Reality Check With Jeanne Allen

CEO of edX Anant Agarwal joins Episode 43 of Reality Check to speak about the state of innovation in higher education, new developments in his business and others, learning and structural models on the way, and discusses his success with edX. He also speaks about his experience as a teacher and what we can expect for the future of online higher ed in America and globally.

A lawmaker, advocate, businessman, and even celebrity (he did a cameo on the Emmy’s in 2016), Governor Jeb Bush has done it all! But what makes him most compelling is his command of the most important issue of our day -- education. Jeb --  as he’s often known -- is also Honorary Chair of the CER Summit on October 26th in Miami, Fla. (For more info, visit www.edreform.com.) In this Episode 42 of Reality Check with Jeanne, Governor Bush discusses what it takes to make all lives better -- and why innovation in all of education is essential.

The new Miss America, Nia Franklin, 25, proclaimed during the recent competition that,“As Miss America I will continue my work to make sure students across this nation have access to a quality education.”  She is a role model, and her achievement and success are an example for all, particularly women, of what educational opportunity combined with hard work can do. Nia’s strength of vision and purpose has helped her achieve her goals, and chasing her dream she has overcome incredible obstacles and hardships. Nia joins Episode 41 of Reality Check to discuss that vision and her thoughts for a future that everyone has the opportunity to participate in equally and equitably.

“… That’s what get’s me excited -- if you bring people together, you can actually build on something and solve a problem.” Tommy Thompson has spent decades of his career bring people of all stripes together to solve problems, from his time as governor of Wisconsin from 1987 to 2001, to his service as Secretary of Health and Human Services under George W. Bush, to his role as a strategic advisor to entrepreneurs and lawmakers alike and as a voice in his community and for many across the country. Throughout his life and across all his initiatives and efforts Thompson has remained a staunch and relentless advocate for improving health and expanding opportunity. This week on Episode 39 of Reality Check, Governor Thompson sits down to discuss the beginnings and condition of education and opportunity in America, as well as some of his newest ideas to increase economic prosperity for some seldom thought-of candidates.

Dan Forest’s role as Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina includes much more than the traditional responsibilities of his office -- this week on Episode 38 of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen, Forest talks about making education a priority, using funds effectively and working in and out of the business, education and technology sectors to create a more fluid economy in his state, from encouraging advances in innovation to working in the statehouse to help policy work for every community. Dan Forest has served as Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina since January 2013. Prior to becoming Lieutenant Governor, he received two degrees from the University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNCC). After college, Dan became a leader in the business community for over 20 years, having served as office president and senior partner of the state's largest architectural firm - Little Diversified Architectural Consulting. Dan has been designated as an Architect Emeritus. A father of four, he and his wife, Alice, reside in Wake

As founder of Charter Schools USA, Jon Hage drove education management innovation -- and is one of 8 outstanding honorees to be awarded for their work at CER’s 25th Silver Anniversary Summit on October 25-26 this year. But his extensive experience as a businessman and executive, philanthropist and trusted advisor to U.S. administrations on education make his story that much more compelling and this week’s Episode 37 of Reality Check episode a must-listen. From his service in the U.S. Army to his creation of CSUSA, Jon Hage’s life and career have been dedicated to service, leadership, and creating systemic change for the better for America’s schools and schoolchildren. Jon sits down with Jeanne to talk about challenges and milestones along the path to edreform in Florida, how we can continue to innovate in the new K12 and business environment and more.

Andy Rosen, chairman and CEO of Kaplan Inc. sits down with Jeanne to cover everything in postsecondary education, from new innovations happening at Kaplan’s Purdue Global to how Higher Ed is speaking -- or in some cases, not speaking -- with the K-12 community. How is the pipeline to the workforce and career development is being invested in and streamlined for an online generation? This and more on this week’s Episode 36 of Reality Check.

Dr. Gisèle Huff is both interesting and engaging. While education transformation has been her main focus, she is also deeply interested in redirecting how the world of philanthropy works. Gisele’s background is extensive – she currently serves as Executive Director of the Jaquelin Hume Foundation and is the founder of the Learning Accelerator. She began in business, earned a Ph.D. in political science, with a concentration in political philosophy at Columbia University and taught at Golden Gate University, San Francisco University High School and Dominican College. She has been chairman of the Board of Directors of the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Learning and as a member of the Board of Directors of iNACOL, among many other distinguished positions. She talks to Jeanne about her findings after many years of working in policy and philanthropy. This Episode 35 of Reality Check is a must for discerning listeners!

