering knowledge to improve the field of online education. [Transcript for Episode 34 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]  

Can the lessons from history challenge today's students to stand up to bigotry and hate? If so, are there resources for teachers that can facilitate productive conversations about heavy headlines? Abby Weiss and Dimitry Anselme, from the non-partisan organization Facing History and Ourselves, discuss the professional development and rigorous content that educators need to help young people wrestle with these moments, talk across differences, and understand their place in a complicated world. [Transcript for Episode 33 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]  

Dr. Holden Thorp believes that education research is as crucial as research in the “hard” sciences—a surprising perspective coming from the Editor-In-Chief of the Science family of journals, a chemist by training, and former Chancellor of UNC Chapel Hill. He warns that scientists' tendencies to emphasize facts and memorization has led to a lack of appreciation for the critical role of pedagogy and a public misunderstanding of how knowledge is produced. These oversights have real-world implications, from the politicization of curricula in AP courses to the spread of misinformation about climate change and public health. Drawing on his extensive experience in science and education, Dr. Thorp shares his insights into what the scientific community can do to get its house in order. [Transcript for Episode 32 is available on EdFixPodcast.com]

According to Dr. Eric (“Rick”) Hanushek, the Paul and Jean Hanna Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University, pandemic learning losses will result in a 6% reduction in a student's lifetime earnings. And since a country's economic growth is tied to the skills of its labor force, he also projects that the United States' gross domestic product will dip 3-4% over the remainder of this century. But is it possible to counteract these shortfalls and get back on track? Dr. Hanushek believes that maximizing the power of the best teachers–and removing the weakest ones–can turn things around.  [Transcript for Episode 31 is available on EdFixPodcast.com] 

Dr. Randy Bennett, the Norman O. Fredericksen Chair in Assessment Innovation at ETS, describes tests as “cultural artifacts,” many of which were created at a time when our country was much less diverse. So what does that mean for school accountability or university admissions testing today? In an article* for the journal Educational Measurement - Issues and Practice, Dr. Bennett argues that we need to change the way we test - in content, format, and interpretation - to best fit the needs of a society with rapidly changing demographics. [Transcript for Episode 30 is available on EdFixPodcast.com] (*To request a copy of Dr. Bennett's article, “The Good Side of COVID-19,” email rbennett@ets.org.)

In recent years, both racially motivated hate crimes and antisemitism have been on the rise. But does the experience of common oppression necessarily lead to coalition? And can we better prepare teachers for conversations that fight bigotry? Dr. Dwayne Wright, GW Director of DEI Initiatives and Assistant Professor of Higher Education Administration, and Dr. Benjamin M. Jacobs, GW Associate Research Professor of Experiential Jewish Education, talk about intersectionality, inclusion, and the complex nature of Black-Jewish relations. 

Is a college degree really worth the investment? And does higher education improve inequality in America or make it worse? Dr. Sandy Baum and Dr. Michael McPherson, economists and authors of the book, “Can College Level the Playing Field: Higher Education in an Unequal Society,” discuss the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of our post-secondary education system, and whether it can help to create a more equitable society.

The COVID pandemic has demonstrated the danger of irrational, non-scientific thinking. According to Dr. Bruce Alberts, a preeminent molecular biologist, professor, and past president of the National Academy of Sciences, the American public's willingness to accept misinformation points to a failure in science education. Dr. Alberts suggests that changes to science curricula and teacher preparation could better equip society to distinguish fact from fiction, with broad implications for our democracy.

Since the 1983 report "A Nation At Risk," America's international reputation for K-12 education has been mediocre at best. But is this really the case? Dr. Robert Hauser, Executive Officer at the American Philosophical Society, examined the data and disagrees. In fact, he has found a U.S. school system that could be used as a model for success. In this episode, Dr. Hauser shares what he learned about international rankings and the quality of U.S. education for his paper, "What is the Matter with America's Schools?" 

School systems depend on sound decision-making for the safety and well-being of their communities. So what happens during a crisis like COVID-19, when opinions can vary widely on the best path forward? Dr. Jennifer Clayton, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at GW, and Dr. Jared Cotton, Superintendent of Chesapeake Public Schools in Virginia, talk about the tough choices he has faced during the pandemic, the skills district leaders need to manage crisis situations effectively, and how schools of education can better prepare administrators to lead in challenging times. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast.

Think tanks engage in research and advocacy, often influencing policy and shaping the national discourse. But are they really home to independent thinkers and scholars, or is their research swayed by the priorities of their funders? Dr. Rick Hess, Senior Fellow and Director of Education Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), shares his insight into the world of think tanks--what motivates their work and how they can play a productive role in responsible truth seeking. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast.

