Shows
WonkyFolkVol 26 - SCOTUS PuntsOn this episode of WonkyFolk, Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace dig into the surprising 4-4 split from the U.S. Supreme Court on the controversial St. Isidore religious charter school case—and what it means for the future of public education, church-state boundaries, and the charter movement.They also explore big-picture trends reshaping education, from the erosion of academic rigor in K-12 to the political dynamics behind school funding, college value, and the explosion of school choice across the country.Plus, a deep dive into Steven Wilson’s new book on merit, equity, and excellence in ed...2025-05-3052 min
CharterFolkTaking the Opportunity, Winning the Future: CharterFolk Chat with Starlee ColemanIn this wide-ranging and energizing episode of CharterFolk Chat, Jed Wallace sits down with Starlee Coleman, CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, for a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of the charter school movement—and where it’s headed next.Now nine months into her role, Starlee reflects on the chaos, urgency, and opportunity that define her first year. She shares honest insights on what’s working in red and blue states alike, why charter schools are seeing policy wins across the country, and how the movement needs to respond to misinformation, media bias, and ol...2025-05-171h 11
WonkyFolkVol 25 - The Boys Speculate WildlyIn this episode of WonkyFolk, Jed Wallace and Andy Rotherham do what they do best—speculate wildly about the forces disrupting public education today and what might lie ahead.Prompted by Marlon Marshall’s recent insight on the need to “make progress amid the disruption,” the boys take on some of the biggest questions facing schools and policymakers right now. Will the St. Isidore Supreme Court case redefine what it means to be a public school? Could religious charter schools become a new frontier—or a new fault line—in education policy? What happens when AI enters the classroo...2025-05-081h 02
CharterFolk35 Years In and Still Picking Up Steam: A CharterFolk Chat with Kevin HallJed Wallace and Kevin Hall explore the evolution of the charter school movement, touching upon Hall's extensive journey from a fourth-grade educator to a prominent figure in educational philanthropy. Hall recounts his early experiences in Compton and his founding role in Chancellor Academies, illustrating the genesis of his commitment to educational reform. The conversation further delves into the transformative impact of the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF), which Hall has helmed for over a decade. The CSGF has significantly expanded its reach, growing from supporting a mere 25,000 students in 2005 to nearly 750,000 today. This impressive growth highlights the dynamic potential...2025-04-2551 min
WonkyFolkVol 24 - Not All is Lost (Just Some)Andy and Jed talk about the evolving landscape of education policy and its implications for both K-12 and higher education. They discuss recent developments, the complexities introduced by political dynamics and regulatory changes, the challenges faced by educational institutions, the impact of immigration on the workforce, and the necessity for reform in response to society's shifting needs. Jed and Andy also explore the potential consequences of the Supreme Court's decisions on charter schools and the broader implications for educational equity and access. Ultimately, they assert the importance of fostering resilient educational systems that can adapt effectively to...2025-03-2758 min
CharterFolkHuge Opportunity Amid Disruption: CharterFolk Chat with Marlon MarshallIn this engaging exchange, Jed Wallace and Marlon Marshall navigate the complexities surrounding charter schools and the broader educational reform movement. Marlon, whose career is deeply rooted in both educational leadership and political advocacy, articulates the challenges he faced growing up in St. Louis against the backdrop of the Delmar Divide—a poignant metaphor for the socio-economic and racial disparities that characterize many urban educational systems. As he recounts his formative experiences, Marshall underscores the significance of parental choice in education, reflecting on his mother's commitment to securing quality schooling for him and his siblings. The dialogue also touches on...2025-03-141h 07
WonkyFolkVol 23 - LIVE: Crazy Times Call For a Stiff Whiskey (Folk)In this live Washington, D.C. episode, Jed and Andy tackle the early policy shifts of the new Trump administration and what they mean for charter schools, education funding, and equity. They discuss the chaotic rollout of federal budget cuts, block grants, and DEI policies, analyzing how these moves may shape the future of public education—especially in blue states.With federal oversight in flux, the conversation explores whether charter schools could be left without a seat at the table, the potential impact of religious charter schools, and the broader political realignment in education policy. The episode wr...2025-02-201h 03
