Edreform in 10

 This double episode with veteran investigative journalist Chris Papst is an in-depth look into the failure of Baltimore City Schools - and by extension many urban systems - where education outcomes are falling even as budgets rise. 

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Jeanne sits down with entrepreneur and developer Mike Hoque to explore his journey from Bangladesh to leading a purpose‑driven enterprise in Dallas. Mike shares how early hardship shaped his commitment to education, why he believes every young person deserves the chance to attend college, and how persistence fuels community‑lifting development in overlooked neighborhoods. He explains the partnerships, mindset, and long‑term planning that guide his work—including a new innovation and education hub—and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs seeking opportunity in unlikely places.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Live from the Miami Accelerator, Jeanne talks with Ron Matus of Step Up For Students about why Florida has become the epicenter of modern education opportunity. Ron traces the state’s journey from struggling academic outcomes to a thriving, choice‑rich landscape where more than half of students attend something other than their zoned school. They dig into who’s moving to Florida for education, how scholarship programs are reshaping options for families of all backgrounds, and why long‑standing myths about school choice don’t match reality. Ron closes with a clear call to action: come see Florida firsthand.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Live from the Miami Accelerator, Cris sits down with EMG.AI founder and Mission Corporation co‑author Michael Carter to unpack what it really means to build mission‑driven ventures in education. They explore how the Seven Declarations apply to edtech and schools, how to tell if an idea is solving yesterday’s problem or creating tomorrow’s opportunity, and why advisory boards, clear roadmaps, and bold but reality‑tested planning matter. Michael shares hard‑won lessons from building and selling companies, plus practical steps educators, investors, and founders can act on today.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Live from the Miami Accelerator, Cris sits down with Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell to explore how the school’s urban work college model is reshaping students’ lives. They discuss democratizing work on campus, the impact of integrating real professional experience into college, and how partnerships like Guild Education are opening doors for working adults. Michael shares candid insights on shifting mindsets, confronting proximity to poverty, and why institutions should “just start” if they want to build a true culture of work.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Live from the Miami Accelerator, Sam Caucci of 1Huddle joins Edreform in 10 to talk about reimagining workforce training, unlocking hidden talent, and why continuous, challenging, game‑based learning can transform both employees and organizations. He also shares insights from his new book, Wasted Talent, urging leaders — and workers — to invest in skills, embrace curiosity, and “go for it” in today’s rapidly shifting world of work.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Maureen Dunne, author of The Neurodiversity Edge, discusses creating a culture where neurodivergent people feel they can bring their best selves — their true selves — to work and school. Her advice to each of us, “No matter who you are or what role you have, it goes a long way to take a step back sometimes, rethink your foundational assumptions, try to have a little more empathy, and put effort into building communication bridges across neurotypes.”

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Amy Riker, Vice President of Government Affairs & State Partnerships for Panorama Education, talks with Friendship Schools’ Pat Brantley about how AI, data, and surveys provide actionable support plans for teachers, a voice for parents and students, and insight into the education ecosystem of a district or state for leaders.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Cornell Ellis, Executive Director of Brothers Liberating Our Communities (BLOC), discusses BLOC’s work to increase representation of Black male educators in schools, making opportunities that inspire young students to explore future leadership roles, and untethering teachers from tradition in order to rethink education from the ground up.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Dr. Laura Cassidy, founder of Louisiana Key Academy, speaks with Jeanne Allen about the struggles faced by dyslexic students and their families, the science behind building up reading proficiency, and the freedom her learning model enjoys by being a charter school.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Dr. Steve Taylor, Policy Director and Senior Fellow of Economic Mobility at Stand Together Trust, speaks with Jeanne Allen about the importance of workplaces and higher education fields accepting accredited workforce pathways to allow learners to pursue their many passions. Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Ian Rowe, Founder and CEO of Vertex Partnership Academies and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, speaks with Jeanne Allen about grounding student learning in the four cardinal virtues and the struggle to open new NYC schools in the face of political and union opposition.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Mary Jo Fairhead, Founder of Onward Learning, discusses putting students’ social and emotional needs first and her goal to provide an innovative hyperlocal learning environment for every reservation in South Dakota.