Education
How social-emotional learning became a target for Ron DeSantis and conservatives
Florida officials recently rejected a slew of math textbooks, claiming they included "prohibited topics." NYT journalist Dana Goldstein theorizes the objections related to social-emotional learning. The goal of social-emotional learning is to provide kids with a set of skills that they can draw on when they face challenges later in life, Goldstein explains. But some conservatives see it as something that opens the door to larger discussions about race, gender and sexuality.
From slavery to socialism, new legislation restricts what teachers can discuss
Across the U.S., educators are being censored for broaching controversial topics. Since January 2021, researcher Jeffrey Sachs says that 35 different states have introduced 137 bills limiting what schools can teach with regard to race, American history, politics, sexual orientation and gender identity.
'The State Must Provide' Is A Lesson On Inequality In Higher Ed, Past And Present
Journalist Adam Harris explains how the higher education system has been built on an uneven foundation from the start — and how slavery, segregation and racism have stymied Black education.
Uncovering Who Is Driving The Fight Against Critical Race Theory In Schools
An NBC News analysis finds at least 165 local and national groups are trying to disrupt or block lessons on race and gender. NBC reporter Tyler Kingkade explores who is waging this fight, and why.
Podcast Examines How 'Nice White Parents' Become Obstacles In Integrated Schools
Serial reporter Chana Joffe-Walt says progressive white parents may say they want their kids to go to diverse schools — but the reality tells a different story. Her new podcast is Nice White Parents.
As Campuses Become COVID-19 Hot Spots, Colleges Strain Under Financial Pressures
Scott Carlson, Senior writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education talks about the tough decisions colleges and universities are facing dealing with the pandemic.
Incarcerated Men And Women Find Rehabilitation And Hope In 'College Behind Bars'
A new PBS documentary series follows prisoners who earn college degrees while serving time. Director Lynn Novick and graduates Sebastian Yoon and Dyjuan Tatro talk about how the program changes lives.
College Students (And Their Parents) Face A Campus Mental Health 'Epidemic'
As colleges and universities across the country report an explosion of mental health problems, a new book argues that college life may be more stressful than ever. Dr. Anthony Rostain, co-author of The Stressed Years of Their Lives, notes that today's college students are experiencing an "inordinate amount of anxiety" — much of it centered on "surviving college and doing well."
In 'Maid,' A Single Mother Finds 'No Way' To Make It On Minimum Wage
Stephanie Land's new memoir is about what it's like to work hard, but still live below the poverty line. It's also about how she went back to college, and became a writer.
Memoirist Retraces Her Journey From Survivalist Childhood To Cambridge Ph.D.
Growing up, Tara Westover had no birth certificate, never saw a doctor and didn't go to school. She writes about her transition into the mainstream in Educated. Originally broadcast Feb. 20, 2018.