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Lessons of War-Education Podcast with John Merrow #67

We've received so many requests for our program, Lessons of War, which aired on The NewsHour last week, we decided to make it this week's podcast. So, if you missed it when it aired or would like to see it again, you can now watch the entire program online. In addition to The NewsHour segment, we produced four podcasts (posted below) of extended interviews providing a more in-depth and personal look into the lives of the four people featured in the piece.

VIDEO

Duration: 13:54

Leading the Smallest Soldiers - Education Podcast with John Merrow #66

Retired military officer Tim Howle finds a new way to serve his country as principal of McNair Elementary on Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

AUDIO

Duration: 13:00

Spelling Iraq - Education Podcast with John Merrow #65

Almost all of Nancy Welsh's kindergarten students have a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan.

AUDIO

Duration: 16:00

After He's Gone - Education Podcast with John Merrow #64

27-year-old Scarlette Keeling struggles to raise her three children after her husband, Corey, leaves to serve as a medic in Afghanistan.

AUDIO

Duration: 20:00

Classroom Veteran - Education Podcast with John Merrow #63

Third grade teacher and army veteran Gary Wieland has seven students who have parents serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. How does a veteran teacher juggle academics and a student's need for affection and reassurance?

AUDIO

Duration: 23:00

Message to Subscribers-Education Podcast with John Merrow

We have some exciting news for our podcast subscribers: The Education Podcast with John Merrow has moved to the PBS area of iTunes.

To easily locate us, open your iTunes and, from within the Shop area, select Podcasts and then click on the Public Broadcasting badge. You will then see a link to the PBS section. Once inside the PBS area of iTunes, you will find The Education Podcast with John Merrow alongside many other quality PBS branded programs.

Or, if you prefer to access our podcasts via RSS, please add our new RSS feed to your RSS reader. That new feed address is: http://www.pbs.org/merrow/rss/podcast.xml

If you have any questions, please visit the Podcast section of the PBS website, at http://www.pbs.org/podcasts, or email us at podcasts@merrow.org

Thank you and have a great day.

AUDIO

Leading the Smallest Soldiers-Education Podcast with John Merrow #66

Retired military officer Tim Howle finds a new way to serve his country as principal of McNair Elementary on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He maintains that the two jobs are very similar, but perhaps not in the ways you might expect.

AUDIO

Duration: 13:00

Spelling Iraq-Education Podcast with John Merrow #65

Almost all of Nancy Welsh’s kindergarten students have a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Can she comfort all of them when they need comforting and still keep them focused on academics?

AUDIO

Duration: 16:00

After He's Gone-Education Podcast with John Merrow #64

27-year-old Scarlette Keeling struggles to raise her three children after her husband, Corey, leaves for a 1-year tour of duty as a medic in Afghanistan. It’s his third tour of duty.

AUDIO

Duration: 20:00

Classroom Veteran-Education Podcast with John Merrow #63

Third grade teacher and army veteran Gary Wieland has seven students who have parents serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. How does a veteran teacher juggle academics and a student's need for affection and reassurance?


AUDIO

Duration: 23:00

All things to all people?-Education Podcast with John Merrow #62

We expect a lot from our 1200 community colleges, and most of them bend over backwards trying to provide it–job training, a jumpstart on a 4-year degree, remedial education, even classes in motorcycle repair and ballroom dancing! But is being all things to all people possible, or even desirable?

AUDIO

Duration: 25:00

Profit and Loss-Education Podcast with John Merrow #61

John Merrow’s conversation with Steve Mariotti about creating a global movement around entrepreneurship education.

AUDIO

Duration: 20:25

Eating Disorders on America's College Campuses-Education Podcast with John Merrow #60

The prevalence of eating disorders in society is hard to ignore. As many as 10 million women and 1 million men in the United States alone have either anorexia or bulimia. In this exclusive video podcast, we take a look inside America’s college campuses, where eating disorders may affect up to 20% of its students.

VIDEO

Duration: 15:01

Teaching Entrepreneurship-Education Podcast with John Merrow #59

Watch as inner city high school students launch their own soda company, and hear why some say entrepreneurship education is "the civil rights issue of our time."

VIDEO

Duration : 9:50

Dumb Jocks?-Education Podcast with John Merrow #58

A college football championship special. Sociologist and civil rights activist Dr. Harry Edwards on the problematic college sports system that deserves to be saved.

Duration: 37:00

AUDIO

Measuring Learning with Bill Sanders-Education Podcast with John Merrow #57

One of the country’s top education researchers discusses the federal law known as No Child Left Behind at a meeting of Phi Delta Kappa in Washington, D.C.  

AUDIO

Duration: 21:42

Turnaround Specialist Roundtable-Education Podcast with John Merrow #56

What does it take to turn around a failing school?  John Merrow talked to three so-called “turnaround specialists” hired by the state of Virginia to save its underperforming schools.

