In the introductory episode of The Porch with Dr. Hope O'Neill, various issues in K-12 education in urban public schools are discussed. Questions about failing students, graduation readiness, education acts, and student outcomes are raised. The podcast aims to explore the history of public school reform and invites listeners to join the conversation. The focus is on improving outcomes for underserved students through critical examination and engagement. Welcome to the introductory episode of The Porch with Dr. Hope O'Neill, where we delve into all aspects of K-12 education in America's urban public schools. Some great things are happening, but we are faring spots, as my grandmother would say. In our poorest urban communities, are we paying caviar prices for failure as suggested by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie? Is the American earned credit system mediocre? Why do we continue to graduate a critical mass of students who are not ready for the demands of college and career? Why do so many 9th grade students in the high school reading on a 4th or 5th graded level? What is the story behind the failure of the No Child Left Behind Act? Is the Every Student Succeeds Act giving us better results? What's the hype behind the science of reading? And what's the secret sauce in urban public schools with excellent student outcomes? These questions and others will be a part of unveiling the compelling story of K-12 public school reform over the past several decades. We will learn about the education policies, programs, and practices that have either harmed or helped our nation's children. We will examine the data and interview key witnesses who have lived within the walls of urban ed reform. And I look forward the most to inviting you, our listeners, to enter the conversation and share your thoughts. Our students can't wait. Over the past 40 years, our nation has implemented various initiatives aimed at reforming K-12 public education. We don't have good results at scale. That's our reality. It's time to stop beating dead horses, vet the evidence, and speak up. Come learn along the way and share your voice on The Porch with Dr. Hope O'Neill. Episodes will air weekly. The specific production schedule will be shared once finalized. In the meantime, subscribe to welcometotheporch.blog and engage with our parent organization, the Urban Education Change Equation, an intellectual community of practice working with urgency and intentionality to improve outcomes for our nation's underserved students. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at the Urban Education Change Equation. Thank you for listening. Remember, our students can't wait.