God, where do I begin. A journalist who signs up her 4-year-old for an IQ test, clearly feels guilty about enrolling her child in a gifted and talented program, did not grow up in NYC and seems to know nothing about it, parachutes into a community to exorcise her bougie guilt by embarrassing other bougie people who clearly volunteer at school more than she does. There are so many cringe moments. A subtle one is when she shows up to the public housing project and gets the most non-specific, empty interviews because she probably had met these people for all of 90 seconds before she started taping. I wonder if Sarah Koenig had to tell her, you need to actually talk to non-rich people. The little that these people very gently, politely reveal (why would they talk to this strange woman???) actually goes against the journalist’s narrative. Wow, poor people actually want a rigorous education, who knew? This is what happens when a journalist wants to capitalize on the zeitgeist but has zero relationships in the community she’s reporting on. If you want deep reporting from knowledgeable people, listen to School Colors instead. (Unfortunately, SC left their neighborhood in Season 2, didn’t have the relationships, and botched that much like this series did.) Oh, and I’m sorry but the premise of the whole show is absolutely ludicrous. A bunch of Quakers wrote letters to the DOE and got a school moved? Your evidence of this is what now? You found some letters in an archive? You think this is how a bureaucracy of this size functions? This whole show is so embarrassing.

Great podcast! I “pushed” my kids through the NYC PS high-performing schools education track. (And I refer to it as the Asian track because those are the parents I followed and emulated, including sending my kids to Korean after school prep). I wanted diversity for my kids, and did get it because they were always in the minority, but the majority was East and Southeast Asian. Some Latinos but almost no Black students. Racism is a huge problem. Anyway, thanks for the reporting. Absolutely fascinating.

You lost me only focusing on one skin color. This is the worst, biased reporting. It's called propaganda when you present it this way.

What are they doing with the future education system? Are they focused on the wrong things and changing the curriculum too often to see the results? It’s a mess in one district and another it’s very polished. School is a building where students learn and teachers teach can they get back to the basics.

I really enjoyed listening to this podcast. My father was born and raised in the Bronx 1933-1956. Listening to this podcast reminded me of his junior high class photo that hung in my grandparents home and then in our home growing up. His 1947 class photo was totally diversified and even crazier he was standing next to his best friend Hymie, who was Jewish. My maiden name was Pfaffenberger. Imagine that, a nice Jewish boy and a German boy best friends in the Bronx in 1947…. In the picture were all shades of white and brown. Your podcast really got me thinking…

As a public high school teacher i truly appreciate this. Chana got so many different POV to show the influence a group can have on school whether directly or in directly. I’m in Chicago (a very segregated city) I’m really curious to know the influences that have impacted the schools in the inner city!

I found this season very interesting and eye opening. For those staying by that it promotes racial divide, I disagree. Actual stories occurring over DECADES are presented in a beautiful - although alarming - way. Nice job.

Typical, Ignorant podcast trying to encourage racial divide. You’d have to be crazy to think I will pay to hear about how racist people are by trying to make the school a better place.

It’s weird that she is or seems like a white person and she’s talking about A certain topic that she really can never relate too. There’s a difference to trying to observe the situation of racism and lack of diversity and trying to wedge your way into a perspective you can barely relate too. No bad energy to the Jouralist but do better cmon now🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

The only solace you can get from listening to this garbage is that this woman has to live with herself. I do feel bad for her white kids though.

Granted, I’m only one episode in, but I feel compelled to review. I believe this podcast means well, but they are conflating race and class. For these NYT types, race is actually an easier, cleaner discussion than the one about class. And that’s why they love talking about it. Because they can’t do anything about their skin color, but if they examined their wealth and class privilege, they might actually - arghm, have to do something about it. I am white and that is the only thing I have in common with these weirdos with made up problems and too much time on their hands.