AUDIO

Duration: 36:38

Turnaround Specialist Part 4-Education Podcast with John Merrow #55

When veteran principal Parke Land signed up to become a "Turnaround Specialist," he fully expected to transform the failing
middle school to which he was assigned. In Part IV of our serial coverage, the surprising conclusion to our story.

VIDEO

Separate Classrooms-Education Podcast with John Merrow #54

The U.S. Department of Education has decided to support single sex public schools, classrooms and activities, removing the legal ambiguity created by two apparently conflicting laws, Title IX and No Child Left Behind.

In this week’s podcast we report on a public school’s experiment with single sex classrooms. As you will see, this experiment began accidentally, the result of a computer glitch.

VIDEO

Duration: 11:31

Eyes on the Prize – Education Podcast with John Merrow #53

A roundtable discussion with superstars of urban education. John Merrow moderates a symposium with the finalists for the Broad Prize for Urban Education. Which district comes out on top? The envelope, please . . .

Broad Symposium

Duration: 1:01:08

The Weighted Student Formula Debate–Education Podcast with John Merrow #52

The current system of public school funding is plagued by inequity. Is the weighted student formula education’s silver bullet or a smoke screen? John Merrow moderates a debate about a controversial new proposal.

Cynthia G. Brown, Director of Education Policy, Center for American Progress provides an overview. The panelists were Arlene Ackerman, former superintendent, San Francisco; Rod Paige, former secretary of education; John Podesta, President and CEO, Center for American Progress; and Michael Rebell, executive director, the Campaign for Educational Equity.

AUDIO

Duration: 53:24

Making the Grade Part VII: Redux-Education Podcast with John Merrow #51

One year after the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer profiled five rookie teachers assigned to an underperforming school in Brooklyn, New York, we revisited them with a special guest: the man who created their "Teaching Fellows" program, Schools Chancellor Harold Levy. The Fellows got their chance to ‘sound off’ on all the issues they faced in their first year of teaching.  See what happens when they meet in our final installment of “Making the Grade.”

VIDEO

Duration: 11:10

Making the Grade Part VI: The End of the School Year-Education Podcast with John Merrow #50

Over the course of a school year, five NYC Teaching Fellows have tackled every classroom challenge that's come their way, including disruptive students, violence, high pressure testing, and the reality of becoming teachers with almost no training.  

We’ve watched them overcome the jitters of their first day of school and struggle to maintain control of their classrooms.  Two of their colleagues at PS 25 in Brooklyn quit early in the year, and one of our rookies, Renee Cason, came close.  She admits “ I hate this year” but also promised she would not throw in the towel.  In this NewsHour episode, the sixth of seven, you'll find out if she makes it and hear the rookies reflect on all they’ve faced.

VIDEO

Duration: 11:36

Making the Grade Part V: Preparing for Standardized Tests-Education Podcast with John Merrow #49

This week’s podcast is the fifth of seven NewsHour pieces that follow several first year Teaching Fellows assigned to one of the worst public schools in New York City. In our fifth installment, the Fellows learn how to “teach to the test,” preparing their students for high stakes testing that could get them off the list of lowest performing schools.

VIDEO

Duration: 11:49

Making the Grade Part IV: Challenges Continue-Education Podcast with John Merrow #48

This week’s podcast is the fourth of seven NewsHour pieces that follow several first year Teaching Fellows assigned to one of the worst public schools in New York City. In our fourth installment, we visit the Fellows at their local college, where they are taking classes aimed at improving their teaching techniques. Are these classes actually helping them in their own classrooms?

VIDEO

Duration: 14:05

Making the Grade Part III: Frustrations and Accomplishments-Education Podcast with John Merrow #47

This week’s podcast is the third of seven NewsHour pieces that follow several first year Teaching Fellows assigned to one of the worst public schools in New York City. In our third installment, two Teaching Fellows drop out and another struggles to maintain control of her classroom.

VIDEO

Duration: 12:53

Making the Grade Part II: Learning the Ropes-Education Podcast with John Merrow #46

This week’s podcast is the second of seven NewsHour pieces that follow several first year Teaching Fellows assigned to one of the worst public schools in New York City. In our second installment, the realities of being an inexperienced teacher sets in, the Fellows get a visit from the principal and the district superintendent, and one teacher gets assaulted in class.

VIDEO

Duration: 12:11

Making the Grade Part I: First Day of School-Education Podcast with John Merrow #45

The first of seven NewsHour pieces that follow several first year teachers assigned to one of the worst public schools in New York City. In our first installment, you will meet Teaching Fellows Dana, Scott, Renee, and Jack, who are assigned to PS 25 in Brooklyn, a K-8 school known for its low academic performance.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 14:49

Military Recruiting in High Schools-Education Podcast with John Merrow #44

The US Army's struggles to meet its recruiting quotas are well known. Less publicized is the Army's efficient recruiting machine that visits high schools. Two years ago the US Army granted us complete access to its high school recruitment process, and we followed the team to a large San Diego high school.  

