Topic: School Reform

5 chapters across the catalog

Terror Factory
Episode 709 1:57:58 - 2:01:27

709: Terror Factory

Atlanta School Cheating Scandal, Racketeering Convictions

Eleven former public school educators in Atlanta were convicted on racketeering charges for their roles in a systematic cheating scandal on standardized tests. The investigation revealed that financial bonuses and job security were tied to student performance, creating a corrupt incentive structure. Critics argue the government-mandated testing system itself fosters this type of "corporatism" and "fascism" within the educational system.

99 Lines of Code
Episode 677 1:29:53 - 1:34:41

677: 99 Lines of Code

Charter Schools, Corporate Education Pipeline

The rise of charter schools, particularly in cities like Chicago, is viewed as a corporate strategy to "skim" the best students from the public system. Companies like Cisco are funding these schools to create a direct pipeline to their workforce. This trend leaves public schools with fewer resources and more challenging student populations, eventually leading to school closures and the further privatization of the education system.

Easter Haiku and iPads For You
Episode 188 1:05:40 - 1:08:19

188: Easter Haiku and iPads For You

Diane Ravitch, Gates Foundation Education Criticism

Education expert Diane Ravitch is highlighted for her criticism of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's influence on the American school system. Ravitch, a former conservative education official, argues that the foundation's focus on data-driven metrics and charter schools is damaging the quality of public education.

Magnets In Space
Episode 182 1:01:47 - 1:05:38

182: Magnets In Space

Charter Schools, Education Privatization, New York City

President Obama's education initiative focuses on incentivizing performance, which critics argue leads to the closure of public schools and the transfer of real estate to for-profit charter schools. A teacher from New York City reports that charter schools often exclude students with behavioral problems or language barriers, effectively privatizing the system while leaving the most vulnerable students behind.