What I Want to Know, with Kevin P. Chavous

It's more common than ever now to see adults and children glued to a screen. But when it comes to children and screen time, it is a particularly loaded topic. A recent study found that since the pandemic, screen time among children has gone up 52 percent globally. This increase has led to concerns about developmental delays, impaired socialization skills, and health issues. How does screen time impact our children? Is there good and bad screen time? And how can parents make the right decision when it comes to technology and their children? In this episode, Dr. Kecia Ray joins Kevin to discuss how screen time impacts our children. Meet Kecia: Dr. Kecia Ray is a globally recognized leader in education and a transformation coach. She leads K20Connect, an educational consulting network, where she works to create positive change in the education system. K20Connect website: https://www.k20connect.net/ Learn more about Promising Practices 2024: https://promisingpractices24-spdc.vfairs.com/?leadsource=organic_social&utm_product=stride&lead_source_detail=podcast&utm_campaign=comms_wiwtk

Now more than ever, nontraditional learning environments are gaining popularity with parents. In fact, a 2023 parent survey revealed that nearly half of parents said they would send at least one child to a different school for the 2023–2024 school year. And many states are following suit, with a record 20 states saying "yes" to expanding school choice in 2023. What is the state of the school choice movement today? What's leading parents and states to make a shift? And what do parents need to know about finding the right learning environment for their children? In this episode, Andrew Campanella joins Kevin to discuss the state of the school choice movement. Meet Andrew: Andrew Campanella is one of the nation's leading experts on K–12 school choice. He serves as the president and CEO of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to inform, inspire, and empower parents to discover, navigate, and access schools and education options. National School Choice Awareness Foundation website: https://schoolchoiceawareness.org/ Learn more about Promising Practices 2024. This is, What I Want to Know.

Applying for college is often a stressful and complicated endeavor. Students must manage various deadlines and portals, submit resumes and essays, coordinate test scores and letters of recommendation, and so much more. A recent survey of 16- to 22-year-olds found that more than half of them said applying for college is their most stressful academic experience. Should we rethink the college admissions process? What could a new process look like? And could simplifying the process lead to more accessible access to higher education? In this episode, Melanie Heath joins Kevin to discuss if we should rethink the college admissions process. Meet Melanie Melanie Heath is the strategy director for participation at Lumina Foundation, an independent, private foundation committed to making learning opportunities beyond high school available to all. Melanie leads a portfolio of work designed to increase student enrollment and re-enrollment in bachelor's degree programs. Lumina Foundation website: https://www.luminafoundation.org/

Since the Columbine High School shooting in 1999, more than 338,000 students in the United States have experienced gun violence in school. School shootings lead to an increase in student absenteeism, antidepressant drug usage, and lower test scores. Research also shows that students exposed to school shootings are less likely to graduate high school, go to college, and be employed. What challenges do survivors of school shootings face? What resources are available to help survivors thrive? And what can parents and schools do to support students after tragedy? In this episode, Zoe Touray joins Kevin to share how we can support students after tragedy. Meet Zoe: Zoe Touray is the founder of S.E.E. (Survivors Embracing Each Other), an organization dedicated to building a community of compassion for survivors. Zoe survived the November 2021 Oxford High School shooting in Michigan and is on a mission to preserve the innocence of America's students. Now, she travels nationwide to advocate for safer schools, increased crisis and trauma prevention and intervention services for students and staff. https://www.survivorsembrace.org/ This is, What I Want to Know.

According to the CDC, more than 800,000 high school students skip school at least once per month due to fear for their safety. And almost 200,000 teens miss school each day due to bullying. From fear of bullying and school shootings to facing mental health and behavioral issues, many students are feeling uneasy when it comes to school. What issues are students experiencing in school, and how can we support them? How can we help students feel more connected to their school and peers? And how can we help students feel safe at school? In this episode, Kristi Krings joins Kevin to discuss how we can help students feel safe at school. Meet Kristi: Kristi Krings is the CEO of Rachel's Challenge, a non-profit organization created after the Columbine High School shooting in honor of Rachel Scott and the other victims lost that day. During her tenure with Rachel's Challenge, Kristi has delivered programs to more than 1 million people. This is, What I Want to Know.

