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Back to To the Point

To the Point

Has Barack Obama Split the Difference on Education Reform?

Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo?  Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and despite an international military crackdown, another band of Somali pirates is about to collect millions in ransom money.

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By Warren Olney • Dec 19, 2008 • 1h 0m Listen

Barack Obama has picked a secretary of education who’s endorsed both sides of the raging debate over how to improve American schools. Will he become an agent of change or will splitting the difference reinforce the status quo? Why is Obama so focused on early childhood education? Also, the White House steps in to bail out automakers, and shipping nations worldwide are launching a military crackdown on Somali pirates, but the Pentagon says at least one more pirate band will get millions of dollars.


Banner image: Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan, framed by a book shelf. Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Frances Anderton

    architecture critic and author

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Christian Bordal

    Managing Producer, Greater LA

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