The Dropout Nation Podcast

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/photodune-282165-happy-african-american-man-woman-and-child-m-e1345781426209.jpg) As we head into a new school year, listen to this Best of The Dropout Nation Podcast from January 2011 on the need for overhauling American public education so that parents and families are the lead decision-makers in schools. As films such as Won't Back Down highlight the importance of Parent Power, it is even more important to give all families the ability to transform education for their kids. (http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bestofdropoutnation.png)You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_timetobuildparentpower_01302011.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle observes the first weeks of the new school year and considers what families, communities, and school reformers must do to continue the transformation of American public education. Just talking about school reform isn't enough. We must take action -- from asking simple questions of teachers and school leaders, to launching Parent Power groups and voting against politicians opposed to reform -- in order to provide all kids with the cultures of genius they deserve. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_beaboutitforourchildren_08212012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast (http://dropoutnation.net/category/dropout-nation-podcast/), RiShawn Biddle looks at recent efforts by the NEA and AFT to oppose school choice and teacher quality reforms -- including Randi Weingarten's (http://dropoutnation.net/2012/08/02/three-thoughts-randi-weingarten-second-summer-of-embarrassment/) and Leo Casey's (http://dropoutnation.net/2012/08/06/incivility-looks-the-aft-in-the-eye-again-leo-casey-department/) latest outbursts in defense of teacher dismissal policies that perpetuate cultures of abuse -- and explains why reformers must be savvier in explaining how their efforts help our children achieve lifelong success (as well as give families, communities and high-quality teachers the tools needed to do the best by them). You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_morelessonsfromteachersunions_08132012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/expectations-e1344133039120.jpg) As your editor enjoys a weekend with family -- and gets ready to broadcast a new Dropout Nation Podcast (http://dropoutnation.net/category/dropout-nation-podcast/)for Tuesday -- check out this repeat from February 2011 which takes on adults who tout low expectations such as Queens College professor emeritus and opponent of teaching higher-level math Andrew Hacker (http://dropoutnation.net/2012/07/30/why-algebra-matters-and-why-those-who-think-it-doesnt-are-wrong/) (as well as the writers of Harvard's Pathways to Prosperity report from a year earlier). Their underlying argument — that poor and minority kids are incapable of learning college preparatory education — is a failed idea, while others who support (http://www.nas.org/polArticles.cfm?Doc_Id=1800) its recommendations do not consider the true underlying causes of the nation’s education crisis. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_importanceofhighexpectations_02132011.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png)On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle observes some good news -- and challenges -- in the effort to advance Parent Trigger laws, and explains why it will take more work to help families take their rightful place in education decision-making. Even as families in Adelanto, Calif (http://dropoutnation.net/2012/07/23/the-desert-trails-parent-trigger-victory-and-the-importance-of-advancing-parent-power/)., and in Native communities (http://www.niea.org/data/files/research/ewing.ferrick.2012-charter%20schls%20%5Bfinal%5D.pdf) achieve success in gaining lead roles in schools that serve their kids, intimidation tactics and politicking such as that by the NEA and AFT in Louisiana (http://rishawnbiddle.org/outsidereports/louisiana_nea_private_school_intimidation_letter_2012.pdf) and Connecticut are reminders that it will take strong efforts by Parent Power activists and other school reformers to continue pushing parents to the table in education on behalf of all of our children. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_furtherparentpower_07292012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/IMAG1331-1-1-e1343053372322.jpg) As your editor recovers from a long weekend of yard work -- and prepares for Dropout Nation's upcoming Virtual Panel on Parent Power (https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1882888717516630528) -- listen to this Best of the Dropout Nation (http://dropoutnation.net/category/best-of-dropout-nation/) Podcast from last October on what reformers must do amid the Obama Administration (http://dropoutnation.net/2011/09/23/arnes-and-obamas-waiver-plan-not-worth-paper/)'s evisceration of the No Child Left Behind Act (http://dropoutnation.net/2012/07/19/more-bad-out-of-the-obama-duncan-no-child-waiver-gambit/) and its powerful accountability provisions. The scale-back of federal education policy offers opportunities for reformers to use grassroots activism and political savvy — especially learning from the Freedom Rides (http://dropoutnation.net/2011/10/06/time-for-freedom-riders-for-school-reform/) and 20th-century political mastermind Wayne Wheeler (http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Wayne-B-Wheeler-The-Man-Who-Turned-Off-the-Taps.html?c=y&story=fullstory) –  in sustaining a decade of gains in overhauling American public education. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_beyondnochildleftbehind_10232011.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software. A new Dropout Nation Podcast (http://dropoutnation.net/category/dropout-nation-podcast/) comes out later this week.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle looks at the school reform lawsuit (http://rishawnbiddle.org/outsidereports/michigan_aclu_lawsuit.pdf) brought by the American Civil Liberties Union's Michigan affiliate, and explains why we must take on the illiteracy that is the key symptom of the education crisis. It is a social imperative, economic necessity, and moral commandment to ensure that all children are proficient in reading so they can successfully choose their own paths in life. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_challengeilliteracy_07152012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle takes a look at a new study on teacher quality from CALDER and explains why we must overhaul how we recruit, train, manage, and reward our teachers. Our children, and good and great teachers, deserve cultures of genius in which they can thrive and succeed. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_advancingthepowerofhighqualityteaching_07082012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/wpid-alfredstreetstainedglass011.jpg) (http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/wpid-bestofdropoutnation.png) While your editors deal with the power outages resulting from the storms this weekend in the D.C. area, listen to this Best of The Dropout Nation Podcast on the wastelands that feed into — and sustained by — the crisis in American public education. School reformers must address the role played by the nation’s schools in child welfare, special education, juvenile justice and other systems in order to stem dropouts and help more kids write their own stories. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download ( http://www.rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_clearoutwastelandsofeducation_03062011.mp3 ) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace, (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?AAAAATP_r) (for those of us using our Androids and iPhones), and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle considers a question posed by gospel superstars Kirk Franklin and Mali Music, and gives another reason why children need high-quality teaching, and strong, comprehensive college preparatory curricula: So they can build the confidence needed to survive and succeed even during the most-tumultuous points in life. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_allchildrenshouldknowtheirnames_06242012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle observes the Doe v. Deasy Parent Power lawsuit against L.A. Unified School District, and notes how it shines a light on the need for families to have high-quality data on teacher performance. Now that we know that the quality of education for kids can vary from classroom from classroom, we must take steps to provide parents with the comprehensive data on teacher performance they need to help their kids succeed and transform American public education. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_buildconsumerreportsforeducation_06172012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

