Steven Wilson on How Social Justice Ideology, Colleges of Education, & Unions Derail Education Reform

Steven Wilson, author of The Lost Decade: Returning to the Fight for Better Schools in America, joins the podcast for a frank discussion about the entities that forced the “lost decade” in K-12 education on students, families, and school communities. We examine how colleges of education prioritize ideology; how union power and demands constrain district leadership; how the “No Excuses” charter model initially transformed outcomes for low-income students, and why some charter networks abandoned that focus. We explore the rise of anti-racism fervor that engulfed the K-12 sector, and what it will take to return to academic excellence.There are bright spots, like New York’s Success Academy network. There are hard truths that must be reckoned with. And Steven assures us that there is a healthy path forward.https://www.stevenfwilson.com/🔗 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!