David Osborne published Laboratories of Democracy—his first book—in 1988. It spotlights five governors around the country who wanted to change how states operate. I chose his title for this podcast because schools are our greatest laboratory for democracy, yet they are arguably the least democratic institution in our country.
David is a champion for change—in government (Reinventing Government), in education (Reinventing America’s Schools), and in native-white relationships (The Coming, his novel with a long but very worthwhile incubation). We share a passion for learning and a focus forward. We also take things seriously enough to laugh frequently.
David is the Director for the Project on Reinventing America’s Schools at the Progressive Policy Institute (dosborne@ppionline.org). He’s fun to talk with.