The Learning Curve

Join The Learning Curve every Wednesday for insight and perspective on education, learning trends, school choice, and public policy. Our hosts and guests offer a mix of provocative commentary as they interview school leaders, innovators, bestselling authors, policymakers, and more. Send any suggestions, tips, and fan mail to pioneer@pioneerinstitute.org. Listen to all episodes of The Learning Curve at Ricochet.com .

The Learning Curve is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 366 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The Learning Curve, a education show with 366 episodes published.

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  Episode #312

  Arne Duncan on Federal Education Tax Credit Program

  Aug 19, 202626 min

  In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve , co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of Ohio State University and Katie Everett of the Lynch Foundation, speak with Arne Duncan , former United States Secretary of Education for President Barack Obama and former CEO of Chicago Public Schools, about the current state of urban education and the federal school choice program. Sec. Duncan explains the politics behind governors opting into the federal education tax program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations. In blue states that have opted in, like Colorado and New York, the program will benefit urban students, as well as high dosage tutoring, public district, public charter, voc-tech and religious school options for families. He also shares why he and Democrats for Education Reform urge other blue and red states alike to follow suit. Sec. Duncan closes by examining the political dynamics around why Bay State legislators and parents should encourage Governor Maura Healey to opt into this federal school choice program.

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  Episode #311

  NYT Best-Selling Children’s Author Carole Boston Weatherford on Harriet Tubman, Jesse Owens, & Black Heroes

  Aug 12, 202637 min

  In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve , co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of Ohio State University and Walter Blanks , Policy and Advocacy Director of EdChoice speak with Carole Boston Weatherford , a New York Times best-selling author of more than 80 children’s books and a leading voice in African American children’s literature. Weatherford discusses her career writing poetry and history for young readers, including the challenges and rewards of making complex stories accessible through vivid language and imagery. She shares insights into her acclaimed books about Harriet Tubman and Jesse Owens, exploring faith, freedom, perseverance, and racism. Weatherford also discusses her latest book, Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation , which highlights the many contributions of African Americans throughout U.S. history, from the Middle Passage and Black Civil War regiments to HBCUs and the Civil Rights Movement. She explores the Harlem Renaissance and Black literary excellence while discussing how storytelling can help young people understand the people, struggles, and achievements that have shaped America. In closing, she reads a passage from her recent book, Black Hands: Builders of Our Nation .

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  Episode #310

  Florida's Julie Young on Virtual School Lessons for Age of AI

  Aug 5, 202645 min

  In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve , co-hosts Prof. Albert Chen g of Ohio State University and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with Julie Young, a pioneering leader in virtual education, author of Say Yes!: How Virtual Became Reality , and coeditor of Virtual Schools, Actual Learning: Digital Education in America . They discuss Young’s more than three decades of experience advancing virtual, blended, and technology-enhanced learning, beginning with her founding leadership of Florida Virtual School. Young explores the lessons virtual education offers as K-12 schools navigate the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, including technology’s impact on personalized learning, academic integrity, and the changing roles of teachers and schools. Drawing on her work at Arizona State University and ASU Preparatory Academy, Young discusses how educators and students have responded to AI, as well as the innovative Khan World School @ ASU Prep, a full-time online honors program serving students in grades 6–12. Young also considers how technology and AI can help address declining academic outcomes and drive systemic improvements in K-12 education.

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  Episode #309

  The Concord Review’s Bob Nasson on Students’ History Essays & Excellence

  Jul 29, 202640 min

  In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve , co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of Ohio State University and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with Bob Nasson , Editor of The Concord Review and Executive Director of the National History Club. They discuss the importance of rigorous history education and students' essay writing in developing academic excellence. Since 1987, The Concord Review has published more than 1,600 history essays averaging 9,000 words, written by students from 47 U.S. states and 47 countries. Nasson explores the state of history essay writing among American students, the origins and mission of The Concord Review, and the National History Club’s efforts to encourage students to engage deeply with high academic quality history. He also discusses strengthening history instruction, the connection between reading and research writing, and the importance of humanities education in an increasingly STEM-focused landscape. As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Nasson reflects on how students can explore the nation’s history in all its complexity. In closing, he reads the opening passage of an essay set to be published in The Concord Review ’s September issue.

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  Episode #307

  NYT-Bestseller Jane Leavy on Baseball Great Sandy Koufax

  Jul 14, 202655 min

  In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve , co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of Ohio State University and Pioneer Senior Fellow Charlie Chieppo speak with NYT -bestselling author Jane Leavy about Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax. She traces his journey from a Jewish upbringing in Brooklyn to becoming one of baseball’s most dominant players and one of the 20th century’s most principled public figures. Leavy discusses Koufax’s brief collegiate career, his raw but electric pitching style, and his leap to the Brooklyn Dodgers with no minor league experience. She explores his early inconsistency and control issues, and his transformation into a power pitcher who led the National League in strikeouts by 1961. She highlights his legendary peak from 1962–1966, including multiple Cy Young Awards, four no-hitters, and World Series brilliance. Leavy also revisits his iconic decision to sit out Game 1 of the 1965 World Series on Yom Kippur, his forced retirement due to arthritis at age 30, and his enduring legacy as a symbol of excellence, integrity, and cultural identity in American sports history itself. In closing, she reads a passage from Sandy Koufax: A Lefty’s Legacy .

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