The collapse of graduation standards | Episode 992 of The Education Gadfly Show episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 29, 2025 · 31 MIN

The collapse of graduation standards | Episode 992 of The Education Gadfly Show

from The Education Gadfly Show · host Thomas B. Fordham Institute

This week, Fordham’s President Emeritus Checker Finn joins the show to unpack a troubling trend—the collapse of graduation standards—and why it matters for every American student.Then, on David Griffith’s first Research Minute, a new study looks at the demographics of college applicants interested in teaching in America—and explores why some who enter similar “helping professions,” like nursing and social work, steer clear of the classroom.Recommended content: High school graduation standards have collapsed. Does it matter? —Michael J. Petrilli, SchooledAre high school graduation standards too low? —Michael J. Petrilli, SchooledThe end of MCAS is the end of an era. Now let’s figure out what comes next. —Michael J. Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWho wants to be a teacher? — Robert Chung, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWho wants to be a teacher? — Brendan Bartanen, Andrew Avitabile, and Andrew Kwok, EdWorking Papers (2025)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? Send them to [email protected]

This week, Fordham’s President Emeritus Checker Finn joins the show to unpack a troubling trend—the collapse of graduation standards—and why it matters for every American student. Then, on David Griffith’s first Research Minute, a new study looks at the demographics of college applicants interested in teaching in America—and explores why some who enter similar “helping professions,” like nursing and social work, steer clear of the classroom. Recommended content: High school graduation s...

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The collapse of graduation standards | Episode 992 of The Education Gadfly Show

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This episode was published on October 29, 2025.

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This week, Fordham’s President Emeritus Checker Finn joins the show to unpack a troubling trend—the collapse of graduation standards—and why it matters for every American student.Then, on David Griffith’s first Research Minute, a new study looks at...

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