Learning Matters blog

On his Learning Matters blog, PBS education reporter John Merrow writes about the recent re-airing of my Baby College piece on This American Life:

The Harlem Children’s Zone is the brain-baby of Geoffrey Canada, and the subject of journalist Paul Tough’s in-depth reportage in a recent book, Whatever It Takes: Geoffrey Canada’s Quest to Change Harlem and America.  The basic idea behind Canada’s program is to combat urban poverty through intensive work with children, particularly during early childhood. …

Last week, This American Life re-aired a piece on HCZ, produced by Tough before the release of his book.  If you’re looking to get inspired by Canada and his vision, the radio piece is a great introduction to the theory behind the Zone.  Tough hones in on the phase of HCZ’s program called Baby College, where new and expecting parents are trained to think differently about child-rearing.

Tavis Video

Tavis Smiley’s PBS show has now posted video of the complete interview he did with me and Geoffrey Canada this week, as well as a transcript of our conversation.