Nowadays, the skin color does not define segregation, but races who dominate the high paying jobs. As talked in the podcast, who have access to resources and therefore to more opportunities later on in life? As long as parent have a big title or income, race becomes secondary. So, more like, nice bougie/rich people.

I thought I would give this Podcast a shot, but it turns out to just be another white liberal stroking the fans of racism from back in the Jim Crow days. has a lot of bad actors with the Brian Williams “I was there“ syndrome. Essentially, this podcast is a weak query letter for a weak script.

One of the best podcasts I’ve listened to about education, the role that wealth, whiteness, and privilege play in shaping every aspect of our society, and how “well-meaning” people with power are often opponents of progress for all even if they don’t realize it.

I had a suspicious feeling where this was going about half way through episode 1, there was no doubt what this is when I heard “A special thanks to Nicole Hannah Jones” at the end of the episode. Don’t wast your time on this garbage.

This would be 5 stars if it was much more than 5 episodes. I’m a black parent who recently sent my kid to the school (now BHS), and I am actually shocked at how illuminating it can be to focus on one specific school over a period of time. Obviously it’s not a full picture of all schools or districts or boroughs; but it’s certainly relevant and speaks truth for perspectives that are often omitted. And the reactions in these reviews (not shocking) further illuminates the vein you’ve clearly tapped on. Thank you 293 times!

I have recently returned to this pod for the (at least?) third time. Complex, thought-provoking, interesting, worth a listen for few. Thank you!

The thing I enjoy most about Serial podcasts is their ability to look at things from two or more perspectives. This podcast seems to come in with the question already answered. While I believe the host’s conclusion is correct, I don’t believe the deduction included enough research to be tied up so neatly in 5 episodes. I believe any tough or antagonizing interviewing questions were to guide her interviewees to the conclusion she wanted to present. I feel that we heard very little of the interviews from normal parents, parents that weren’t caught up in school leadership or involvement. When they were presented, we only received slices of the host’s choosing. The final episode displayed this the most, as we even hear from a minority that what the host is suggesting isn’t even what minorities want, this “integration” isn’t really what anyone cares about, they too, just want the best education for their kids. In summary, I gave the podcast 3 stars mainly because there was no investigation into opposing viewpoints or even acknowledgment that some areas of other viewpoints could have some truth (which will always be the case, it is rare for one position to contain all of the answers). Additionally, 3 stars was also given for the tunnel vision I believe the podcast delivers. The plot is visible from minute 1 to minute 300. I think this could have been done better; but I thank the host for creating a thought provoking podcast.

The Racist in this Podcast , is the Host. As she stands quietly and observes and Judges all parents. Interviews selectively. Reports with Bias opinions. Nice White Host.

The only people who don’t like this podcast are likely unable to look in the mirror. I found this to be extremely enlightening and increased my self-awareness. Sincerely, a white person

This podcast probably ruffles a lot of feathers of the parents who believe themselves to be “progressive” and “liberal” especially in NYC and places like Berkeley, Oakland, and LA. I’ll never forgive well educated white parents for their commitment to segregation and upholding white supremacy when it comes to THEIR children.

There are ways to deal with racial issues. A podcast like this one does nothing but encourage pushback from folks who might see themselves in the same group it’s attacking.

The first time I listened to this series, it was interesting and very well reported, but more theoretical as my kids weren’t yet in full time school. A few years later, and my kids are in a multi-racial/ethnic school in a gentrifying neighborhood, and I’m listening again and watching things happen at school and this series is just resonating on an even deeper level. Powerful work.

School was at rush of being closed due to low enrollment White parents became interested in the school under the condition that they could start a dual language program Principle agreed provided said parents could get the funding Parents got the funding for the program. Program is open to all students. Other parents in PTA upset they didn’t get to decide where the funding went. The old parents pride and discomfort with money seemed to guide their reactions. They missed an opportunity to take lessons from the fundraising committee and apply it to the PTA for fundraising for their own concerns. Instead they just shut down and took what they viewed as a moral high ground. Things were not fine as they were or the school wouldn’t have been begging for kids to enroll. The narrator is providing two conflicting narratives. Annoying.