(VIDEO)
Duration: 11:40

A Provost's Balancing Act-Education Podcast with John Merrow #43

A glimpse into the life of a college provost, the chief academic officer on campus.

Dr. Barbara Burch of Western Kentucky University has to struggle to balance the needs of 19,000 students, the demands of faculty, economic pressures, and pressures from interest groups (like sports fans!).

Duration: 44:56

Turnaround Specialist, Part 3-Education Podcast with John Merrow #42

The continuing dramatic story of one man's effort to fix a failing middle school in Richmond, Virginia.  

Parke Land is one of two dozen veteran public school principals selected for two weeks of business school training and then assigned to some of the state's toughest schools.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 10:08

Reunion: A Personal Essay-Education Podcast with John Merrow #41

Recently John Merrow attended the 40th reunion of the class of 1966 at Paul D. Schreiber High School in Port Washington, NY where he was an English teacher fresh out of college.

The renuion was an opportunity to discover what interesting, complex and valuable humans these young people have become, as well as a reminder of the power teachers have over the lives of the young.

Duration: 5:17

Chattanooga's Enthusiastic Eight-Education Podcast with John Merrow #40

Eight remarkable teachers from some of the poorest schools in Chattanooga show no fear of speaking openly about teaching in the inner city.

AUDIO

Duration: 45:26

Chattanooga-Education Podcast with John Merrow #39

When a list of the worst elementary schools in Tennessee came out in 2000, Chattanooga was stunned to find that nine of its schools were in the bottom 20. Embarrassed, the community decided it had to act.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 11:11

First Generation Freshman-Education Podcast with John Merrow #38

College freshman Matt Morris is making the move from a small country town to a large state university.

Matt Morris tells us how appearing to be a hillbilly appeals to coeds, how he balances his party life with his schoolwork, and other secrets.

Duration: 26:53

Opening the (Gym) Door for Women-Education Podcast with John Merrow #37

Olympic gold medalist Donna de Varona on the continuing struggle for gender equality in sports and what she sees as a coming “train wreck" in college sports. It's the anniversary of Title IX.

Duration: 36:16

Expecting More...and Getting It-Education Podcast with John Merrow #36

This week’s podcast is a conversation with a college professor who challenges his students and expects them to challenge each other...and him.

An interview with Austin Sarat, professor of jurisprudence and political science at Amherst college for over 30 years.

Duration: 45:21

Is Excellence Enough?-Education Podcast with John Merrow #35

Can a school be 'outstanding' AND 'in need of improvement' at the same time? Apparently so. A visit to a highly praised New York City public school that, according to the federal law known as "No Child Left Behind," is not making the grade.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 12:58

A Juggling Act-Education Podcast with John Merrow #34

While other full time college students are studying, partying or sleeping, Ceylon Hollis is processing hundreds of car parts until the sun comes up. How long can she keep this up?

Duration: 8:48

Expecting Less...and Getting It-Education Podcast with John Merrow #33

A conversation with a college professor who seems to accept student mediocrity as inevitable.

Paulette Kurzer, a professor of political science at the University of Arizona and teacher of over 20 years, discusses how she deals with students who don't pay attention or do the work.

Duration: 35:57

Chasing Tenure-Education Podcast with John Merrow #32

A young adjunct professor would like nothing more than a full time teaching position that would put him on the long road towards tenure, but most of his requests for job interviews go unanswered.

Duration: 29:46

College Life-Education Podcast with John Merrow #31

Inside college residence hall life.

A Resident Assistant at a large public university reveals how students deal with sudden freedom from parental supervision, drinking, dating and becoming an adult.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 10:45

Disappearing Dropouts-Education Podcast with John Merrow #30

Americans know the situation in our public high schools is bad, but it may be far worse than they think.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 10:28

A Degree or an Education?-Education Podcast with John Merrow #29

Former college president Richard Hersh discusses the difference between a college degree and a college education.

Duration: 45:31

Bay St. Louis-Education Podcast with John Merrow #28

Putting the pieces back together.

Recently, we profiled one school's recovery effort seven months after Katrina, for "The NewsHour With Jim Lehrer" on PBS. Here's an opportunity for you to get to know three of the individuals who work in hurricane damaged Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

(VIDEO)

Time: 13:10

College Rankings-Education Podcast with John Merrow #27

College presidents, critics and advocates debate the value of the US
News and World Report college rankings.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 8:44

Public Universities-Education Podcast with John Merrow #26

University of Arizona President Peter Likins responds to criticism about education at a large public university.

