Tag: WAMU

A Different March Madness: The DCPS Lottery

Posted on | by Sam

Since last fall, I’ve been working on a new book about a year in the life of the DC public school system(s) — as seen primarily through two schools: one a brand-new charter school, the other a 90-year-old neighborhood school — so I was thrilled to hear that WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi was dedicating a show to the DCPS lottery and various local parents’ reactions to it.

That show aired today. If you’re interested, you can listen here to my observations about the process as well as many other DC parents and representatives from DCPS.

WAMU Radio Learning Story Series: A Teacher Unlocks Hidden Talents

Posted on | by Sam

As part of the Faces of Learning campaign, WAMU 88.5FM is producing weekly radio stories in which different people recount their most powerful learning experiences.

This week’s story comes from Susan Oliver, who remembers the influence of Ms. Juanita Cooke, and the discovery of a hidden talent. Take a listen here.

Lifelong Learning Radio Series — Crossing the Finish Line

Posted on | by Sam

Another week, another inspiring learning story from WAMU 88.5 FM as part of its ongoing weekly Lifelong Learning series of radio stories about people’s most powerful learning experiences.

This week’s story comes from H.Y. Griffin, a Washington resident who works as a community organizer through AmeriCorps, achieved a big dream with a little celebrity inspiration a lot of community support.

Take a listen — and please spread the word!

Lifelong Radio Series — Our Children’s Heroes

Posted on | by Sam

Last night, WAMU 88.5FM, the public radio affiliate for the DC region, aired the latest in its ongoing weekly Lifelong Learning series of radio stories about people’s most powerful learning experiences.

This week’s story comes from James Woody, a native Washingtonian and the executive director of D.C.’s Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys. Woody had the opportunity to learn about influencing the next generation from one of his personal heroes.

Take a listen — and please spread the word!

Evaluating Charter Schools

Posted on | by Sam

This morning I appeared on WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show. With the DC region at the forefront of the national charter school movement, people want to know why, after a decade of innovation and experimentation, it’s still difficult to evaluate local charters and compare them to traditional public schools.

The framing question for the hour-long show, therefore, was this: “Do charters live up to the claims of their boosters?” You can listen to the show at http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2010-02-01/evaluating-charter-schools.