CharterFolkA Noble Journey: CharterFolk Chat with Brenda CoraBrenda Cora's journey as the CEO of Noble Schools is a testament to the transformative power of education and the impact of nurturing leadership within the charter school community. In this episode, we delve into the significance of promoting from within, emphasizing how internal leadership development fosters continuity, trust, and a stronger organizational culture. Brenda reflects on her own experiences as a student in the inaugural class of Noble, articulating the profound bond she shares with the organization and its mission. The conversation also illuminates the challenges and opportunities facing the charter school movement, particularly in the context of...2025-02-1539 min
WonkyFolkVol 22 - It Was My Understanding There Would Be No MathIn volume 22, we engage with Karim Ani, the founder of Citizen Math, who shares profound insights into the realm of mathematics education and its implications for democratic discourse. Central to our conversation is Karim's candid reflection on his personal journey, culminating in his decision to retire from American education, a choice influenced by both creative fulfillment and the formidable inertia within the educational system. Throughout our dialogue, we explore the necessity of reforming math education to better connect with real-world issues, emphasizing the importance of utilizing mathematics as a lens through which students can engage with contemporary societal challenges...2025-01-311h 05
CharterFolkSay It Loud: CharterFolk Chat with Derrell BradfordCharterFolk is celebrating a significant milestone of reaching 15,000 email subscribers, and in this vibrant discussion, host Jed Wallace engages with Derrell Bradford to explore the pressing need for the charter school movement to assert itself more boldly. The conversation emphasizes the importance of "saying it loud" and being unapologetic about the unique value charter schools bring to the education landscape. Derrell shares his insights on how the current political climate presents an opportunity for charter advocates to redefine their messaging and embrace their distinctiveness rather than shying away from it. As they delve into the nuances of advocacy and...2025-01-1858 min
WonkyFolkVol 21 - 2024 Lookback, 2025 Forecast, and the Boys Don Their Holiday BestWe 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 laterLinda 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...2024-12-1953 min
WonkyFolkVol 20 - The “Just No Steely Dan” Episode - WonkyFolk Theme Music and the Need for a Stronger Education Theme in National PoliticsAndy 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...2024-10-2540 minWonkyFolkVol 19 - The Stamina Episode: Corey DeAngelis melts down, ESA funding questions rise up, Denver succeeds & Don Shalvey inspires.In this conversation, Andy and Jed discuss a range of topics related to education policies and the role of teacher unions, particularly reflecting on experiences in Oaxaca, Mexico and the United States. Jed shares his observations about the strong presence and activities of teacher unions in Oaxaca, contrasting them with unions in the U.S. The discussion extends to broader issues within the education sector, including the dynamics of charter schools, governance models, and the impact of large education reforms in cities like Denver and Indianapolis. They also touch on recent studies and political developments, such as the upcoming elections...2024-09-2655 minWonkyFolkVol 18 - Jed and Andy Want Freedom from DysfunctionAndy 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...2024-08-3049 minWonkyFolkVol 17 - At the Edge of Seventeen with Lynne GrazianoIn 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...2024-05-2953 minWonkyFolkVol 16 - Hoodies, the Need to Buck Up, and Getting CrispThis 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...2024-04-2449 minWonkyFolkVol 15 - Live at the Charter Growth FundJed 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...2024-03-071h 08WonkyFolkVol 14 - Jed and Andy Tackle the Hairiest Education ProblemsThis 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-baeslerhttps://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-pisa2024-01-221h 00WonkyFolkVol 13 – The American Dream Lives at WonkyFolkGreetings, 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 a...2023-12-1851 minWonkyFolkWonkyFolk Vol 12Greetings, 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 r...2023-12-1243 minWonkyFolkVol 11 - Two Turkeys Together Again: The Thanksgiving EpisodeGreetings, CharterFolk!This week, Andy and I are focused on a Thanksgiving theme. We are talking about what we are thankful for over the last year, personally and professionally, as well as traditions and new results.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:Welcome back and tales from the trail (00:04)Thanksgiving plans, traditions, and WKRP in Cincinnati’s 1978 Thanksgiving classic episode, “Turkeys Away” (05:58)One positive thing we are each inarguably happy about that happened in char...2023-11-2249 minWonkyFolkVol 10 – The Death of Public School… It Sounds Serious! (Guest: Cara Fitzpatrick)Greetings, CharterFolk!Greetings, CharterFolk!This is the second WonkyFolk where Andy is talking while Jed is walking the Camino Trail with his wife, Amy. Andy and Cara Fitzpatrick, an editor at Chalkbeat and a Pulitzer Prize winner for Local Reporting in 2016 for a series about school segregation, talk school choice history and school choice today.Their conversation focuses on Cara’s book, The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America, particularly the complicated history of school choice in America, and the fact that very different people with ve...2023-11-0156 minWonkyFolkVol 9 - Morgan Polikoff is Reading Polls So You Don't Have ToThis week Andy is talking while Jed is walking…hiking the Camino Trail with his wife, Amy. Andy is talking with Morgan Polikoff, Associate Professor of Education at the University of Southern California(USC)’s Rossier School of Education. Their conversation focuses on public opinion on education, particularly parent opinion, and the similarities and differences of post-pandemic K-12 experiences for students, parents, and families. A theme running through the discussion is how to build and use an accurate data model to overcome the overt political efforts to drive a wedge between parents and the public education system, shed light on the issues...2023-10-2346 min