What a roller coaster! Two things I’m walking away with are: asking non-white parents what THEY want and INTEGRATION is key, not diversity

As a parent and long time school director I love learning about different schools and models. The fact that this was all reported with a completely racist lens was really depressing but fascinating. The episode where the kids are sure the white parents were screwing them over summed up well the problem with the current educational fad of breaking people into groups based on their skin color. Enlightening to listen to politically correct racism.

YOU and your kind are the reason for racism!!!! Shame on you! Interesting how these same racist liberals don't want to go after their own "white elitist" on their team! LOL Maybe you don't like being white but get off your high horse and take accountability!! If it weren't for white people, black people would still be enslaved...oh wait, YOU white liberals ARE still enslaving some of them & I blame the WHITE LIBERALS; NOT White people! Learn your history lady! Blacks were the FIRST slave OWNERS and they owned their own!!! Thankfully, many blacks are waking up to you and your elitist lies!!!! You ARE pathetic snd YOU ARE the problem in America!!! Go to a third world country and see what they go through and see what race is helping the underprivileged; it sure isn't the WHITE LIBERALS! How about just disappearing so people can be happy!!! You make me sick to my stomach with YOUR hate!!! You are actually living what you accuse other white peoples of! Maybe look in the mirror at who the criminal is: YOU!!!

I've listened to two episodes so far. This podcast attempts to show the problem holistically, but I think it is very narrow minded. The creator of the podcast judges the "white" parents and people, past and present: They are in the wrong. I will listen to the rest of the episodes because of her "this American life" record. I have extensive exposure to education and interactions with different schools, including in NYC. So far this podcast is pointing to important aspects of American education, but it is blaming. It is also missing the complexity of decisions about one's life and one's children in the context of clear systemic problems. It's hard for me to put my finger on why this podcast and its tone are so amiss, but something is off, like the creator is trying to pass the blame for what she's feeling. Amendment: Listened to 4 episodes so far. 1. I wonder how the white parents interviewed feel about how they've been represented here. For instance: Rob. 2. How can you seriously think you're looking at education without looking at how things are done in other countries? 3. Why are Jewish people classified here as white?

Blame the “white parents,” take a look at the billions of tax dollars that go into public schools and nothing changes, did you look into that or you don’t want to really know the truth, just the low hanging fruit.

Good: The host interviewed a lot of parents, administrators, and students, and brought in a historical perspective. Challenge: her view of race was pretty simplistic, and she seems to think race and class are the same, which they are not. Lots of heavy handed conclusions without much evidence. I enjoyed it, but it’s not particularly nuanced.

Bias, woke , garbage

I’m obsessed with the topics of equity and achievement gaps, so I loved this. I can’t believe NYC never integrated back in the day! The whole middle school “competition” thing was crazy. The French colonizers were crazy. The whole podcast is just crazy! I only took off one star since she appeared to project things onto the rest of the country. Things are a little different in California where the unions are super powerful and in the Midwest where there was bussing/ integration both ways. But the concept of advantaged white influence is still there, so I think the thesis of the podcast is applicable overall. Great work!

Total garbage and typical leftist virtue signaling!! This was so hard to listen to because the utter nonsense that is constantly regurgitated about how privileged white people are and the ridiculous debunked talking points that a subliminally added in…loved original serial podcast with adnon but this was just such a far reach it’s sad

Very informative a true. I like in a gentrified area in Philly and I see the same happening here (slowly but surely). Even more interesting is seeing the negative comments... furthering the point of the piece.

As a public school teacher in a predominantly white school district I found this podcast informative, thought provoking, and a bit sad. Great listen for parents, educators, etc.