In 2023, Kevin P. Chavous had the privilege to speak with experts, school leaders, teachers, parents, and students about the most pressing issues in education today. The show explored what the future of education could hold and how we can encourage lifelong learning in all students. To celebrate the end 2023, here are some of our favorite moments from the show this year. Share your favorite moments from the show with us, using the hashtag #WIWTK on social media. To catch full episodes, including your favorites or any you may have missed, subscribe and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube and be sure to join Kevin in 2024 as he continues to dig deep into the emerging needs and new opportunities in education today. This is, What I Want to Know.

For the past few decades, there's been a large push for students to enroll in a four-year university immediately after high school. But according to a recent survey, almost 70 percent of parents would support their children entering the workforce right after high school. What's causing parents to accept and seek alternative routes for their children? What skills do students need to thrive in today's careers? And is college the right fit for all students? Mark Perna joins us today to discuss if college is the right path for students to have successful careers. To learn more about Mark's work, visit www.markcperna.com.

Teachers are leaving the profession in droves amid rising school violence, controversies, and burnout. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of public education employees leaving the profession are not retiring or being laid off—they are resigning. This trend is worsening the already significant teacher shortage across the country. What can teachers do to keep themselves and their students engaged? How can we attract new educators to the profession? And how can teachers combat burnout and maintain their passion for teaching? In this episode, Rebecka Peterson joins Kevin to share how she maintains her passion for teaching and how we can encourage other educators to join the profession.

According to a Purdue University Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute report, more than 3.3 million U.S. public school children are labeled as gifted. The report also noted that as many as 3.6 million more students should be labeled as gifted but have been overlooked. How do schools identify gifted students? How can schools ensure quality and equity in access to gifted education? What challenges do gifted students face? And what do these students need to thrive? In this episode, Dr. Brian Housand joins Kevin to discuss how we can better support gifted students.

When we think of apprenticeships, we often think of common fields like manufacturing, construction, and plumbing. But now, with more than three-quarters of U.S. states experiencing teacher shortages, apprenticeship programs might be the answer. What do teacher apprenticeship programs look like? How can they benefit our future educators? And can apprenticeship programs alleviate our country's staggering teacher shortage? In this episode, David Donaldson joins Kevin to discuss the benefits of teacher apprenticeship programs.

Heated political debates and culture wars over U.S. history have led to the adoption of new policies and revised curriculum in schools across the country. These new guidelines are rising concerns among families and educators, many worried about the erasing and rewriting of history. Why is history still important and needed today? What are the consequences of politicizing history? And how can we encourage discernment in today's world? In this episode, Jessica Lander joins Kevin to discuss the importance of teaching history to our students.

With many industries facing staffing shortages, some employers have turned to high school students to fill the gaps. Job training programs for high schoolers are on the rise across industries. These programs offer students hands on learning, real world experience and often guarantee employment after successful completion of the program. What do these training programs look like and what are the benefits? How can we encourage more students to join these programs? And can these programs better prepare our students for the future? In this episode, Chuck Goodrich joins Kevin to discuss the benefits of job training programs for high school students.

Families often seek the best of the best when it comes to where to send their children to school. Whether it's innovative teaching techniques, outstanding academic achievements, or unwavering leadership, many of today's schools are seeking to provide best-in-class education to their students. But what makes a school "the best?" How can we celebrate the schools that are meeting, and exceeding our students' needs? And how can we encourage innovation and transformation in America's schools? In this episode, Kevin is joined by Janine Yass and Jeanne Allen to discuss the makings of America's best schools.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected student learning across the board. While almost all students declined academically, a report from The Center for Learner Equity found that students with disabilities were especially impacted. Students with disabilities often face wide and persistent achievement gaps. With the more than 7 million young people with disabilities in the United States, it begs the question of what more we can do to support them. What challenges do students with disabilities face? How can we create more inclusive spaces and services for these students to thrive? And how can we help our schools be more equitable and supportive when it comes to special education? In this episode, Kevin is joined by Lauren Rhim to discuss how we can better support students with disabilities.