Creating innovative opportunities to build a different type of education system is one of the things that Chris Whittle does best. He is reimagining education, creating what is being called “the first global school.” As Chairman and CEO of the Whittle Schools and Studios, Whittle is leading this global network of independent pre-K to 12 schools that are challenging traditional schooling methods and creating a better, more connected world. Coming in the fall of 2019 are the first two campuses of the Whittle Schools in Washington, D.C. and Shenzhen, China. Each campus will serve approximately 2,500 students and will feature spaces for modern learning, including areas for project-based learning, online learning, labs, global communications, and common areas. For more information on Chris Whittle and the Whittle Schools and Studios visit their website - https://www.whittleschool.org. Episode 34 of Reality Check

Nothing lowers the spirit of Brian Jones, not even the ALS he was diagnosed with last year. He calls himself blessed, and the thousands of colleagues and friends he’s accumulated over the years are at testament to that. Former general counsel at the Education Department under President George Bush, and president of Strayer Education, Brian’s own experience growing up taught him the value of empowering people to find the education that best suits their needs, whatever the time or place might be. “One thing I love about being in higher ed today,’’ Brian says, “is that we do live in a time of really rapid innovation. Technology is really driving the ability to be able to personalize learning in ways that were just unthinkable a generation ago.” This thoughtful, aspirational, and fascinating interview is a must listen. Episode 33 of Reality Check

Being a classroom teacher in Alabama showed Mike McShane, of EdChoice, just how much children around the country were being denied the opportunity of a quality education. He didn’t like it. So, he did something about it. More in this Episode 31 of Reality Check.

Having a vision of what education could look like and offer is what led J.C. Huizenga to open National Heritage Academies. It’s also what drives Brian Britton every day as the President and CEO to oversee 87 charter schools around the country. Episode 30 of Reality Check

Imagine, if you will, a time when educational choice was something only very few people were bold enough to speak about. It wasn’t that long ago. Lawmaker, state superintendent for public schools, national advocate, and now Chief Executive at the Arizona Chamber Foundation, Lisa Graham Keegan talks about the last 25 years in education reform on Episode 29 of Reality Check.

Steve Klinsky, head of New Mountain Capital, conceived of the “Freshman Year for Free” which is the focus of the Modern States Education Alliance. Students can earn a year of college – or more -- without tuition or textbook expense. This podcast is a must listen for anyone concerned about the cost of higher ed. Episode 28 of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen

Phoenix Charter Academy Network’s three schools that are focused on challenging resilient, disconnected students with rigorous academics and supports so they take ownership of their futures. CEO, Beth Anderson, talks about why this model is critical to their futures and success as self-sufficient adults. Episode 27 of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen

Janus v. AFSCME is the case that is disrupting the work of organized unions everywhere. Jacob Huebert is an attorney who represented Mark Janus, the plaintiff in the case, before the US Supreme Court. Jacob talks about the impact of the then-not announced decision on teachers and unionized workers. Episode 26 of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen

The age-old question from parents is “How do I ensure my children grow into stable, successful adults?” Erica Komisar, a clinical social worker and parent guidance expert offers tips on this topic in her new book Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years Matters and more in this Episode 25 of Reality Check.

The need for a seamless intersection between higher education and workforce development has led Carol D’Amico, Executive Vice President of Strada Education Network to lead a major national effort to drive change in these sectors. Her focus? “Completion with a Purpose.” Learn how on this Episode 24 of Reality Check.

Fueled by his interested in “the barriers to change,” Bill Walton has built a lifetime of experiences and diverse avenues of success. He’s an entrepreneur, producer, supporter of the arts, and investor in ways to foster a free market in education. Join Jeanne & Bill this Episode 23 of Reality Check.

Big changes are likely on the way for teachers, teachers’ unions and potentially for no less than the entire model of US education. “We really need to rethink the framing of the profession,” says Jeanne Allen. The impending Supreme Court ruling on the AFSCME v. Janus case and the growing demand for professional autonomy among teachers nationwide are just a few of the topics in this episode with guest Colin Sharkey. As Executive Vice President of the Association of American Educators (AAE), Colin is uniquely qualified to discuss the challenges facing today’s teachers. AAE is the nation’s largest non-union professional educator association with members in all fifty states, serving public districts, public charter educators and any employee working in schools. The AAE mission is to foster the transformation of the teaching profession by empowering and supporting a community of professionals for the benefit of students and the nation. Episode 22 of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen