Welcome to the 9th installment of The Ed Answer Key's special bonus series, where five lifelong friends—who first met in kindergarten over 65 years ago—reconnect to discuss the most pressing issues in education today. Raised in a close-knit Indianapolis neighborhood, these friends grew up under the guiding influence of School 26, a beacon of excellence that helped shape their perspectives on learning and community.

In Public vs. Private: The Pressure of Standardized Testing, they examine how rigorous testing can inspire accountability in public schools while simultaneously limiting creativity and real-world exploration. Drawing from their own experiences as students, educators, and parents, they contrast the flexibility often found in private institutions—where families invest significant resources and expect robust results—with the rigid demands placed on public school teachers. They also explore the unique position of charter schools, which aim to blend autonomy with the accountability of public education.

If you're seeking to understand the trade-offs between testing, freedom, and overall student engagement—and how these factors affect entire communities—this episode is a must-watch. Subscribe now to The Ed Answer Key and join us for more eye-opening discussions that shape the future of education.