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Edna Martinson of Boddle Learning joins Pat Brantley to discuss building a gaming platform that helps K-6 students master math and reading through interactive gameplay; how adaptive technology personalizes learning while giving teachers detailed progress reports; combating summer slide with engaging tools kids want to use; and leveraging AI to expand content and ensure equitable access to quality learning resources.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Drs. Lisa Larson and Naomi Boyer of the Education Design Lab join Cris Gulacy-Worrel to discuss building a K-12 through secondary pipeline where learners and employers are aligned along the way; the need to move away from schools traditionally designed for a compliant learner toward models that encourage learner control and agency; and how a truly competency-based approach will disrupt all of our systems.Learn more about Edreform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Charter schools: boom or bust? Friendship Schools CEO Patricia Brantley speaks with Scott Bess of the Indiana Charter Innovation Center about reconnecting with the push-the-envelope spirit at the heart of charter schools in the Hoosier State. 25 years later, Bess argues, charters are still an important innovation. He wants to help Indiana offer an education experience that is radically different for kids. This conversation was recorded live at ASU+GSV 2025.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.A conversation with Randolph, IN Superintendent Neal Adams on building successful, innovative rural school communities, including a "grow your own" teacher program, and healthcare industry apprenticeships. Taped live at ASU+GSV 2025 and hosted by CER's Caroline Allen.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.At a live podcast taping from the CER headquarters in Washington DC, Cris Gulacy-Worrel of Oakmont Education sits down with Colleen Dippel, Co-Founder and CEO of Families Empowered, and Kelby Woodard, President and CEO of the Cristo Rey Network, to discuss Texas's new billion-dollar ESA program. The conversation highlights how this new bill democratizes education for low-income families, and their individual plans for growth and expansion within Texas. This episode celebrates the news as a win for giving parents more exceptional education options, while also acknowledging the challenge of meeting the exciting - yet overwhelming - demand.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, CER’s Jeanne Allen talks to Penny Schwinn, Deputy Secretary designate for the U.S. Department of Education whose candidacy is poised to advance in the US Senate, about the work she is poised to be leading to ensure bold innovation and opportunity reach all students.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.CER’s Chief Program Officer Caroline Allen interviews Ryan Delk, the Founder & CEO of Primer and the 2024 Yass Prize $1 million winner, about his groundbreaking approach to education that "takes kids seriously" recorded live at ASU+GSV 2025. Ryan shares how his mother's pioneering micro-school in 1996 inspired his mission to create schools where students have academic transparency and genuine agency. He discusses Primer's innovative sustainability model that reduces operating costs through software and creative space utilization, aiming to make high-quality education accessible nationwide. Looking ahead, Ryan envisions Primer schools within 30 minutes of every U.S. student by 2037, leveraging AI to deliver exceptional outcomes at affordable price points for all families.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.This week on Ed Reform in 10, Chris Gulacy-Worrel sits down with Chase Brackens, a junior at Paul Quinn College and Wells Fargo corporate intern, to explore how work-based learning is revolutionizing higher education.Chase shares his transformative journey from Texas Tech to Paul Quinn College, where the innovative work college model blends rigorous academics with real-world corporate experience. Through Paul Quinn's unique structure—classes early in the week, corporate internships the rest—students earn substantial scholarships while gaining invaluable professional skills that traditional universities often overlook.The conversation reveals how Paul Quinn's personalized approach, where faculty know every student by name, creates accountability and opens doors in ways that larger institutions simply cannot match. Chase describes how working alongside senior executives while maintaining honors-level academics has shaped him into a servant leader prepared for immediate career success.From time management to networking to professional development, Chase explains how this model develops the complete professional, not just the graduate. His powerful message resonates: choose institutions that see you as a person, not a number, and that prepare you for life, not just exams. This episode offers a compelling blueprint for reimagining higher education through the lens of practical preparation and personal investment.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.This week on Ed Reform in 10, Jeanne Allen is joined by Kyle Smitley, founder of Detroit Achievement Academy, to discuss how joy, purpose, and innovation are transforming education in Detroit.Kyle shares the inspiring origin story behind her groundbreaking schools, her commitment to disrupting narratives that hold students back, and how her focus on joy, belonging, and high-quality work has delivered remarkable results. From field study trips to Washington, D.C., to the integration of AI and transformative partnerships with fellow Yass Prize awardee Cristo Rey, Kyle explains how her students are developing life-changing skills and opportunities.The conversation also dives into actionable ways anyone can contribute to education reform—whether through starting schools, mentoring, board service, or financial support. This episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a powerful message: every child deserves the chance to thrive.