
School Choice Report Episode Archive
Check out the latest School Choice Report episode here.
Margaret “Macke” Raymond is the Director of the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) based at Stanford University. She has steered the group to national prominence as a rigorous and independent source for policy and program analysis.
If facts matter to you, then this episode is for you! Through the research Ms. Raymond leads, we are able to understand the significance of school choice programs and how they enable students to have the best possible educational outcomes.
Ryan Boyer is the business manager of Laborers’ District Council and head of the Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council. It’s been written that he’s a no-nonsense operator in the Philadelphia Inquirer, and his recent commentary in the Philadelphia Citizen drives this home.
During this thought provoking episode, Mr. Boyer highlights that we need to do what’s best for children and sticking with the status quo isn’t the answer.
Georgia State Representative and school choice champion Mesa Mainor made headlines across the nation when she left the Democratic Party after her party attacked her when she decided to stand up for disadvantaged students. Rep. Mainor took and continues to take a courageous stand for educational choice, and we’re excited she was able to join the program.
We are excited to have CEO & founder of Q&A, co-founder of Venice Music, and school choice advocate Troy Carter join the show!
Mr. Carter’s connections to Philadelphia strong, and he’s seen first hand how education choice can open up opportunities for children that wouldn’t otherwise have them. He highlights that even with his own family he sees the necessity of finding the right fit for each child’s learning needs, and that should be available to every child.
Mr. Carter knows that ZIP codes shouldn’t trap a child and dictate their educational outcome, and programs like Lifeline Scholarships/PASS will help elevate the potential of students across the board.
In this episode, host David Hardy sits down with CEO and Executive Director at Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools Janel “Jay” Artis-Wright. Ms. Artis-Wright has spent two decades lobbying, training, organizing and advocating for quality education for the most underserved. As she says in the interview, it’s not so much about being a charter school as it is about having a quality option available to communities. School choice is the avenue to ensure families have the most education opportunity possible.
From discussing the “why” behind the push for school choice to what hope families could and should have on the education horizon, host David Hardy leads intriguing discussions with Senior Fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation Lenny McAllister (@Lennymcallister) and Deputy Director of Parent Voice and Outreach with the National Parents Union Maritza Guridy (@MsG4PhillyEduca).
In this episode, President and CEO of the Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia Keisha Jordan joins host David Hardy. Ms. Jordan is a dedicated nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience in education advocacy, school administration, human resources, staff and volunteer training, and fund development. What does school choice mean to communities in Philly and throughout Pennsylvania? Take a listen to find out!
In this episode, host Dave Hardy interviews Pennsylvania State Representative Martina White. We find out the “why” behind her support of school choice, why the issue is important, and why Lifeline Scholarships (AKA P.A.S.S.) is a necessary step to ensuring all children have access to quality education opportunities.
What’s happening in Pennsylvania’s capitol? Why did Governor Shapiro renege on his handshake deal and outward support of Lifeline Scholarships? What should we expect in the days, weeks, and months ahead? Podcast host Dave Hardy talks with Commonwealth Foundation Sr. Vice President Nathan Benefield about all this and more in the latest School Choice Report!
In this episode, host Dave Hardy interviews Guy Ciarrocchi. Guy recently joined Commonwealth Foundation as a Fellow. They talk about the hottest topic of the day in PA – Lifeline Scholarships – and why all families and children need choice in education.
Pastor Josh Robertson of The Rock Church in Harrisburg, PA joins our seventh episode of the School Choice Report podcast. He has an incredible story with valuable connections to the community and schools. Why is school choice important? Listen in to what Pastor Josh has to say to find out.
Episode 6: In our latest episode of School Choice Podcast, guest host Guy Ciarrocchi interviews former United States Senator and Democratic nominee for Vice President Joe Lieberman. The Honorable Sen. Lieberman is a long time, emphatic school choice supporter. He shares helpful insight and stories highlighting why he’s a proponent of education opportunity, how people from across the aisle can come together to help all students, and hope for the future of school choice here in Pennsylvania.
Episode 5: In this week’s episode of School Choice Report, host David Hardy welcomes Commonwealth Foundation Executive Vice President Jennifer Stefano. They discuss the recent mayoral primary in Philadelphia and what it means for the city, especially for parents hoping to help their children get out of failing schools.
Episode 4: In this week’s School Choice Report, host David Hardy welcomes special guest Jeff Yass, co-founder and managing partner of Susquehanna International Group (SIG) . Jeff is known for his unwavering support of school choice. He recently came up with an exciting idea that could revolutionize public education, and we’re honored to have him join the podcast.
Episode 3: There have been countless battles for the right to properly educate, give agency to, and give education access to Black children. In this episode, Dr. Howard Fuller continues the conversation from Episode 2. Dr. Fuller is a former superintendent of the Milwaukee Public Schools and founder of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, a national pro-voucher and school choice group.
Episode 2: There have been countless battles for the right to properly educate, give agency to, and give education access to Black children. In this episode, Dr. Howard Fuller joins the conversation. Dr. Fuller is a former superintendent of the Milwaukee Public Schools and founder of the Black Alliance for Educational Options, a national pro-voucher and school choice group.
Episode 1: In this inaugural episode of School Choice Report, host David Hardy will take a deep dive into school choice with special guest and Sr. Vice President of the Commonwealth Foundation Nathan Benefield.
Whether you’re an advocate, skeptic, or just curious about school choice this podcast is for you.