Learning Matters from John Merrow

Learning Matters this Week Friends, Recently on The NewsHour we shared the continuing struggles of school superintendents Michelle Rhee in DC and Paul Vallas in New Orleans. We are now editing episode four of both series. This week we bring you two new podcasts from that series. DC Mayor Weighs in on Reform Mayor Adrian Fenty and Chancellor Rhee are moving quickly to make big changes in DC's failing schools. But their controversial proposal to fire central office employees and close 23 schools has left some feeling that that they are moving too fast. In this podcast, Mayor Fenty gives Chancellor Rhee an interim performance grade on a 'report card.' He also talks candidly about their controversial plan. Listen to the podcast >>> Just One of Me and A Lot of Them Helen Miller, a single mother in New Orleans' Ninth Ward, works full time to provide for her family of five. While she applauds Superintendent Paul Vallas' initiatives to keep youth in school and out of the street, Ms. Miller is afraid that her 16 year-old son, Antoine, will become one of New Orleans' notorious statistics. In this podcast, Ms. Miller shares her concerns for her kids and, ultimately, the schools of New Orleans. Listen to the podcast >>> Missed the original broadcasts? Watch them online. Best wishes, Questions? Comments? Email me. Funding for our podcasts is provided by the Annenberg, William & Flora Hewlett, Bill & Melinda Gates and Wallace Foundations.