What's Happening?
Mike Petrilli, president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, has launched a new Substack newsletter, 'SCHOOLED,' aiming to rekindle bipartisan dialogue on education reform. The newsletter seeks to aggregate
diverse opinions on education policy, covering topics such as accountability, charter schools, and school discipline. Petrilli hopes to revive the robust debates that characterized earlier reform efforts, which have waned due to ideological divides and social media's polarizing effects.
Why It's Important?
Reviving bipartisan discussions on education reform is crucial as the U.S. faces challenges like declining student achievement and polarized political landscapes. A renewed focus on education could lead to innovative policies that address systemic issues in the American education system. Stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and parents, stand to benefit from a more collaborative approach to reform, potentially leading to improved educational outcomes and equity.
What's Next?
The success of Petrilli's initiative could inspire similar efforts to bridge divides in other policy areas. If the newsletter gains traction, it may influence public discourse and policy decisions, encouraging a return to centrist, evidence-based approaches to education reform. The initiative's impact will depend on its ability to engage a broad audience and foster meaningful dialogue across ideological lines.
