Editor, New York Times Magazine
Editor and writer at the New York Times Magazine, and author of Whatever It Takes: Jeffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America
PROFILE
Paul Tough
Guest
FROM Paul Tough
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
'Helping Children Succeed' in Rich and Poor Schools Alike Academic success depends a lot on the school, and like it or not, the American public education does not serve all students the same. Wealthy districts are nearly always more successful than poor districts. For the latest in our ongoing conversation about how children can succeed in school, we talk to author Paul Tough, who has built his career on studying what works in public education. Tough’s book “How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character” was a bestseller in 2013. In his follow up, “Helping Children Succeed: What Works and Why,” Tough explores what can be done to help kids succeed in both rich and poor schools alike.
To the Point
Can Obama's Education Chief Save the Nation's Schools? Democrats are sharply divided between school "reformers" and so-called "traditionalists." They circulated competing manifestos during the presidential campaign: one side wants charter schools, merit pay and accountability for teachers; the other says don't blame teachers for failing schools, provide flexibility and better resources. Barack Obama has chosen an education secretary who has endorsed both sides. Will that mean gridlock or will Chicago's Arne Duncan finally overcome the "tired… debates" that have stalled real education reform? What about " No Child Left Behind ?"
Recommended
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Gov. Jerry Brown: California and China will fight climate change together President Donald Trump reportedly wants the U.S. to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, and he’s expected to announce a decision soon. California Governor Jerry Brown heads to China to strengthen climate and clean energy ties.
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Why is Trump so behind on filling staff jobs, establishing concrete policies? Yesterday Donald Trump signed a “decision memo” to revamp the air traffic control system. But there was little legislative detail in the plan. There’s not much to other splashy announcements from the White House, including tax cuts and the arms deal with Saudi Arabia. And hundreds of positions are unfilled in federal agencies.
The Treatment
Kenya Barris: Black-ish Black-ish creator Kenya Barris joins Elvis Mitchell to discuss utilizing his show as a conversation starter.
The Business
In 'Speechless,' Scott Silveri combines comedy, family & disability Scott Silveri has written and produced sitcoms for more than 20 years. In all that time, he never encountered a TV family that looked anything like the one he grew up in -- with a mom, a dad...and a brother with cerebral palsy. He changed that with his show Speechless on ABC. Silveri tells us about looking to his own past for stories, and why he was determined to make a family comedy and not just a "disability show."