For Oct 4 2019
Part 1: We interview Scott Braddock about the political climate in Texas. Next week, Trump will be in Dallas, and the Texas House will be in Austin for a Caucus retreat. It is likely that many representatives will not be meeting with Trump. In general, Republicans are staying silent on Trump, but really have nowhere to hide. their main concern at present is property taxes and school funding, rather than national issues. Democrats would only have to pick up 8-9 seats in the Texas House to have a majority. this will be Trump’s 12th trip to Texas. Obama had 4 trips. Cruz has more or less announced his 2024 run for the White House. Cornyn will likely meet with Trump, though he is expected to wins his reelection with a smaller margin than previously. Poll numbers on impeachment are gaining FOR impeachment. The economy, and Trump’s various legislative initiatives have not helped 70% of Americans. Bernie Sanders has pulled his ads in Iowa. His ‘inheritors” may be either O’Rourke or Castro.
Part 2: We interview John Merrow about the educational system in the US. The US educational system is focused on testing, without testing for strengths, but only on weaknesses. We should be asking “how is this child intelligent?”, rather than “is this child intelligent?” we should not value what we measure rather than measure what we value. The Finnish model of education was cited as a good model to follow. In addition, the unit of evluation should be the school, with all participants in the school, rather than just teachers. Refs: “Finish Lessons” by Posi Solberg, and the “Addicted to Reform” by John Merrow. Merrowreport.com was also referenced as a source of additional information.
