Welcome to Viewpoints, the podcast where we dig beneath the headlines to challenge assumptions and explore ideas that shape our society. In this episode, host Sean Rasmussen sits down with Steven Reich, a PhD student in educational policy at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), for a frank and eye-opening conversation about the state of our schools.

Why has education become a political battleground, and what gets lost when we shift the focus away from students themselves? Steven shares his unconventional path from law to education research, and unpacks how educational policy, trends, and fads filter down from academia and government offices into the classroom—often with negative consequences. From the rise and pitfalls of whole language reading instruction, to imported American ideologies like critical theory and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), Steven argues that our schools are swept up in untested trends, sometimes at the expense of proven approaches based in cognitive science.

We’ll hear why evidence-based, direct teaching methods are often sidelined in favor of more political or philosophical trends; what actually works for helping students learn to read and think critically; and how education policy too often reflects ideological orthodoxies rather than the needs of students, teachers, or families. Steven offers a candid, at times provocative perspective on what’s broken—and what it will take to get back on track.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, policymaker, or simply curious about the forces shaping Canadian education, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. So settle in, and get ready to hear a side of the education debate you rarely get from the mainstream.

About the Guest

Stephen Reich is a former lawyer and current PhD student. His research concerns education’s capture by an ideological but evidence-poor Critical Theory, at the expense of cognitive science-informed best practices to effectively, efficiently, and equitably impart children with humanity’s most consequential knowledge and skills accumulated to date, necessary for both future innovation, and responsible participation in adult society. Stephen’s upcoming doctoral research will examine the ideological underpinnings of teacher-training in Ontario and whether it is designed to prepare teachers for the reality of classroom teaching. Stephen is a co-chair of University of Toronto's Heterodox Academy and a member of the organization’s national executive. Apart from his work in educational policy, Stephen is a former actor, and current choral director, vocalist and musical arranger.

Topics Covered

Here’s a comprehensive sequence of the main topics covered in this episode of Viewpoints, along with sub-topic bullets under each primary topic:

1. Introduction to Educational Policy as a Political Battleground

2. Steven Reich’s Background and Path to Educational Policy

3. Philosophy and Approach to Educational Policy

4. The Structure of Educational Policy and its Flow into Classrooms

5. Examples of Policy Influence on Classroom Practice

6. Discussion of Teaching Methods: Whole Language vs. Cognitive Science-Based Learning

7. Rote Learning, Memory, and Critical Thinking

8. History and Spread of Critical Theory in Education

9. Evidence, Testing, and Lack Thereof in Educational Theory Adoption

10. The Disconnect Between Official Policy, Teacher Preparation, and Classroom Realities

11. Teacher Experiences and Institutional Culture

12. Multiculturalism, Identity Politics, and Social Justice in Education

13. The Purpose of Education: Competing Philosophies

14. Political and Practical Solutions for Reform

15. Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

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Host Sean Rasmussen sits down with political scientist Frances Widdowson to tackle the Kamloops unmarked graves controversy and the broader implications for indigenous affairs in Canada.

They highlight the effects of the so-called "Aboriginal industry," and discuss the importance of truth-seeking for real progress. Frances shares her personal experiences facing academic backlash, emphasizing the critical need for open dialogue and the pursuit of truth in understanding and resolving complex social issues.

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Dr. Frances Widdowson is a political scientist who has spent her career investigating the politics and ideologies of indigenous affairs in Canada. She’s currently working on a documentary about the Kamloops unmarked graves controversy. Links:

• Website: wokeacademy.info
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=583500277
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@franceswiddowson1600

In this episode, host Sean Rasmussen speaks with Sociologist Neil McLaughlin about the challenge of political polarization on campus and the wider society -- and how we might move to a better place. We cover a lot of ground: The Jordan Peterson controversy, the Heterodox Academy, public intellectuals, Chris Rufo's activism, Erich Fromm, elitism, the crisis of meaning, leftist authoritarianism, the CBC, Canadian politics, and much more.

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About the Guest

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Dr. Neil McLaughlin is Full Professor in the Department of Sociology at McMaster University. His research focuses on the sociology of public intellectuals, the sociology of reputations, the international spreading of conspiracy theories and the sociological dynamics of disciplines, universities and ideas. He is currently working on the political correctness debates and the Jordan Peterson controversy.

He has studied the rise and goal of the reputation of critical theorist Erich Fromm, the radical writings of Noam Chomsky, the philanthropy of George Soros, the public intellectual debate in Canada, the missing women, Canadian public intellectuals, the crisis and renewal of Canadian sociology, the writings of Edward Said, David Riesman and George Orwell.