In January, the government of Liberia announced a plan to outsource part of its education system to the private, U.S-based company, “Bridge International Academies.” Under the pilot program, Bridge will operate in 50 primary schools, eventually opening the door to expansion and charging a $6-a-month tuition fee. 

Education Minister George Werner says the plan is a necessary step to address the country’s ailing education system in which half a million children are out of school. Critics argue the plan will lead to a fast track to complete privatization. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, is one of those critics. She joins us to talk about the changes in Liberia’s education system.