According to Dr. Deborah Loewenberg Ball, mathematics has the power to disrupt white supremacy unlike any other subject in school. As a professor and former Dean at the University of Michigan, Director of TeachingWorks, and elementary school math teacher herself, Deborah pushes back on the notion that math is culturally neutral. In fact, she believes that changing the way we teach math could help break patterns of inequality and injustice that are perpetuated in our classrooms. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast.

As a clinician in K-12 education, Adjoa Asamoah witnessed too many injustices in our schools. So she decided to pivot her career to the intersection of policy and politics, where she has worked to tackle systemic inequities across our country. Her efforts to actualize liberty and justice for all have been noticed, and during the last presidential race, she was tapped to be the National Advisor for Black Engagement for the Biden-Harris Campaign based on her ability to engage the community and her record of success.

Caroline Adegun began her career as a human resources recruiter. Then a stint working for a celebrity in Los Angeles inspired her to open The Hollywood Wingwoman Talent, the first non-profit talent development firm serving low-income (and sometimes homeless) artists trying to make it in the industry. And recently, she has also become a force on social media, taking the new Clubhouse app by storm. With more than 50,000 members now (and growing daily) in her faith-based "club," Caroline channels her background in human development to create a sense of community for people around the world -- at a time when they need it most.

Rehabilitation counselors provide independent living support and job readiness training for people with disabilities, empowering them to integrate more fully into the community. According to Drs. Maureen McGuire-Kuletz and Kenneth Hergenrather, directors of the Center for Rehabilitation Counseling Research and Education, there is a pressing need for more rehabilitation professionals as a generation of counselors prepares to retire. They discuss the intersection of disability and poverty, why this population has been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what can be done to address these challenges. 

When Titilola Harley’s plan to become a teacher got derailed, she decided to channel her business acumen to make a difference in schools. Now she approaches education as a consultant, helping schools and organizations work through challenges they’ve struggled to address on their own. But even though she uses management tools to guide her recommendations, she firmly believes that teachers are the experts whose voices need to be heard for lasting change to happen, especially for our most vulnerable students.

The GW Center on Education Policy (CEP) is celebrating 25 years as a trusted, independent source for education policy research and analysis. Since its founding, citizens and policy makers at all levels have turned to CEP for nonpartisan, evidence-based information about our system of public education. Maria Ferguson, Executive Director of CEP, shares how access to research without “spin”—especially related to controversial programs—is crucial to help create the conditions for better public schools.

Dr. Michael Usdan has had a long and distinguished career in education - as a teacher, school board president, university professor, college president, state commissioner of higher education, and institute president. Drawing from many years of experience in K-12 and secondary ed, he shares his thoughts on the advantages and challenges of our highly decentralized system, and whether its possible to address the variability across the U.S. in light of changing demographics and increased inequality.

What is the real impact of technology and process transformation on American workers? Are we doing enough to prepare the modern workforce at a time of growing inequality and stagnant wage growth? Dr. Mary Kay Vona, Principal in Ernst & Young LLP's People Advisory Services, and Dr. Ellen Scully-Russ, Associate Professor of Human and Organizational Learning, discuss the changing nature of work, talent shortages in the U.S., and curricula to support the jobs of the future.

In today’s world of instructional design, there are more tools available than ever before. Educational technology is incorporated across all learning environments, from K-12 and higher education to corporate, government, and military training. So how can teachers design quality instruction using technology to meet a variety of learners’ needs? Drs. Michael Corry and Natalie Milman discuss new information delivery methods, artificial intelligence tools, and whether the use of technology in schools has actually lessened the “digital access divide.” 

Heterosexual Black women have the 2nd highest rate of HIV infection as a group; however, Black women in college are nearly ignored in the HIV literature. Dr. Delishia Pittman discusses her research on the shared and unique risk factors of this population, whether online dating has increased the risks, and ongoing racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes.

"Global education” builds cultural competencies, encourages the exchange of ideas and people, and develops human capital. Could the policies and practices of other countries shed light on ways to improve our own schools and colleges, especially in our neediest communities? Dr. James Williams and Dr. Laura Engel discuss lessons learned from abroad, how the U.S. is faring compared to other countries, and whether the rise of nationalism is leading to the end of the golden age of internationalization in education.

Would you want to be treated by a doctor whose medical school was not accredited? Probably not. So why don’t we hold the same high standards for teachers and school administrators? Dr. Chris Koch, President of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and former Illinois State Superintendent of Education, shares how ensuring quality in teacher/educator prep programs really makes a difference, especially for educators in schools with the most need.