Based on all of the reviews calling this pod “racist against whites”, leftist propaganda, and the dog-whistling about “absent black parents”, this podcast pushed alllll the right buttons. The sooner people understand that you can’t just blame individuals for systemic issues, the sooner things will actually improve. Open your minds, people!

Wow! What a podcast. Educational thought provoking, real and raw.

The fall of the family structure is the problem. Race has very little impact. If parent/parents/guardian are involved with the child’s education, this increases the prof success for the child. Parents need to be parents, not friends. I taught for 33 years. Teachers are the ones you should be asking, not politicians or non-educators.

This is a must listen to all parents and public school districts around the country! This gets to the root of the systemic problem in this county. Lack of Education of this history in America and lack of community and DOE acknowledgement and change to support the marginalized population of children. The people who dislike this podcast are people who are uneducated, misinformed, or just simply don’t want to hear the truth because of their bigotry and fear. Ignore these people they don’t want change they are apart of the interest convergence. Meaning if it’s not going to serve their interests, they don’t want any part of it! I would love ti hear more!!

The most racist person in this podcast is the host, but it’s hard to figure out who she hates more, white people or the minorities she claims to support. She has no idea how spewing this propaganda is actually causing the division we are seeing today.

As a parent of two (white) kids in NYC schools (actually in the charter school they mention in one of the episodes), this is spot on. NYC schools have many issues and they are some of the most segregated schools in the country. This podcast really dives into the complex issues fairly and from all sides.

So why Spanish speaking families and Arabic speaking families didn’t work hard to bring their languages to the school instead of complaining about “new people” trying to make school better and avoid shutting the school down?? French government supports French kids in overseas to continue learning their language that’s why French embassy pays. I’m sick of those parents not doing things but complain and hating the change.

Enlightening. This should be part of the education curriculum for future teachers and education officials and board members. Also, every parent should hear this especially nice white parents. I wonder if those negative reviews come from those nice white parents. Probably.

And racist. The teachers Union controls the course of education in this country and they as far left as any organization can be. They are to blame for terrible test scores and complete lack of discipline in the schools. While these are huge problems the biggest problem with our schools is the sexualizing of very young children - which is also of-course a decision made by the left not parents of any skin color. Stop dividing us by skin color . All of our children need the exact same things. Take your children out of government run schools .

Currently in grad school and this podcast kept coming up so I decided to listen and boy am I glad I did. I love the interviews because it really puts the storytelling in perspective. This podcast also sheds light on the things we all choose to ignore (white and non white alike). Absolutely love this podcast!!

Let’s blame white people for all our problems!

How can you listen to the first episode and not see what’s happening? You all want to stay blind! Unbelievable!

Why not have a new podcast titled “Absent Black Parents?” Nonexistent parents, fathers, and Lucy Caulkins are the real reasons schools are failing.

The NYTIMES has published several articles by Emily Hanford. She has shed SO much light on why children are failing in schools: Children cannot read because phonics and vocabulary acquisition is no longer taught ! Why did the NYTimes publish this ridiculous podcast blaming Nice White Parents for a problem that came out of the Columbia University teachers college. This podcast is just poor journalism ! The hypocrisy and ignorance would be laughable as a caricature of the progressive Left, the Wokesters, everything that irks the Right…except this about children and the NYTIMES owes us more. Please do a better job in the future!

I’m a Latina mom from the Bronx who was raised in the urban public school setting. I am the 1st in my family to attend college and to come out of poverty. I earn well and have been able to move to a nicer community with a better schooling system and I am STILL frustrated every day with what my options are for my kids. This podcast simply validated the gut feeling I, and so many from my community, have always felt in our gut—this system was never intended to help us thrive. I needed to listen to this podcast because, like the Puerto Rican mom said in the interview, the “feeling” of injustice forced upon is is like a slow and silent tumbleweed. It’s not noisy and hard to detect but you know it’s there. This is a valiant effort from a white mother to admit her privilege and I applaud it. So many of us needed to hear this. We needed to know that we are not being overly “sensitive”.