Episode #10 All Ashman's Fault

In this episode of When Will They Learn?, Greg and Caiti tackle a stack of education policy debates - beginning with the most pressing and meta question of all: is it, in fact, all Ashman’s fault?From claims that evidence-informed approaches have reduced teaching to “death by PowerPoint” and scripting, to the shift from the reading wars to the emerging learning wars, the conversation explores how policy, ideology and evidence continue to shape the education landscape.The pair also unpack proposals to assess students’ use of AI in NAPLAN, asking what schools are actually for and why writing still matters in an age of generative technology. Finally, they discuss NAPLAN’s role as an accountability measure and whether it can help schools identify ineffective teaching practices.It’s policy-heavy, slightly controversial, and somehow, it all comes back to Ashman.Have something you want us to discuss in a future episode? Or want to find us?Get in touch on any of our socials below!Greg AshmanGreg is a school leader at Ballarat Clarendon College and holds a PhD in instructional design from UNSW.Substack – Filling the PailLinkedIn – Greg AshmanX/Twitter – @greg_ashmanIf you’re interested in working with Greg at Ballarat Clarendon College, please see here for open roles and expressions of interest.Caiti WadeCaiti is a leader of pedagogy at a boys’ secondary school in Brisbane, education consultant and is doing her doctorate in cognitive science.Substack – The Disruptive EducatorLinkedIn – Caiti WadeX/Twitter – @caiti_wadeEpisode resources* Marty’s Blog with the long title on Ashman and Ochre (Warning: explicit language)* Victorian schools: The reading wars are over. The learning wars are just beginning* Principals call for NAPLAN writing test to be axed | The Educator K/12* Reimagining schools where teachers and students thrive - 128_EDUCATOR_Autumn_2026.pdfAcknowledgement of countryWe would like to acknowledge The Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we record this podcast, the lands of the Wadawurrung People, and the lands of the Jagera and Turrbal Peoples, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit whenwilltheylearn.substack.com