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.In this episode of EdReform in 10, CER’s Chief Program Officer Caroline Allen sits down with Gavin Cooney, co-founder and CEO of Learnosity, to explore the future of education technology and assessment. Learnosity powers assessments for 40 million students globally, delivering over 20 billion questions annually.Gavin shares how his company provides the "Lego bricks" for education platforms, enabling more creative and authentic assessments like video questions, drag-and-drop math problems, AI-driven feedback on essays, and more. He also discusses how leveraging AI reduces teacher workloads and empowers them to focus on the classroom.From helping schools transition away from traditional multiple-choice tests to designing tools that authenticate student work, Learnosity is driving a shift toward meaningful, formative assessment. Gavin’s passion for making scalable, impactful change shines through in this conversation.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.In this episode of Edreform in 10, Cris Gulacy-Worrel sits down with Ruben Morris, the visionary founder of the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School, to explore a groundbreaking approach to secondary education. Ruben shares how his students are taking off—literally—into aviation-specific careers, from aircraft maintenance to private and commercial piloting, and even remote drone operation.This unique high school model combines rigorous academics with hands-on training in aerospace, preparing students for high-demand, high-paying careers. Ruben explains why school choice is essential for schools like his to thrive and how his own journey shaped his vision for empowering underserved communities through education.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.In this episode of Edreform in 10, Jeanne Allen dives into the revolutionary approach transforming teacher education with Dr. Carole Basile, Dean of ASU's Mary Lou Fulton College. Basile reveals her radical vision: dismantling the "one teacher, one classroom" model that's failing both educators and students. Why do new teachers need "survival guides" when no other profession does? How can 45,000 certified teachers who left the field be enticed back? Discover Basile's bold blueprint for team-based education, nano-credentials for career-switchers, and a 3-year teaching degree that eliminates unpaid student teaching. Her corporate background brings a fresh perspective that challenges education's most fundamental assumptions about who can teach and how schools should function.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.In this episode of Edreform in 10, CER's Caroline Allen sits down with Dr. Emily Oster to discuss COVID-19's educational aftermath and the power of accessible data. Oster shares insights about her Zelma AI platform, which makes state assessment data more user-friendly, while revealing surprising recovery patterns across school districts. She offers thoughtful recommendations for policymakers to learn from success stories like Mississippi, urging parents to stay informed and education leaders to maintain essential testing infrastructure. Discover Oster's compelling vision for how smart data use can transform education—if we're willing to follow where the numbers lead.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Religious charter schools are all the buzz these days because of the pending Supreme Court Case to approve or block the first religious charter school in the United States. Cris Gulacy-Worrel, Vice President of Oakmont Education, and Paul Escala, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, dive into what this pivotal moment could mean for education in the United States and the role faith-based education currently plays. As a leader for the largest archdiocese in the nation and former CEO of a charter management organization, Paul Escala has a unique perspective and believes that schools have a duty to maintain their efficacy by being responsive to the needs of the times.Hear more about how religious institutions continue to push the needle for education while remaining diverse in thought and belief.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.A unique look at the journey of an inner city Independent School in Philadelphia to the White House in March for the signing of the Trump Administration’s Executive Order to close the US Department of Education with Michael Marrone, President & Founder of Liguori Academy.Why did Ligouri Academy think it worthy of their students’ time and focus? Founder and President Mike Marrone started Ligouri to provide individualized education and workforce development opportunities for students and the education is made possible through the states education tax credit program. With that funding, students like Loralei are set up for success to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Temple in the fall, and is now using her voice to speak up about the importance of school choice, sharing how access to the right educational environment can open doors and shape a student’s future. Hear more about how these leaders put politics aside to join hands on the most important civil rights issue of our time.Learn more about EdReform in 10.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.In this inspiring episode, we hear from Diana Diaz-Harrison, founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools, who was recently named Deputy Assistant Secretary for Special Education & Rehabilitative Services at the Department of Education, a post that will put her in charge of guiding policy for the more than 7 million students with special needs in the nation.  Diaz-Harrison reflects on the recent visit from the Secretary of Education and her journey to creating groundbreaking educational opportunities for children with autism. Tune in to learn about her impact, and how schools and businesses can help support individuals on the autism spectrum.