According to a recent Parents survey, 70 percent of parents want better sex education for their kids and believe it should be mandatory in schools. Teaching our children about sex can be difficult and controversial leaving many parents and educators struggling to navigate the topic. What should sex education look like in the classroom? How can parents tackle this complicated topic at home? And how can sex education keep our children safe? In this episode, Christine Soyong Harley joins Kevin to discuss how sex education can keep our students safe.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 20 percent of youth in the United States age 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 14-year-olds. With so many youth struggling today, most parents are left feeling helpless and concerned. In fact, a report found that mental health is the greatest concern among parents. How can parents help their children who are struggling? Where can parents turn for support?And how can schools and parents work together to foster positive mental health in their students? In this episode, Anne Brown joins Kevin to discuss how parents and caregivers play a crucial role in children's mental health.

According to Feeding America, more than 9 million children faced hunger in 2021. That's 1 in 8 children. Children facing hunger are more likely to repeat a grade in elementary school, have social and behavioral problems and experience diminished language and motor skills. What impact does nutrition have on learning? How can we encourage nutrition among our students and in our schools? And how can we improve access to healthy food for students and families? In this episode, Stephen Ritz joins Kevin to discuss the link between nutrition and learning.

More than 30,000 students across the country are using Education Savings Account programs. Supporters say these programs give families the freedom to pursue education options best suited for their children's needs. Others say ESAs siphon dollars out of already-struggling public school systems. What are ESAs? What do they mean for families and for education as a whole? And how can ESAs help families find the best learning environment for their children? In this episode, Robert Enlow joins Kevin to discuss what families need to know about ESAs.

Since the pandemic, more families are choosing to homeschool their children. In fact, homeschool enrollment has increased by nearly 30 percent. The most dramatic increase was seen with Black families with the number of homeschooled Black children rising from 3 percent to 16 percent in 2020. Why is homeschooling on the rise? How can families know if homeschooling is right for them? And how can parents use their voice to find the best option for their children? In this episode, Onnikah Randolph joins Kevin to discuss homeschooling and how parents can feel empowered to find the right option for their children.

For years, parents and community leaders relied on standardized test scores and socioeconomic status to determine the quality of a school. But parents – and teachers in the classrooms – have long known those limited factors only tell part of the story. With an increasing number of school options and data available to families across the U.S., parents are faced with a seemingly endless amount of information when it comes to evaluating what could be right for their child. What should parents look for when weighing education options for their students? How can community leaders use that data to replicate success? And how can we understand which school options are going to help all children succeed? In this episode, Jon Deane joins Kevin to discuss how parents can make the right choice for their child's education.

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, the number of charter schools and campuses has more than doubled over the last decade, and charter school enrollment has more than tripled, now serving more than 3.5 million students across the U.S. What is motivating parents to seek new learning options for their students? What are some obstacles parents face when trying to find the right school for their children, and what resources are available? How can we empower parents to find the right education opportunities for their children, regardless of where they live? In this episode, Shree Recasner joins Kevin to discuss how we can empower parents to find the best education option for their children. Meet Shree Shree Recasner is the vice president of strategic engagement for the Texas Charter Schools Association, a membership organization working to accelerate student achievement in Texas by strengthening and supporting a diverse set of effective public charter schools. Previously, Shree served as the national advocacy director for the Black Alliance for Educational Options, where her mission was to actively support parental choice, empower families, and increase quality educational options for Black children. Shree has continually advised national organizations and advocacy groups on organizing strategies and tactics for parent and community engagement. This is, What I Want to Know. -------------------------------- Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review! WIWTK Twitter – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ WIWTK Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast/ WIWTK Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/

