In this episode of Swimming Upstream, host Tom Luna sits down with Chad Aldis, Vice President of Ohio Policy at the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities in American education.

Aldis shares his journey from law school to the forefront of education policy, detailing his work in school choice, academic standards, and accountability systems. With experience spanning state legislatures, nonprofit advocacy, and national policy research, Aldis provides a nuanced perspective on what it takes to improve educational outcomes for all students.

The conversation explores the role of rigorous academic standards, the importance of teacher quality, and the evolving landscape of school choice. Aldis highlights how the Fordham Institute has been instrumental in shaping education policy in Ohio while influencing national discussions. He and Luna discuss the critical need for high expectations in schools, the impact of post-pandemic learning gaps—particularly in math—and how accountability measures must prioritize student success over feel-good participation.

They also examine the challenges faced by rural schools and the importance of maintaining educational equity in areas with fewer choices. Wrapping up with a surprising Ohio trivia fact, Aldis and Luna provide a compelling discussion on why education reform is essential for the nation’s future.

Tune in to Swimming Upstream for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for meaningful, student-centered change in education.

Key Moments

04:21 Influence of Ohio's Education Policies

07:01 Boosting Education Through Relevance

12:48 Meaningful Readiness Indicators Needed

15:54 Rural School Challenges and Accountability

17:01 Prioritizing Students and Education Urgency

Connect with Chad Aldis

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-aldis-614oh/

Website : https://fordhaminstitute.org/