#55 Paige MacPherson: Smartphones, Canadian Education Performance, and School Choice

Concepts with Shawn Whatley

Canada is libertarian on cell phones in classrooms and statist on school choice (in most provinces).

We get a poor return on investment when it comes to education in Canada. Our math and reading scores are several years behind (even before Covid). Students are distracted by over 100 messages on their cellphones each day. And teachers cannot control their own classrooms.

We can do better, and Paige MacPherson shows how to do it.

AI summary:

In this episode of 'Concepts,' host Shawn Whatley discusses the significant impacts of smartphones and digital devices on student performance in schools with Paige MacPherson, the Associate Director of Education Policy at the Fraser Institute. They delve into the evidence showing declines in math and reading scores, changes in classroom environments due to digital distractions, and the need for policies banning smartphones in schools. The conversation also spans broader issues such as education quality, the importance of school choice, and insights into the Conservative movement in Canada. Paige shares her expertise on education policy and provides solutions for improving the quality of public education while stressing the differing educational needs of boys and girls. This compelling discussion is a must-watch for parents, educators, and policymakers aiming to understand and navigate the complexities of modern education.

00:00 The Impact of Smartphones on Classroom Performance

00:57 The Case for a Provincial Ban on Smartphones

01:15 Declining PISA Scores and Educational Outcomes

02:33 Introduction to the Episode and Guest

04:47 Smartphones: Benefits and Drawbacks for Students

07:33 Challenges of Implementing Smartphone Bans

11:12 Parental Perspectives on Smartphone Use

17:52 The Role of Technology in Modern Education

19:48 Conservatism Across Canadian Provinces

24:08 School Choice and Public School System

33:14 Reflecting on French Immersion and School Choices

34:04 The Case for Charter Schools and Specialized Education

35:18 The Myth of Wealthy Families in Independent Schools

36:19 The Tension Between Choice and Quality in Education

39:33 Challenges in Teacher Recruitment and Classroom Discipline

43:10 The Importance of Parental Choice and Accountability

45:37 The Decline of Standardized Testing and Curriculum Quality

52:54 The Need for Content-Rich and Rigorous Education

01:01:18 Addressing the Needs of Boys in the Education System

01:06:19 Concluding Thoughts and Final Remarks