In this live Washington, D.C. episode, Jed and Andy tackle the early policy shifts of the new Trump administration and what they mean for charter schools, education funding, and equity. They discuss the chaotic rollout of federal budget cuts, block grants, and DEI policies, analyzing how these moves may shape the future of public education—especially in blue states.

With federal oversight in flux, the conversation explores whether charter schools could be left without a seat at the table, the potential impact of religious charter schools, and the broader political realignment in education policy. The episode wraps up with a live audience Q&A, bringing in diverse perspectives on school choice, funding inequities, and the future of education reform.

Key Takeaways:

✔ The chaotic pace of policy changes under the new administration and how it differs from 2017

✔ The potential risks of block grants for charter schools, particularly in blue states

✔ The legal and political implications of religious charter schools and upcoming Supreme Court rulings

✔ Why charter school advocates must define their values and strategy amid shifting political winds

✔ The growing divide between red and blue states on public education policy

In volume 22, we engage with Karim Ani, the founder of Citizen Math, who shares profound insights into the realm of mathematics education and its implications for democratic discourse. Central to our conversation is Karim's candid reflection on his personal journey, culminating in his decision to retire from American education, a choice influenced by both creative fulfillment and the formidable inertia within the educational system. Throughout our dialogue, we explore the necessity of reforming math education to better connect with real-world issues, emphasizing the importance of utilizing mathematics as a lens through which students can engage with contemporary societal challenges. Karim's narrative is not merely an account of his professional transitions; it is a clarion call for reimagining educational practices to foster a more engaged and rational citizenry. Ultimately, this episode serves as both a farewell to Karim's contributions and an invitation to rethink the foundational principles that guide our approach to teaching mathematics in today's rapidly evolving landscape.

Takeaways:

• The podcast features a profound dialogue with Karim Ani, who shares his insights on the evolution of math education and its impact on society.
• Karim Ani reflects on his personal journey through math education and the importance of using mathematics to foster rational discourse in democratic contexts.
• Listeners are encouraged to ponder the disconnect between traditional math education and its real-world applications, emphasizing the need for a transformative approach.
• The discussion highlights the necessity of supporting teachers with effective resources, thus enhancing the learning experience for students in mathematics.
• Karim Ani advocates for a shift from abstract math problems to real-world scenarios that engage students in meaningful ways through mathematics.
• The podcast concludes with a vision for a collaborative classroom environment, where students work together on community-driven projects to apply their mathematical knowledge.

Mentions in this episode:

• Karim's book, "Dear Citizen Math"
• Citizen Math
• Wheat and Chessboard problem
• Karim on Instagram

We missed our November recording due to me coming down with the crud. It left us a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time. Topics we touch upon include:

• Elections perspective six weeks later
• Linda McMahon reactions, including a somewhat surprising lack of acrimony across the political spectrum on her nomination.
• The biggest story in public education this year - Democrats embrace stasis, while Republicans embrace ESAs and vouchers. Are Dems approaching a "gray divorce" on their education priorities, while Republicans head into a "honeymoon period" on ESAs and vouchers?
• The biggest story regarding charter schools - Are charter schools in a "sweet spot" or in a "dead zone" headed into 2025?
• And our biggest reasons for optimism and concern headed into 2025.

References:

* Tim Daly's piece: https://www.educationdaly.us/p/we-are-in-the-midst-of-an-educational

* Election reax: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/shellacked-what-are-the-education

* Fiscal situation: https://www.pgpf.org/article/7-charts-that-show-how-the-nations-fiscal-outlook-worsened-in-2024/

* Andy and Lindsay Fryer discuss Linda McMahon: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7265157124941369344/comments/

* Musical chairs: https://eduwonk.substack.com/p/charter-schools-might-not-have-a