Tavis Smiley Season 7 Episode 453 Michelle Rhee

Michelle Rhee is the guest on Tavis Smiley's latest episode. She is a controversial figure in education, having served as the chancellor of Washington, D.C. Public Schools from 2007 to 2010 and subsequently founded StudentsFirst, an organization that advocates for education reform. Rhee has been a lightning rod for criticism due to her support for policies such as performance-based pay and teacher evaluations tied to student test scores.

During the interview, Smiley probes Rhee on her views and experiences in education. They discuss Rhee's time in D.C. and her efforts to improve the city's struggling schools, including her decision to fire hundreds of teachers and principals. Rhee defends her actions, emphasizing the need for bold reforms in the face of entrenched problems in the education system.

However, Smiley challenges Rhee on the unintended consequences of her policies, such as the impact on students of color and low-income students who may be disproportionately affected by school closures and restructuring. Rhee acknowledges these concerns and explains her efforts to engage with local communities and provide better options for these students.

The conversation then turns to Rhee's current work with StudentsFirst and her efforts to promote education reform nationwide. Smiley questions Rhee on the role of money and politics in education policy, particularly the influence of wealthy donors in shaping the debate. Rhee defends the need for outside funding and support, but also advocates for greater transparency and accountability in the process.

Throughout the episode, Rhee and Smiley engage in a spirited debate over the merits and drawbacks of education reform and the challenges facing educators today. Despite their disagreements, they both share a commitment to improving outcomes for students and creating a more equitable education system.

Overall, the episode provides a thought-provoking and lively conversation about education policy and the role of government and private organizations in shaping the future of education. Whether one agrees with Rhee's views or not, her perspective offers a valuable contribution to the national conversation on education reform.