

10:30 am EDT - 12:00 pm EDT
Past Event
10:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
20036
In Saving Schools: From Horace Mann to Virtual Learning (Harvard University Press, 2010), leading education scholar Paul E. Peterson places today’s education debate in historical context by showing how school reformers have centralized political control without accomplishing their goals for customized learning. With the advent of virtual education, Peterson argues, we now have an opportunity to allow each student direct access to the information he or she needs. The result could be a customized system in which families have greater choice and control over their children’s education.
On April 13, the Brookings Institution will host a policy discussion on the potential of virtual education. Peterson will address how the possibilities unleashed by technological innovation, when coupled with the economic impact of the ever-rising cost of traditional schooling, have created an environment for a significant educational transformation. Moderated by Brown Center Director Grover J. Whitehurst, a panel of experts including Andy Rotherham, co-founder of Bellwether Education; Julie Young, president & CEO of Florida Virtual Schools; and Kathering Mangu-Ward, senior editor of Reason magazine, will offer their reactions to Peterson’s book and their own views about the merits of virtual education.
After the program, panelists will take audience questions.
Rachel M. Perera
February 13, 2025
Bryan Cook, Kimberly Dancy, Robert Maxim, Nara Nayar, Janiel Santos
February 11, 2025
2025
Online only
Thursday, 9:00 am - 10:00 am EST