Can public schools become more adaptive, dynamic, and people-centered organizations? Is it possible to implement change in way that both empowers teachers and improves student outcomes? Sarah Beck, an award-winning school-based leader and former teacher, draws on the skills she learned as a business consultant to help promote school improvement and increase employee engagement in one of Virginia's largest and most diverse middle schools.

Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) create a two-way street between practitioners and researchers to address problems of practice and come up with solutions. Using this research, leaders can make data-informed decisions about the strategies that really work to improve their schools and school districts. Ruth Wattenberg, recently re-elected member of the DC State Board of Education, and Dr. Elizabeth Grant, education policy professor, discuss the benefits and challenges of a potential RPP for Washington, DC in this episode of EdFix.

How do we better identify, address, and prevent the behavioral health issues that become barriers to learning in our most underserved schools? The Bainum Family Foundation and GW’s Center for Health and Health Care in Schools (CHHCS) are partnering on a project to expand school-based mental health services in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8. Dr. Olga Acosta Price, Director of CHHCS, and Dr. Nisha Sachdev, Senior Director of Evaluation for the Bainum Family Foundation, share their approach to advancing the field of school mental health by bridging research, practice, policy, and philanthropy.

How do we move from understanding inequality to actually reducing inequality? According to Dr. Adam Gamoran, President of the William T. Grant Foundation, we should examine the responses to inequality - and not just its causes - to determine which programs and policies really work. In addition, we need to create incentives for researchers to ask questions whose answers are relevant to the pressing issues facing our most vulnerable populations.

In the United States, approximately 5% of children attend charter schools. So why are these schools such a hot topic among educators, advocates, policy makers, politicians, and parents? Dr. Iris Rotberg and Dr. Joshua Glazer, editors of the book Choosing Charters - Better Schools or More Segregation?, discuss the goals, challenges, and outcomes of the charter movement from different perspectives based on their research in the field.  Don't forget to subscribe and rate to the podcast. (EdFix is available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.)

Should every student graduate from high school or college with a basic level of cybersecurity proficiency? And how do we best prepare and encourage the next generation to join the cybersecurity workforce? Host Michael Feuer speaks with Dr. Diana Burley, an internationally-recognized cybersecurity expert, who led the taskforce to produce the first set of global cybersecurity curricular guidelines (released in February 2018). Dr. Burley discusses the field's global workforce shortage and diversity gap, the power of the human-cyber interaction, and the many opportunities and risks we all face as users of technology in today's world.  Don't forget to subscribe, listen, and rate the podcast. (EdFix is available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.)

Recorded live from the 2018 Community Schools National Forum in Baltimore, Maryland, host Michael Feuer speaks with education leaders about the goals and impact of community schools on students, families, and communities. The Forum, which takes place every two years, brings together more than 2,000 teachers, administrators, community advocates, families, policymakers, and others who are working in and for community schools around the country. This podcast episode shares highlights of conversations with people from organizations such as Baltimore’s Promise, Elev8 Baltimore, Family League of Baltimore, Coalition for Community Schools, National League of Cities, and the Institute for Educational Leadership.  Don't forget to subscribe, listen, and rate the podcast. (EdFix is available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.)

In 2010, only 20% of the students at D.C.’s Truesdell Education Campus could read on grade level. Eight years later, more than 87% can read on or above grade level--and they love reading! How did this school turn it around? Principal Mary Ann Stinson and Assistant Principal Michael Redmond II share their creative strategies, data-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to closing the opportunity gap in their school community. Don't forget to subscribe, listen, and rate the podcast. (EdFix is also available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.)

Is it possible to teach students to develop traits such as optimism, growth mindset, hope, perseverance, and resilience to help improve well-being and educational outcomes? EdFix host Dean Michael Feuer talks with Dr. Beth Tuckwiller and Dr. William Dardick about their joint research into the field of positive psychology--its potential for changing students' experiences in the classroom and the challenges of measuring its subjective factors. Don't forget to subscribe and rate to the podcast. (EdFix is also available on iTunes, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, Stitcher and Spotify.)  

How do we keep young people interested in science? Has the U.S. caught up with other countries in preparing students for careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)? EdFix host Dean Michael Feuer and Dr. Jonathon Grooms discuss the state of STEM education in the U.S. and Dr. Grooms’ research on engaging students in authentic science experiences. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast. (EdFix is also available on iTunes and Spotify.)

In this episode, host Michael Feuer (Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at the George Washington University) is joined by Dr. Arshad Ali (GW Assistant Professor of Educational Research) in a conversation about whether the promise of American democracy still rings true for young Muslims in the United States. Dr. Ali discusses the role schools could play in addressing civic engagement for historically marginalized populations, and shares his research on Muslim youth identity and his ideas on the broader purpose of our American political and schooling systems.  Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast. (EdFix is also available on iTunes.)