WonkyFolk

CharterFolk

WonkyFolk is a discussion series between Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace intended to provide an informative and engaging forum where education reformers can grapple with tough issues related to our shared quest to improve public education in our country.

  1. Vol 31 - The Sorta Holiday Episode: Missed Opportunities on Education

    DEC 16

    Vol 31 - The Sorta Holiday Episode: Missed Opportunities on Education

    # WonkyFolk: Year in Review - How Many Mulligans Does a Country Get? How many mulligans does a country get before there are real consequences? In this year-end conversation, Jed Wallace and Andy Rotherham confront 2025's uncomfortable truths: neither party heard the message voters sent, ed reformers have gone soft on accountability, and we're spending another year arguing while kids fall further behind. They explore Virginia's accountability experiment, the problem with universal school choice that doesn't prioritize low-income students, and what made Rod Paige different—a leader with a "core of steel" anchored by clear beliefs. Plus: why Brandon Brown and Howard Fuller are calling for more courage in the charter movement, and whether public education can offer anything to compete with disruption. **Episode Highlights:** • Why 2025 was another year of missed opportunities • The retreat from meaningful accountability—and why reformers are complicit • Virginia's test: Will Spanberger build on Youngkin's reforms or tear them down? • Universal school choice without income targeting: A problem? • Revealed preferences: Leaders who oppose accountability but ensure their own kids get it • Remembering Rod Paige and the power of vision and beliefs • The courage question: Brandon Brown, Howard Fuller, and finding your moxie **Show Notes:** CharterFolk Brandon Brown interviewHess and Rotherham on cell phones and student engagement Andy on cell phone bans as surrenderAndy on what's next for education in VirginiaTennessee religious charter schools case

    59 min
  2. Vol 29 - CREDO on Ice? A Conversation With Macke Raymond About Education And Her Next Project

    OCT 20

    Vol 29 - CREDO on Ice? A Conversation With Macke Raymond About Education And Her Next Project

    Join Jed Wallace and Andy Rotherham for an illuminating conversation with Margaret "Macke" Raymond, one of education's most influential researchers. As Director of CREDO (Center for Research on Education Outcomes) at Stanford University and Distinguished Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Macke has spent two decades producing the definitive studies on charter school performance that shape policy debates nationwide. In this episode, Macke pulls back the curtain on how rigorous education research actually works, from the methodological challenges of measuring school effectiveness to the evolution of accountability systems across states. She discusses CREDO's groundbreaking longitudinal studies, the complexities of comparing charter and traditional public schools, and why context matters more than headlines suggest. The conversation explores the intersection of research and policy-making, touching on California's "gnarly" accountability system with its 50+ indicators, the role of charter management organizations in scaling successful models, and the ongoing debates about how we measure educational success. Macke also shares insights from Stanford's "tectonics" project and reflects on how education research has evolved over her distinguished career. This is essential listening for education policy professionals, researchers, advocates, and anyone who wants to understand the data behind the debates. Macke's expertise and the hosts' thoughtful questions create a substantive discussion that goes far beyond talking points to examine the real challenges and opportunities in American education. Topics Covered: •CREDO's methodology and longitudinal research approach •Charter school performance measurement and accountability •The evolution of education policy research •State accountability systems and their effectiveness •The role of research in shaping education policy •Challenges in scaling successful educational models Resources and Links: CREDO and Macke Raymond's Work: •CREDO Charter Schools Reports: https://credo.stanford.edu/research-reports/charter-studies/ •Macke's "Fun House Mirror" Hoover Summit Introduction: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeklNPBF9RE •Previous WonkyFolk CREDO Episode with Macke: https://www.charterfolk.org/wonkyfolk-vol-5-special-credo-episode-with-macke-raymond/ Hoover Institution Resources: •Hoover Institution K-12 Education Work: https://www.hoover.org/focus-areas/reforming-k-12-education •Education Futures Council Report: https://www.hoover.org/press/education-futures-council-unveils-report-ours-solve-once-and-for-all • Andy’s PMC fundraiser mentioned in the episode: https://profile.pmc.org/Andrew-Rotherham Additional Reading: •Tom Dee's Ed Week Article on Research and Practice: https://www.edweek.org/leadership/opinion-high-quality-research-rarely-informs-classroom-practice-why/2025/09 •Diane Ravitch's New Autobiography: a href="https://amzn.to/3JfpRne" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 3m
  3. Vol 25 - The Boys Speculate Wildly

    MAY 8

    Vol 25 - The Boys Speculate Wildly

    In 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 classroom faster than we’re ready for? And will federal funding keep pace with an increasingly decentralized education landscape? As always, Jed and Andy mix sharp analysis with insider perspective, offering a candid and occasionally irreverent take on where things stand and where they could be headed. Whether you’re a charter school leader, policy wonk, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode delivers insights, laughs, and a few eyebrow-raising predictions. Takeaways: In this episode, we discuss the implications of the Supreme Court case regarding AI's role in education advocacy and school funding. We reflect on the challenges faced by school districts amid budget constraints and the increasing complexity of educational policies. The conversation emphasizes the need for education advocates to navigate the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on learning outcomes. We explore the potential consequences of the SCOTUS ruling on charter schools and the broader educational landscape across the United States. As we analyze the current state of education funding, we highlight the critical importance of maintaining equitable resources for all students. Finally, we express cautious optimism about the role of artificial intelligence as a transformative tool in education, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. Notes: Article from The Dispatch on SCOTUS decision on charter schools: https://thedispatch.com/article/supreme-court-religious-charter-schools/ EduWonk on SCOTUS: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/wednesdays-department-of-education US News on the changing role of States in education: https://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/2015/12/10/new-education-law-is-bad-news-for-accountability

    1h 3m
  4. Vol 24 - Not All is Lost (Just Some)

    MAR 27

    Vol 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 the demands of an ever-changing world. They wrap things up by wondering what kind of swag they should give listeners. What's your vote? Takeaways: The conversation between Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace delves into the complexities surrounding higher education and charter schools. Both speakers express concern over the current state of higher education, emphasizing the need for a reevaluation of its economic model. Rotherham highlights the troubling dependency of higher education institutions on federal funding and its implications for autonomy. Wallace shares a poignant story about former students overcoming challenges, illustrating the transformative power of education in the face of adversity. Notes: Dana Goldstein at NYT on college for all:BPC Commission on the American WorkforceEmily Yoffe at the Atlantic about Race and Sexual Assault Cases on College CampusesEducation at Economic Mobility - Ron Haskins at Brookings.Eduwonk on the Trump EO eventKlein's interview with David Shor at the NYT about post-election polling.Abundance book by Klein and Thompsona...

    59 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

WonkyFolk is a discussion series between Andy Rotherham and Jed Wallace intended to provide an informative and engaging forum where education reformers can grapple with tough issues related to our shared quest to improve public education in our country.

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