Lindsay Fryer on Returning Education to States, Communities, & Families episode artwork

EPISODE · Feb 12, 2026 · 38 MIN

Lindsay Fryer on Returning Education to States, Communities, & Families

from Freedom to Learn · host Ginny Gentles

Lindsay Fryer, a former senior staffer on Capitol Hill, joins the podcast to unpack the opportunities and limitations of the current push to "return education to the states."  With her pivotal role in the reauthorization that transitioned the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) from NCLB to ESSA, Lindsay offers unique insights into the federal government's influence over education, a domain traditionally managed by state and local authorities. We discuss what the administration can achieve through guidance, waivers (including Iowa’s approved waiver and Indiana’s waiver application), and other actions, and explore the roles governors, state education chiefs, and Congress play in empowering states, communities, and families.U.S. Department of Education Approves Iowa’s Returning Education to the States Waiver🔗 Links & Resources:Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org💡 Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @DFIPolicyFollow us on Twitter: @DFIPolicyFollow us on Facebook: /DFIPolicySubscribe to our YouTube channel (@DFIPolicy) for future episodes!📩 Contact Us:If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at [email protected].🎧 Thank You for Listening:Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

Lindsay Fryer, a former senior staffer on Capitol Hill, joins the podcast to unpack the opportunities and limitations of the current push to "return education to the states." With her pivotal role in the reauthorization that transitioned the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) from NCLB to ESSA, Lindsay offers unique insights into the federal government's influence over education, a domain traditionally managed by state and local authorities. We discuss what the administration...

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Lindsay Fryer on Returning Education to States, Communities, & Families

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This episode was published on February 12, 2026.

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Lindsay Fryer, a former senior staffer on Capitol Hill, joins the podcast to unpack the opportunities and limitations of the current push to "return education to the states."  With her pivotal role in the reauthorization that transitioned the...

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