www.dashmedia.co Welcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Nationally recognized for transforming Iowa’s education landscape, Governor Kim Reynolds was featured at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit and came by the Edreform in 10 podcast studio on site to talk about her efforts.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Linda McMahon is the 13th United States Secretary of Education, charged with closing down the US Department of Education in her first 30 days on the job for which she has received both scorn and praise. In this episode taped immediately following her keynote fireside chat at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit on April 8, Jeanne talks with the secretary about her efforts and dispels some of the myths circulating about program cuts. Listen in!

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash action-cast powered by CER in partnership with Dash Media, for and by people who are motivated to take action and accelerate innovation and impact in the learning ecosystem.Jeanne Allen is Founder & CEO of the Center for Education Reform, the pioneer for expanding innovation and opportunity in education since 1993. In 2021, Jeanne co-created and launched the Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless Education, a $50 million initiative spanning four years, resulting in more than 14 million new and diverse learning opportunities for students. Today the STOP for Education Initiative works with Yass Prize alumni to transform education across the US. Jeanne began her education and policy career on Capitol Hill, served as a senior official in the U.S. Department of Education and has collaborated with numerous ed tech to expand the reach of innovative educational programs and services. She received her bachelors from Dickinson College and masters from the University of Pennsylvania. She played advisory roles in the creation of the Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship Program at UPenn and the StartED Accelerator. She is also a GSV OG. A frequent speaker and commentator in the press, Jeanne Allen is a contributor to Forbes, publishes a weekly newsletter on Substack entitled Forza and authored An Unfinished Journey: Education & the American Dream (2020). She has been widely recognized in and out of policy and political circles, including as one of Working Mother’s Most Powerful Moms in Education and with the Champion Award by the Black Alliance for Educational Options.Jose Suarez is a business entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in a wide range of National and International business system designs, implementation, and optimization. He is the CEO & Co-Founder of Hope Ranch Learning Academy, a private school dedicated to empowering children with educational challenges and Autism to reach their full potential.

www.dashmedia.coWelcome to Edreform in 10, a flash podcast powered by the Center for Education Reform in partnership with Dash Media. The only podcast that is truly representative of showcasing and documenting the exciting views and impact of education innovators across the country.Jeanne Allen is Founder & CEO of the Center for Education Reform, the pioneer for expanding innovation and opportunity in education since 1993. In 2021, Jeanne co-created and launched the Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless Education, a $50 million initiative spanning four years, resulting in more than 14 million new and diverse learning opportunities for students. Today the STOP for Education Initiative works with Yass Prize alumni to transform education across the US. Jeanne began her education and policy career on Capitol Hill, served as a senior official in the U.S. Department of Education and has collaborated with numerous ed tech to expand the reach of innovative educational programs and services. She received her bachelors from Dickinson College and masters from the University of Pennsylvania. She played advisory roles in the creation of the Master’s in Education Entrepreneurship Program at UPenn and the StartED Accelerator. She is also a GSV OG. A frequent speaker and commentator in the press, Jeanne Allen is a contributor to Forbes, publishes a weekly newsletter on Substack entitled Forza and authored An Unfinished Journey: Education & the American Dream (2020). She has been widely recognized in and out of policy and political circles, including as one of Working Mother’s Most Powerful Moms in Education and with the Champion Award by the Black Alliance for Educational Options.Michael Moe is the Founder and CEO of GSV, a growth-focused investment platform. GSV has invested in game-changing businesses such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap, Palantir and Spotify. GSV has several funds focused on the digital learning sector and has invested in Coursera, Chegg, Course Hero, Masterclass, and Guild Education. GSV stands for “Global Silicon Valley,” inspired by the entrepreneurial mindset of Silicon Valley spreading throughout the world. Michael is also the co-founder of the ASU+GSV Summit, which Forbes called “the Davos of Education.” Additionally, Michael is on the Board of the National Football Foundation and the College Football Hall of Fame, Center for Education Reform, ClassDojo, Bookclub, FatBrain, Hi Solutions, and is an advisor to Arizona State University. Before GSV, Michael was the Founder and CEO of ThinkEquity Partners, Head of Global Growth Research at Merrill Lynch, and was voted to be on the Institutional All American Research Team and named "Best on the Street" by the Wall Street Journal. Michael is the author of three books, “Finding the Next Starbucks”, “the Global Silicon Valley Handbook” and his most recent, “The Mission Corporation.” Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Minnesota and is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). He and his wife Bonnie live in Dallas, Texas where they moved to in 2021 after living in Silicon Valley for twenty-five years.