As we celebrate Father's Men and all the men who fight furiously for children in their lives, listen to this rebroadcast of The Dropout Nation Podcast from June 2011 on how fathers, future fathers and father figures can help overhaul American public education. Dads can be the impromptu leaders, grassroots catalysts and moral champions of literacy (http://dropoutnation.net/2011/06/16/moral-imperative-literacy/) our children need to get the high-quality teaching and college preparatory curricula they deserve. (http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/bestofdropoutnation.png)You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/_mp3/4/dpn_podcast_rallyfathersforschoolreform_06192011.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle looks at the latest graduation rate estimates from Education Week (and Dropout Nation's own estimates) and notes that we still have ways to go in helping all kids succeed. While fewer kids are dropping out, far too many kids are not getting the strong, comprehensive, and challenging college-preparatory curricula they need for lifelong success. And it will take more than just enacting Common Core standards to make this a reality. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_savemorethanonemillion_06102012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

On this week's Midweek Monitor, RiShawn Biddle chats about the lessons for school reformers from Scott Walker's victory over NEA and AFT affiliates seeking his recall; looks at the implications of Education Next's recent poll on teachers' union popularity; and considers the discussions over expanding choice in the Tarheel State. Watch the Midweek Monitor  (http://dropoutnation.net/category/dropout-nation-midweek-monitor/)on the site or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/video/dn_midweek_06062012.mp4). You can also subscribe  (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/midweekmonitor/)to this series and to the overall Dropout Nation Podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.

(http://dropoutnation.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/dn_podcast_itunes_logo.png) On this week's Dropout Nation Podcast, RiShawn Biddle talks about the four steps school reformers must take to advance school choice and Parent Power by overhauling school funding and challenging rhetoric and mindsets. In order to provide high-quality opportunities for all children, school reformers must challenge the mindsets and tactics of education tradtionalists such as Diane Ravitch and even suburbanites in places such as Zachary, La., who look at moves such as Mitt Romney's support for school choice,and the passage of voucher and tax credit plans in Louisiana and other states, as anathema to their views on what public education should be. You can listen (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/rbradio/index.html) to the Podcast at RiShawn Biddle’s radio page or download (http://rishawnbiddle.org/RRB/media/MusicBox/music/dpn_podcast_voucherizeit_06042012.mp3) directly to your iPod, Zune, MP3 player, smartphone, Nook Color or Kindle Fire. Also, subscribe (http://dropoutnation.net/feed/podcast/) to the podcast series. It is also available on iTunes (http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=348527760), Blubrry (http://www.blubrry.com/dropoutnation/), Zune Marketplace (http://social.zune.net/podcast/Dropout-Nation/6900e8e7-4e46-45be-a456-570be181ffcf) and PodBean (http://www.podbean.com/podcast-detail?pid=75459). Also download to your phone with BlackBerry podcast software, Google Reader, BeyondPod, DoggCatcher and other mobile software.