Duration: 31:07

College Sports-Education Podcast with John Merrow #25

A March madness special.

Sociologist Harry Edwards on the business of college athletics.

Duration: 47:00

High Stakes Testing-Education Podcast with John Merrow #24

George Madaus, testing analyst of over 30 years, gives his insights into the defects of testing practices and how they play out in the classroom.

Duration: 35:15

Achievement Gap-Education Podcast with John Merrow #23

A profile of an urban elementary school in Mount Vernon, NY that has been successful at avoiding the achievement gap.

(VIDEO)

Duration: 11:11

Albert Shanker's Legacy-Education Podcast with John Merrow #22

A tribute to the late educator and teacher union leader.

Duration: 52:53

Gifted Education-Education Podcast with John Merrow #21

Gifted education specialist Penny Choice deflates the myths about “cream always rising to the top.”

Duration: 32:50

Turnaround Specialist Part 2-Education Podcast with John Merrow #20

Follow-up on Virginia's "Turnaround Specialist" program.

(VIDEO)

Parker Land struggles with disruptive students and also tries to persuade teachers to assist with discipline.

Duration: 14:08

Slipping Behind-Education Podcast with John Merrow #19

Pat Callan, President of the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.

Pat discusses what's wrong with American higher education.

Duration: 51:00

Turnaround Specialist Part 1-Education Podcast with John Merrow #18

Virginia's "Turnaround Specialist" program is among the hottest new ideas in education. (VIDEO)


Duration: 10:27

Vital Testing-Education Podcast with John Merrow #17

How excellent schools produce tangible results according to E.D. Hirsch, Jr.

Duration: 37:05

Progressive Schools-Education Podcast with John Merrow #16

Progressive schools advocate Alfie Kohn argues that competition undermines learning.

Duration: 36:18

Ted Sizer-Education Podcast with John Merrow #15

Veteran educator Ted Sizer on what makes an excellent high school.

Noise, cliques, uncertainty and arguments may not be so bad for high school students. Veteran educator Ted Sizer provides insights that go against conventional wisdom and explains why most American high schools are barely good enough.

Duration: 26:19

Marketing College-Education Podcast with John Merrow #14

The war of amenities.

Lara Couturier on competition amongst colleges.

Duration: 23:09

Small Schools-Education Podcast with John Merrow #13

What makes a good school?

Deborah Meier, the architect of many school reforms, reflects on the changes she's seen over the years.

Duration: 38:53

US News Rankings-Education Podcast with John Merrow #12

The number one college rankings guide.

A conversation with Ben Wildavsky, education editor of "U.S. News & World Report, on his magazine's college ranking system.

AUDIO

Duration: 27:50

Liberal Education-Education Podcast with John Merrow #11

Elite liberal arts colleges.

A conversation with Amherst College President Tony Marx.

Duration: 32:04

NSSE-Education Podcast with John Merrow #10

A different college ranking.

A conversation with George Kuh, Director of the National Survey of Student Engagement.

Duration: 39:17

California Schools-Education Podcast with John Merrow #9

California public school system.

A conversation with former California State librarian, Dr. Kevin Starr.

Duration: 27:58

New Orleans-Education Podcast with John Merrow #8

Rebuilding New Orleans' public school system.

A conversation with Sajan George and Bill Roberti from crisis management firm Alvarez & Marsal.

Duration: 43:35

"The Arms Race"-Education Podcast with John Merrow #7

Higher education: transforming a university.

A conversation with Western Kentucky University President Gary Ransdell.

Duration: 25:32

College Admissions-Education Podcast with John Merrow #6

Interview with Tom Parker, Dean of Admission and Financial Aid at Amherst College.

Tom Parker discusses the admissions process at Amherst College.

Duration: 45:57

College Teaching-Education Podcast with John Merrow #5

Interview with Lee Shulman, President of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

John talks with Lee about teaching and learning in higher education.

Duration: 37:48

Community Colleges-Education Podcast with John Merrow #4

Interview with Kay McClenney, community college expert.

She speaks on the importance of community colleges, where 45% of all college students are enrolled.

Duration: 28:36

Big Time Sports-Education Podcast with John Merrow #3

Interview with Frank Deford.

A conversation with Frank Deford on the role of college sports in higher education.

Duration: 32:00

NYC Schools-Education Podcast with John Merrow #2

Interviews: Randi Weingarten, Eric Gioia, and Arthur Levine.

John Merrow's extended interviews with three key players in the politics of NYC education, done for the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.

Duration: 44:57

Joel Klein-Education Podcast with John Merrow #1

"Disappearing Dropouts;" NYC Chancellor Joel Klein.

A report on just how far educators will go to avoid being held accountable and a candid interview with NYC School Chancellor Joel Klein as he begins his fourth year leading the nation's largest school system.

Duration: 47:26