WonkyFolk

Oct 25 2024 20 ep. 49 mins 6
WonkyFolk Podcast artwork

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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Vol 20 - The “Just No Steely Dan” Episode - WonkyFolk Theme Music and the Need for a Stronger Education Theme in National Politics

Oct 25 2024 40 mins  
Andy 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 chart

Vol 19 – The Stamina Episode: Corey DeAngelis melts down, ESA funding questions rise up, Denver succeeds & Don Shalvey inspires.

Sep 26 2024 55 mins  
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 w

Vol 18 - Jed and Andy Want Freedom from Dysfunction

Aug 29 2024 49 mins  
Andy 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

Vol 17 - At the Edge of Seventeen with Lynne Graziano

May 28 2024 53 mins  
In 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 law

Vol 16 - Hoodies, the Need to Buck Up, and Getting Crisp

Apr 24 2024 49 mins  
This 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. 

Vol 15 - Live at the Charter Growth Fund

Mar 07 2024 68 mins  
Jed 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 edu

Vol 14 - Jed and Andy Tackle the Hairiest Education Problems

Jan 22 2024 60 mins  
This 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-202

Vol 13 – The American Dream Lives at WonkyFolk

Dec 18 2023 51 mins  
Greetings, 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 N

Vol 12 - A Rising Tide Lifts All Wonks

Dec 12 2023 43 mins  
Greetings, 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

Vol 11 – Two Turkeys Together Again: The Thanksgiving Episode

Nov 22 2023 49 mins  
Greetings, 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 tr