The Old School

By: Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller
  • Summary

  • Dr. Steven Bourgeois and Mr. Ross Miller lead an informal discussion between a current and a former teacher on topics that challenge "best practices" in contemporary education. In keeping with Neil Postman (1979), we support the conserving function of education: “Its aim at all times is to make visible the prevailing biases of a culture and then, by employing whatever philosophies of education are available, to oppose them.”
    © Ahart Education 2021
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Episodes
  • Episode 117: On Shaping School Leadership with Dr. Patrick McQuillan
    Apr 6 2025

    Your two favorite hosts welcome Boston College retired professor, Patrick McQuillan, to speak on his research as well as his new book that looks to shape how school leadership is to be taught and carried out. It is a methodology designed to build greater trust through all parties involved in our education system and in doing so, offer opportunities for all of our students to achieve their goals.

    Along with Anna Noble Dunphy, Brad Kershner, Ksenia Filatov and Laura Schall-Leckrone, Dr. McQuillan has published his book on the methods discussed in the episode. It is available on Amazon - Complexity Theory and Educational Leadership in Schools: Toward a Systems Transformation Heuristic.

    During the episode, Dr. McQuillan referenced the work of Anthony Bryk and Barbara Schneider - Trust in Schools: A Core Resource for Improvement, as well as The Coalition of Essential Schools.

    This episode is sponsored by Ahart Solutions.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 116: On the Behaviorist Approach to Schooling with Ksenia Filatov
    Mar 30 2025

    Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller welcome back Ksenia Filatov, as the three discuss new trends in education that are highlighted by a new superintendent in Houston, Texas and his controversial methods to increase test scores and efficiency. The trio look at the philosophy behind such techniques, the degree to which they are new at all and what needs to be considered when assessing such strategies.

    During the episode, Ms. Filatov brought up two books she feels offers interesting perspectives on education in particular and society in general:

    The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff.
    Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens Democracy by Cathy O'Neil.
    Is Micromanaging Classes a Recipe for School Success? by Tony Closson and David Goodman

    Check us out on Instagram at theoldschoolpodcast2021 as well as our website www.aharteducation.com

    This episode of the Old School Podcast is brought to you by Ahart Solutions.

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    58 mins
  • Episode 115: On the Great State of Maryland
    Mar 23 2025

    Dr. Bourgeois and Mr. Miller dive into the merits of the latter's home state of Maryland. Mr. Miller goes through the history of his state, touching on its qualities, characteristics and what sets it apart from other states. Meanwhile, Dr. Bourgeois takes shots across the bow, aiming at such low hanging fruit like the HBO show, The Wire. Mr. Miller sets the record straight and in the process, everyone has the chance to learn a bit more about the 7th state of the United States.

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    53 mins

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