The Education Gadfly Show#889: The trials and triumphs of charter schools over the past decade, with Nina ReesOn this week’s Education Gadfly Show podcast, Nina Rees, the president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, joins Mike to discuss the state of charters as she plans to step down after eleven years at the helm. Then, on the Research Minute, Amber discusses a new study on the power of teacher union endorsements in school board elections.Recommended content:“Gratitude for Nina Rees, our lead CharterFolk who overcame immense challenge to elevate us all” —Jed Wallace“Our next chapter” —Nina ReesMichael Hartney and Vladimir Kogan, “The politics of teachers’ union...2023-09-2726 minWonkyFolkVol 8 – The Home Base EpisodeThis week, Andy and I are talking with Lakisha Young, the Founder and CEO of The Oakland REACH, and Heather Harding, Ed.D, the Executive Director of the Campaign for a Shared Future. Our conversation focuses on the difficult judgment calls parents and advocates are having to make as they attempt to retain focus on the learning needs of students amid proposed book bans and curriculum changes. A theme running through the discussion was the critical need for advocates to have “a home base” of policy priorities to anchor their efforts amid a political context that is becoming ever more...2023-08-291h 11WonkyFolkVol 7 - Learning From a Place That is Not a Hot Steaming MessAndy and Jed are talking about traveling and the fun of summer, their two mystery guests for the next WonkyFolk, and finding educational common ground via the juxtaposition of partisan politics and genuine educational accomplishments in Virginia.And for those of you who would prefer a video recording, we provide a link to YouTube as well. This week some of the topics we discuss include the following:The gentrification of college athletics (00.25)Traveling, family and summer fun before becoming empty nesters (01.30)Two amazing mystery guests, who specialize in educational politics, advocacy, parent organizing and e...2023-08-1845 minWonkyFolkJed and Andy are fragile vesselsThis week, Andy and I are talking about the Supreme Court denial to hear Charter Day School, Inc. v. Peltier “(wherein the plaintiffs justified their restrictive dress code by asserting that girls are ‘fragile vessels)”, other Supreme Court cases, the science of reading, and Moms for Liberty.This week some of the topics we discuss include the following:• The implications for charter schools of the Supreme Court decision not to hear the case (00:01:16)• The potential for religious freedom advocates and lawyers to continue looking at the charter school space as an opportunity to advance th...2023-06-2751 minWonkyFolkVol 5 – Special CREDO Episode with Macke RaymondThis week, Andy and I are talking with Macke Raymond, the director of the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) regarding CREDO’s 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.Here is a link to our conversation where you can listen to the podcast. And for those of you who would prefer a video recording, we provide a link to YouTube as well.This week som...2023-06-1443 minWonkyFolkWonkyFolk Vol 04 - Can't take YES for an answer.Can't take yes for an answer: what the teachers' unions and DeSantis have in common.This week some of the topics we discuss include the following:Can’t say yes to equity and excellence (00:01:10)Can’t say yes to providing parents with timely access to results or resources and tools to support their kids in mitigating pandemic learning losses (00:08:42)Can’t say yes to improving the way we teach history and civics (00:18:59)Can’t say yes to academic freedom and the full exchange of ideas (00:28:28)Can’t say yes to what is best for kids as a core val...2023-05-1940 minWonkyFolkVol 3 – The Amnesia EpisodeAmnesia about A Nation at Risk. Amnesia about Covid responses. And Jed wishing he could have amnesia about the King’s game on April 30, 2023.