When it comes to education, Americans are sharply divided on topics ranging from what should be taught in schools to how much input parents should have on their children's education. With tensions increasing and becoming more personal, public education has become a battlefield. What are the major concerns around public education? What are the impacts of the ongoing "culture wars" in our country? And can these educational tensions cause a threat to democracy? In this episode, Arne Duncan joins Kevin to discuss the state of public education. Meet Arne Arne Duncan is the former U.S. Secretary of Education. Nominated by President Obama in 2009, Arne's tenure as secretary was marked by significant accomplishments on behalf of American students and teachers. Now, Arne serves as a managing partner at Emerson Collective, where he works to improve the lives of young adults in his hometown of Chicago. This is, What I Want to Know. -------------------------------- Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review! WIWTK Twitter – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/ WIWTK Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wiwtkpodcast/ WIWTK Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wiwtkpodcast/

According to data from Stanley Black & Decker, almost 80% of young people and their parents worry about how they'll pay for college or whether it's the right path for them. A career in the skilled trades could be the answer. The research also found that many young people hold misconceptions about trade careers, yet most skilled tradespeople said their jobs are in high demand. Can we close the skills gap by exposing more students to trades? Are there significant financial incentives to pursue a career in a skilled trade? What about accessibility and gender equality in the field? In this episode, Brian Hughes joins Kevin to discuss how to expose more students to opportunities and benefits of working in the skilled trades industry.

A new report reveals that more teachers than usual left their jobs last year as they faced a multitude of challenges in the wake of the pandemic. And research shows that teachers with minimal training leave at rates two to three times higher than those with better training. What teacher training methods are most effective in improving learning outcomes? How can we avoid overloading teachers with additional tasks throughout their training? And how can we create sustainable support systems to retain talented teachers? In this episode, Kevin discusses how we effectively train and support teachers with educator and education consultant Kevin Bross.

The child poverty rate in America was 16% as of the 2020 Census. This amounts to 11.6 million children living in poverty in the U.S. Why are so many kids growing up in poverty in the United States? How does the lack of social safety nets disproportionately affect children in America? How can we support children and help them learn, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing world? This week, Kevin talks to author Anya Kamenetz about how we can support children in poverty in their educational journey. This is, What I Want to Know.

Today's generation of students are digital citizens, raised with technology at their fingertips. By harnessing the power of technology, modern teaching strategies can enhance student engagement and offer an individualized approach to learning. Why should we consider incorporating technology into teaching strategies? What are some best practices of using technology in classrooms? How can we leverage the technology we have at our disposal to engage students and improve student outcomes? In this episode, Kevin discusses technology in the classrooms with mathematics educator, Pablo Garcia.

According to the Center for American Progress, up to 60% of college students require remedial English or math classes. This can be a burden both psychologically and financially. Why do many students need remedial classes in college? How can we provide students with an education that sets them up for college success? And how can we better equip students for the jobs of tomorrow? In this episode, Mitch Daniels joins Kevin to discuss how we can best prepare students for the college experience. This is What I Want to Know.

Social media has transformed the way we interact with the world. Nearly half of teens are on TikTok multiple times a day. While some schools have restricted social media usage, other educators have embraced these tools to engage teenagers and get them excited about learning. How are educators using social media to engage teens? What techniques are most effective? And how can social media help students learn? This week, Kevin is joined by Sara Day to discuss how educators can use social media to engage students and young people.

Advancements in artificial intelligence are impacting all areas of life, including education. With applications like ChatGPT dominating headlines, educators are wondering how education should prepare students for a world filled with AI. How are teachers introducing AI in the classroom? What should we do to prepare students for the AI jobs of the future? And what are the ethical implications of AI, both in and out of the classroom? This week, Jason Hurd joins Kevin to discuss how we can help students understand and work with artificial intelligence.

There are nearly 8,000 public charter schools in the United States, serving 3-and-a-half million students. But parents, teachers and thought leaders have a range of views on their role in public education. What are some of the unique challenges administrators face today when establishing and managing a charter school? Do charter schools spark innovation and improvement in the school system at large, or draw resources away from traditional public schools? And how much is the public sentiment regarding charter schools based on the politics of the day? This week, Kevin is joined by Ian Rowe to discuss the purpose and importance of charter schools.

