The Harvard EdCast

Dr. Bobby William Austin, the developer of the initiative and editor of the report reflects on the 2014 RTB Conference.

Julie Young, president and CEO of Florida Virtual School, examines the history and growth of the first statewide Internet-based public high school in the United States

M. Night Shyamalan, filmmaker and author of “I Got Schooled,” shares his unique journey as a curious, education reform outsider looking for data informed answers on how to close America's education gap.

Patrick Sharkey, associate professor at New York University, discusses urban neighborhoods and the persistence of racial inequality --analyzed through the lens of his new book "Stuck in Place" and the upcoming Askwith Forum.

Kathleen McCartney, president of Smith College and former dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reflects on an exciting year involving a new job, book, and Twitter account.

Wendy Kopp, CEO and Co-Founder of Teach for All, candidly reflects on her experiences leading Teach for All and Teach for America, with thoughts on the future of both organizations.

Hiro Yoshikawa, professor of globalization and education at NYU, discusses his new co-edited book, 'Improving the Odds For America's Children' and its tie in with an upcoming Askwith Forum celebrating 40 Years of the Children's Defense Fund.

Temple Grandin, world famous animal scientist and autism activist, sheds insight into the way she thinks, reflects on the state of autism awareness, and even reveals her favorite Claire Danes movie.

Sarah Dryden-Peterson, assistant professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, reflects on how education systems fare during periods of great turmoil and strife within a country.

John King Jr., commissioner of education of the State of New York, shares his perspective on the common core --its perils, pitfalls, and opportunities.

Robert Kegan, professor at HGSE, discusses the mechanics, challenges, and excitement in teaching his new HarvardX course called, "Unlocking the Immunity to Change."

Greg Duncan, co-author of the HEPG book "Restoring Opportunity" discusses the crisis of inequality and the challenge for American education in a historical and practical context.

Beverly Daniel Tatum, president of Spelman College, re-examines the expression of Martin Luther King's "dream" for America, while redefining the dreams we have for ourselves, our communities, and our world.

Eileen Rudden, co-founder of LearnLaunch, reflects on the state of entrepreneurship and ed tech - with anticipation for LearnLaunch's annual conference in Boston on February 28th.

Richard Weissbourd, lecturer on education at HGSE, discusses whether love can be effectively taught in schools, reflects on the state of sex-ed, and examines where love is best modeled in the media.

Thomas Menino, former mayor of Boston, reflects with HGSE's Rick Weissbourd on his leadership role in helping reshape Boston schools and shepherding education policy over the past two decades.

Justin Reich, HarvardX research fellow, examines the effectiveness of edX's open online courses through quantitative and qualitative research.

Pedro Robledo, one of the leaders of the LGBT movement in Argentina, shares his deeply personal story of equal rights, education activism, and role in the adoption of quality bullying legislation in his country.

Jessica Marshall, chief strategy officer at LightSail Ed, explains how an adaptive, tablet-based literacy platform is revolutionizing how students are gaining 21st century skills.

Michael Lombardo, CEO of Reading Partners, shares his organization's 'secret sauce' for closing the reading achievement gap.

Lee Teitel, author of the book "School-Based Instructional Rounds" shares his evolving research on one of the most innovative and powerful approaches to improving teaching and learning.

Gerald A. Lieberman, author of "Education and the Environment" provides an innovative guide to creating a new type of environmental education that combines standards-based lessons with community investigations and service learning projects.

Anant Agarwal, president of edX, discusses common misconceptions with online learning, new models for leadership, and how social media will play a critical role in the future of digital learning communities.

Helen Janc Malone, editor of the book, "Leading Educational Change: Global Issues, Challenges, and Lessons on Whole-System Reform" discusses the collaborative process of editing a book with diverse authors and opinions about education reform.

Emiliana Vegas, chief of the education division at the Inter-American Development Bank examines the transformative relationship between banking and education in developing countries, while reflecting on her time at HGSE as a student.

Andrew Kelly, co-editor of the book, "Stretching the Higher Education Dollar" shares insights into the future of higher education and explains how true reform can take place.

Elizabeth Englander, author of the book "Bullying and Cyberbullying" discusses what every educator needs to know about this subject.

Sari Factor, CEO of Edgenuity, discusses the future of blended learning as it relates to improving schools and districts across the country.

Randy Testa, vice president for education at Walden Media discusses the educational and historical power of Walden Media's new film, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham."

Roberto Gonzales, assistant professor at HGSE discusses his research on the impact of immigration policy as it relates to educational success in our country.

Lindsay Page and Ben Castleman, education researchers, discuss the effects of "summer melt" and share resources on what they're doing to help prevent it.

James Ryan, dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education reflects on his vision for HGSE, the role of education schools, and whether he roots for the Red Sox or Yankees.

Jeffrey Sachs, economist and director of The Earth Institute at Columbia University, shares his thoughts on the importance of strengthening education in an increasingly crowded, globalized world.

Richard Hopper, president of Kennebec Valley Community College, reflects on his time at the "Harvard Seminar for New Presidents" and names his 'bucket list' commencement speaker.

James Meredith, civil rights activist and author, reflects on his life's work, legacy, and solutions for improving Mississippi schools.

Noam Chomsky, linguist and philosopher, discusses Paulo Freire's writings, the future of online learning, and the things in the world he doesn't know.

Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, provides insight into the future of early childhood education in America and what he hopes it will look like.

Jal Mehta, associate professor at HGSE, reflects on our country's troubled quest to remake schooling.

Karl Pillemer, author of the book, "30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans" reflects on what he's learned from discussions with older Americans.

Michael Sadowski, author of the book, 'Portraits of Promise" shares the perspective and voices of successful immigrant students from across the country.

Howard Gardner, professor at the Harvard Ed School, reflects on his academic "greatest hits" and shares insight on where he does his best thinking.

Richard Lee Colvin, author of the book 'Tilting at Windmills' shares his thoughts on school reform, San Diego, and America’s race to renew public education.

Rick Weissbourd and Betsy Groves, HGSE faculty and experts in the field of children psychology, outline tips for how both parents and teachers can properly discuss with their kids the meaning and impact of the recent tragedy in Boston.

Emily Bazelon, author of the book "Sticks and Stones" shares insight into writing about bullying while reflecting on her own experience with it.

John Merrow, education correspondent for PBS NewsHour, reflects on why this is both the best of times and the worst of times in education journalism.

Elliot Washor, cofounder of Big Picture Learning, and collaborator Charlie Mojkowski discuss their new book, "Leaving to Learn: Designing a Student Experience that Reduces Dropouts and Produces Deep Engagement in Learning."

Jeffrey R. Henig, professor of political science and education at Columbia University, reflects on the erosion of the “special status” of education decision-making over the past 50 years.

Jessie Woolley-Wilson, President and CEO of Dreambox Learning, shares insights into the future of adaptive learning and data in education technology.

Richard Robbins, director of the documentary "Girl Rising" reflects on how his film is hoping to create greater awareness around girls education across the world and launch a movement.

Catharine Bellinger and Alexis Morin, co-founders of 'Students for Eduction Reform" (SFER) share their story of education entrepreneurship while students at Princeton.