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Tim’s Take: An Education Reform Stalwart Takes a Curious Look at Homeschoolers With ESAs

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This week on Homeschooling Journeys, Curious Mike interviews Tim Daly, CEO of Education Navigator and former CEO of TNTP.

Mike is hunting for some Big Picture perspective. Intrigued by what he’s seen from ESAs, he chats with old friend Tim. The “old” Education Reform Alliance has died out somewhat; what can this new ESA sector learn?

Tim’s takes:

1. Rising teacher absenteeism is a new blow to traditional public schools, another hit to their perception. At the margins, this may nudge more families towards ESA-driven homeschooling.

2. Centrist (2009-2017/ 2001-2009/ 1993 -2001) Ed Reform had hubris, and things started declining ~2015. ESA/School choice is currently winning lots of state political battles, but beware of hubris, like we (Tim and me) had.

3. Districts complained bitterly, over the years, when some charter students flamed out, and returned to district schools - “We’re being asked to clean up their mess.” That could happen for families who go to district schools, try homeschooling, struggle, and return. (This may be a real or manufactured claim by districts).

4. Tim’s work at TNTP valorized not all teachers, but the best teachers. He wonders if, at the margins, some of the best teachers may depart for ESA opportunities, where they’re freed from bureaucracy.

Host:
CMCurious Mike