Forbidden Topics: Are Schools Hiding the Truth from Students? (Ep. 7)
Episode Notes:
Remember the classroom discussions of current events and controversial topics? They were opportunities to learn what was happening in the world, hear opposing perspectives, and formulate our own opinions. Recently, however, several states have passed laws restricting these discussions. In some cases, teachers are forbidden from discussing any issue that might cause students to feel anguish or discomfort. According to a 2022 study by Rand Corporation, “14 states had enacted some kind of state-level restriction on teachers’ ability to engage in classroom conversations about race, racism, and other forms of bias.” That study also found that a significant number of teachers oppose these restrictions and are experiencing high levels of stress over the meaning of these new laws because of fear of what might happen if they do not comply.
In this fascinating conversation, a politically diverse panel discusses the place current events and controversial topics should have in the curriculum. Panelists also weigh in on two related questions: Who should determine what’s taught in public schools, and what role should parents play?
Featured Guests:
Senator John Schickel
Senator, Kentucky Senate District 11 (Boone County)
Union, Kentucky
Born March 29, 1954. Ret Law Enforcement Officer. Roman Catholic. NKU, MPA. League of KY Sportsman. Fraternal Order of Police. Florence Rotary Club. Boone Co Business Assoc. Northern KY Municipal League, Outstanding Official of the Year.
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Forty-Five-year career in public service as a State Senator serving on the Judiciary Committee, as a corrections administrator, law enforcement officer and teacher.
Headed the U.S. Marshall’s Service in the Eastern District of Kentucky, appointed by President George W. Bush.
Adjunct professor at Northern Kentucky University in their justice studies program, where he was also on their curriculum advisory committee.
Graduate of Northern Kentucky University with a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.
Recipient of numerous professional awards, including an award from the Innocence Project for his work on post-conviction DNA evidence.
Chairman of the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee.
Serves as a member of the Senate Standing Committees on Judiciary, Banking, and Insurance, Natural Resources and Energy, and is a liaison member of the Budget Review Subcommittee on Justice and Judiciary."
Emily Glankler
Teacher and Host of Anti-Social Studies Podcast
Austin, Texas
Emily Glankler is a veteran high school teacher in Austin, Texas. She earned degrees in History and International Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a graduate degree in History (M.A.) from Texas State University. Over the past eleven years, she has taught everything from 6th grade World Cultures to AP World and US History and electives on International Relations and Contemporary Issues. Her business, Anti-Social Studies, creates entertaining content that supplements and expands our traditional history education.
Monte Bourjaily
Teacher at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science & Technology
Alexandria, Virginia
Monte practiced law for twelve years before becoming a teacher sixteen years ago. He teaches AP US Government, AP US History, and Law & Society. He’s published essays on teaching and rebuilding trust in American society, including Some Politicians Count on Teachers Staying Silent. We Can’t Afford to, You Can Teach Online Without Being Ruled By Technology and Shifting Perspectives to Heal America.
Monte Bourjaily is participating in this conversation in his personal capacity. The statements he makes and the opinions he expresses are personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer.
Robert Pondiscio
Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)
Medusa, New York
Robert Pondiscio is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he focuses on K–12 education, curriculum, teaching, school choice, and charter schooling.
Before joining AEI, Mr. Pondiscio was a policy analyst and education reform expert at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, an education policy think tank. He previously worked for the Core Knowledge Foundation and as an adviser and civics teacher at Democracy Prep Public Schools. Mr. Pondiscio became interested in education policy issues when he started teaching fifth grade at a struggling South Bronx public school in 2002. Before that, he worked in journalism for 20 years, including in senior positions at Time and BusinessWeek.
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Mr. Pondiscio is the author of many books, including “How the Other Half Learns: Equality, Excellence, and the Battle over School Choice” (Avery, 2019), which is about Success Academy Charter Schools and was widely reviewed and praised. He is the co-author of a bestselling series of books for young readers, including “The Ultimate On-Line Homework Helper” (HarperCollins, 1996) and “Kids On-Line” (HarperCollins, 1995). In addition, he is the author of “The Future: An Owner’s Manual” (Harper Trophy, 2000) and “Get on the Net” (HarperCollins, 1999).
Mr. Pondiscio has been extensively published in the popular press, including in The Atlantic, Education Next, the New York Daily News, and The Wall Street Journal. As a frequent speaker, he is often interviewed on radio and television to discuss education issues. His appearances include CNN, Fox News Channel, and hundreds of local TV and radio programs.
Mr. Pondiscio has an MS in elementary education from Mercy College and a BA in English from SUNY Empire State College.
EXPERIENCE
Thomas B. Fordham Institute: Senior Fellow and Vice President, External Affairs, 2014–21
Democracy Prep Public Schools: Senior Adviser and High School Civics Teacher, 2013–20
Core Knowledge Foundation: Communications Director, 2007–12
Pace University School of Education: Adjunct Professor (instructing Teach for America master’s degree candidates), 2005–07
New York City Department of Education: Teacher, 2002–07
BusinessWeek Magazine/The McGraw-Hill Companies: Communications Director, 1997–2002
Hill & Knowlton: Director of Media for New York Office, 1997
Time magazine/Time Inc.: Public Affairs Director, 1989–96
NBC Radio Network: Producer and Assignment Coordinator, 1988–89
EDUCATION
MS, Elementary Education, Mercy College
BA, English, State University of New York, Empire State College
Ken Futernick
Host, Moderator, & Teacher Educator
Placerville, California
The Courageous Conversations About Our Schools podcast is hosted by Ken Futernick. Ken is an experienced moderator, a teacher educator, and a long-time advocate for collaboration and civil dialogue.