The United States House Committee on Education and the Workforce plays a key role in guiding education policy in our country. As schools face the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues, federal policy will be an important factor in determining how we build the future of education. What role does federal policy play in K-12 education? How can the federal government best support all types of K-12 schools? And… what is the future of education policy in the United States? In this episode, Kevin discusses the federal role in education with Congressman Bobby Scott of Virginia

According to the Rural School and Community Trust, 9.3 million students in the United States attended a school in a rural district in 2019. That means nearly one in five American students attends a rural school. Yet delivering high-quality education in these areas can be difficult. What are some of the challenges rural schools face? Which teaching and enrichment tools can enhance rural students' experience? And… How can government officials create better access and equity for students in rural areas? This week, Kevin is joined by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to discuss how we can improve and support rural schools.

A recent study on global service learning programs revealed that cultural immersion experiences can transform students' perceptions of themselves and others far beyond what traditional classroom learning provides. How can we encourage students to be curious about the world outside of their local community? How do travel experiences enhance student learning inside of the classroom? And what role should schools and teachers have in providing cultural learning opportunities to our students to further expand their worldview? In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can encourage student cultural exposure and learning with Nebraska's 2020 Teacher of the Year, Megan Helberg.

According to a new Smoothwall report, 96% of U.S. teachers believe that technology in the classroom has a positive impact on students' learning and participation. But with the rise of technology in education, we must also think about the potential risks to our children. What are some of the challenges or concerns with incorporating certain technologies into the learning environment? Are there risks with social media platforms that we should take more seriously? And how can we utilize technology to engage our students, while protecting their best interest in the long-term? In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can protect our children online with Virginia Senator Mark Warner.

Twelve years ago, former President Barack Obama focused his State of the Union address on education, calling for the training of 100,000 new teachers of science and mathematics. By 2021, that 100,000 goal had been achieved, but there was still work to be done. And in 2022, the U.S. Department of Education announced its You Belong in STEM initiative, designed to bring equity and high-quality STEM education to America's schools. How do we ensure that STEM teachers are given the tools necessary to succeed? What challenges do we face in bringing high-quality STEM education to our nation's classrooms? And how can we ensure that STEM education is helping our students understand the problems of today… and tomorrow? In this episode, Kevin explores how we can best support and cultivate STEM teachers with Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten and Beyond 100K founder Talia Milgrom-Elcott.

Each year, New York City schools educate nearly a million children in 1,800 schools, making it the largest school district not only in the United States, but in the entire world. With so many students in such a dense and diverse area, New York becomes a proving ground for all sorts of new solutions in education. What can we learn from what is working in this school system? How can the system be improved to offer the best possible education for students in New York and elsewhere? And… What is the future of education? On this special, in-person 100th episode of What I Want to Know, Kevin is joined by New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks to discuss New York City schools and the future of education.

Thank you so much for joining me, Kevin P. Chavous, for 100 episodes of What I Want to Know! Over the last two years, I've had the privilege to speak with experts, school leaders, parents and students about the most pressing issues in education today. We've also had fun exploring what the future of education might look like… and how we can encourage lifelong learning in all students. To celebrate the progress we've created for generations to come, here are some of my favorite moments from the previous 99 episodes of What I Want to Know. Subscribe and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to catch any episodes you may have missed, and be sure to join me for a very special 100th episode with the Chancellor of New York City Schools, David Banks. This is, What I Want to Know. -------------------------------- Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review!

While math has never seemed to be the most popular subject, students are increasingly falling behind nationwide. Research shows student scores have dropped since the pandemic, especially in math. Are teachers equipped to help students not only understand math, but excel at it? What makes math difficult for so many students? And how can we reframe the subject for students and encourage a love of math? In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can reframe the narrative around math with the founder and president of Bedtime Math Foundation, Laura Overdeck. This is, What I Want to Know. Join the conversation using #WIWTK on social media and be sure to leave a review!

It is infinitely clear that more young people are getting involved in politics. According to Tufts University, three times as many 18- to 24-year-olds donated to a political campaign or registered others to vote in 2020 than in 2018. It is also equally clear that as political debate in the United States has intensified, classroom debates have also become increasingly heated. How have recent elections and increased interest affected political discourse among younger demographics? Why do some students get involved, while others are not civically engaged? And how does political dialogue in schools fit into the broader conversation around democracy? In this episode, Kevin discusses civic engagement among the next generation of leaders with the CEO of BridgeUSA, Manu Meel.