----------This week some of the topics we discuss include the following:The 40th Anniversary of report, “A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform” (00:01:59)Why the American economy has been able to persist despite the problems in education (00:04:59)The equity shift to ensure the hyper-talented kids in the lowest quintile get the opportunity to go to college (00:10:05)Why we think the Economis...2023-05-0341 minWonkyFolkVol 2 - Urban elections, Title IX, and Religious ChartersThis week some of the topics we discuss include the following:We introduce ourselves (00:00:00)Reactions to the 2023 Chicago mayoral election results (00:02:39)Thoughts regarding the 2023 Denver mayoral election, which has two strong charter candidates in a June runoff (00:12:35)Gutsy mental health moves (00.20.50)The Biden Administration’s nuanced Title IX decisions (00:23:11)Implications of Supreme Court cases in Washington, North Carolina, and Oklahoma with an emphasis on broader religious liberty issues (00.30.50)Here is a link to the article Andy mentioned regarding last year’s main Supreme Court case as religious institutions come into closer contact with charters and the potential political risks...2023-04-1841 minWonkyFolkVol 1 - Introducing WonkyFolkThis week some of the topics we discuss include the following:Why are we making WonkyFolkReactions to Nashville and trends we often miss at tragic moments like thisThe commonalities and differences facing public education in Los Angeles and ChicagoAndy’s recommendation of the best read to prepare educatorsThe changes that ChatGPT may or may not bring to public education2023-04-0434 minCharterFolkCharterFolk Chat with Diana Diaz-HarrisonJed talks with Yass Prize winner Diana Diaz-Harrison about Arizona Autism Charter Schools' innovative approach to serving students on the autism spectrum.2023-02-2336 minCharterFolkCharterFolk Chat Round 2 with Howard FullerAfter a very interesting first interview, we wanted to have another conversation with Howard Fuller where he shared his inspiring experiences and global point of view over the education system in the USA.2022-08-101h 00CharterFolkThe Breakthrough in the Democratic Party Platform in CaliforniaThe Breakthrough in the Democratic Party Platform in California. A great chat with Margaret Fortune, Roxann Nazario and Shavar Jeffries.2022-05-1657 minCharterFolkChaterFolk Oxygen Bar with Linda Brown and Etoile Academy Charter SchoolChaterFolk Oxygen Bar with Linda Brown and Etoile Academy Charter School2022-03-0921 minCharterFolkThe CharterFolk Oxygen Bar with Casey Taylor & FriendsJed talks to Casey Taylor and Steven Wright from Achieve Charter School and to Mary Cox from CORE Butte Charter School about lessons learned in coming back from the devastating 2018 wildfires in Paradise, California -- and how they can be applied to our days.2022-03-0222 minCharterFolkCharterFolk Challenges: Growth (with Andy Rotherham & Friends)Andy Rotherham (Bellwether Education Partners) moderates a panel on charter school growth with Ana Ponce (Great Public Schools Now - CA), Brett Peiser (Uncommon Schools, NY), Pat Brantley (Friendship Public Charter School, DC), and John Armbrust (Austin Achieve Public Schools, TX).2022-02-171h 03CharterFolkCharterFolk oxygen bar with Linda BrownJed talks to Linda Brown from Building Excellent Schools about resiliency and productive "stubbornness" amidst challenging times. We also hear the inspiring stories of Lagra Newman (Purpose Preparatory Academy Charter School, TN) and Chris Manning (Buffalo Creek Academy Charter School, NY) on how they started their schools and helped their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.2022-02-1122 minCharterFolkCharterFolk Oxygen Bar with Linda Brown and FriendsJed talks to Linda Brown from Building Excellent Schools about resiliency and productive "stubbornness" amidst challenging times. We also hear the inspiring stories of Ambrosia Johnson (Ivy Hill Prep Charter School, NY) and Chris Manning (Buffalo Creek Academy Charter School, NY) on how they started their schools and helped their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.2022-01-2624 minCharterFolkCharterFolk Oxygen Bar with Yvonne ChanJed invites Yvonne Chan to share how she keeps her energy level high amidst all the challenges facing educators today.2022-01-1025 min
The Classical Academies Partnering With ParentsWhy It's Gotten Even Harder- The Establishment's Strategy to Destroy Charter SchoolsCharter schools exist to provide academic choice and address the problems in the traditional school system. Jed Wallace, Charter Advocate, CEO, and founder of Charter Folk, explains how COVID, political backlash, and the success of charter schools have led to increased pressure from the establishment.https://www.charterfolk.org/2021-11-0218 min
CharterFolkCharterFolk Chat with CharterFolk of the Year Danielle West-AugustinJed is joined by Danielle West-Augustin, Chief Academic Officer and Director of Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield New ... Read more2021-09-2350 minCharterFolkChat with Kim SmithThis month Jed is is joined by Kim Smith to talk about lessons learned from the pandemic, equity, innovation, and ... Read more2021-05-2356 minCharterFolkPioneering Legislators Reflect on the 30th Anniversary of Charter SchoolsJed is joined by former state senator Ember Reichgott Junge from Minnesota and former state senator Gary K. Hart from ... Read more2021-05-2358 minCharterFolkBuilding Political Capacity in TX, CA and ILJed is joined by Myrna Castrejón, Starlee Coleman, and Andrew Broy for a conversation about building political capacity in California, ... Read more2021-05-231h 07CharterFolkChat with Nella García UrbanJoin Jed for a CharterFolk Chat with Nella García Urban.2021-05-2354 minCharterFolkSeizing the Opportunity for Bold Change During the Great Disconnect of 2021Jed asks Derrell Bradford (50CAN), Pat Brantley (Friendship Public Charter School), and Diane Tavenner (Summit Schools) how charters can seize ... Read more2021-05-231h 00