At the Chalkface Radio Program Bucks the Education Reform Trend
byScoop Nisker used to say, "If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own." Two educators, Shaun Johnson and Tim Slekar, have taken up this challenge, and have entered the fierce world of commercial radio, with a provocative show called "At the Chalkface." This weekly broadcast goes out online here, and features guests who offer an alternative to the dominant education reform narrative. Recent guests have included Diane Ravitch and Bill Ayers.
I asked the hosts, Pennsylvania education professor Tim Slekar and Maryland education professor Shaun Johnson, and the producer of the show, Rex Charger, to share some of the story of this improbable venture.
Question: You've been in talk radio for 15 years. What makes @The Chalkface unique?
Rex Charger (Producer and Engineer): There seemed to be a void in the radio landscape for a show like this. The demographic is wide open: anyone with kids, anyone who's a teacher, anyone concerned about education. Tim and Shaun also offer a