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, student activism is on the rise. Despite long being thought of as politically disengaged, students are interested now more than ever in advocating for the causes they care about. What drives our students to engage in civic life and create calls to action? What barriers exist for young people pursuing activism? And how can we support students who desire to create positive change in their communities? In this episode, Kevin discusses the importance of youth civic engagement with high school student activist and founder of Young STEMists, Mandy Zhang.

Over 50 million people have played Dungeons & Dragons since its creation in 1974, and the game remains highly popular today, especially among teens. Can the world of fantastical creatures be adapted for classrooms to improve learning engagement? In what ways might tabletop gaming help students develop life skills? And how might games like Dungeons & Dragons inspire students' educational and career outcomes? In this episode, Kevin discusses how schools can use tabletop gaming in learning with Stefan McNinch, President and Founder of UnboxEd.

According to a new report from the Wallace Foundation, effective administrative leadership is key to student success. In fact, leadership was found to be only second to teaching when it comes to influencing academic outcomes such as reading proficiency. What can schools do to enhance the professional development of their principals and administrators? What effect can strong leadership have on student achievement? And how can we create a sustainable education model that addresses teacher turnover? In this episode, Kevin discusses how strong school leadership can impact student reading and achievement outcomes with School Leader Lab executive director, Erica Beal.

According to Publishers Weekly, sales of comic books and graphic novels increased by 62% in 2021, to over $2 billion dollars. With their ongoing popularity among youth, can comic books help encourage a love of reading among students? Do comic authors write differently for younger audiences? And how might comic books and graphic novels be used in the classroom? In this episode, Kevin discusses how comic books can be an effective way to teach kids to read with comic book and graphic novel writer Ryan North.

Poetry is one of the oldest forms of communication in human history. But is it still relevant today, in our multimedia, digital age? What values and skills do kids learn by exploring poetry? How does poetry contribute to students' development as a whole, and how should it fit into reading education? Can poetry be a force for good in society? In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can foster a love of reading and poetry with Poet Laureate of the United States, Ada Limón.

Parents and educators alike are increasingly concerned about reading proficiency in the wake of the pandemic. According to a recent study by Amplify, only 55% of third graders in the U.S. are on track for developing critical reading skills, with at least 30% in need of intensive intervention. What factors are most important in teaching a child to read, and what are best practices for instruction? How can we support each child's learning needs to ensure they get on–and stay on–a path to reading success? And what exactly is the "science of reading?" In this episode, Kevin discusses how we can improve student reading ability and the role educators can play in reading instruction with researcher and author, David Kilpatrick.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the U.S. were cutting back on arts education. However, studies have shown that students who have arts included in their core curriculum not only see improvements in reading and math but also experience lower suspension and dropout rates. Why is it important for students to be exposed to art and culture? What kind of impact does it have on their learning? How can educators use online platforms to immerse their students in art and culture? In this episode, Kevin discusses the possibilities of arts education with tech with the founder and director of Open-ended Design, Suhair Khan.

According to a recent EdBuild study, majority-nonwhite districts nationwide receive 23 billion dollars less in funding every year than majority-white districts, despite serving the same number of students. Funding not only affects the quality of school facilities but access to up-to-date instructional materials. This gap impacts students' education and perpetuates racial and economic inequities in the country. How can technology create a more equitable education for all students? Can the metaverse help break down barriers when it comes to learning opportunities? In what ways will the metaverse define the future of education? In this episode, Kevin discusses the educational opportunities of the metaverse with Vice President of Education at Roblox, Rebecca Kantar.

According to the American Civil Liberties Union, school disciplinary policies often disproportionately affect black students. Black students are suspended or expelled at three times the rate of white students and are three times more likely to enter the juvenile justice system. How can we hold students accountable for their actions and still provide support in the ways that they need? What are some successful prevention approaches for keeping students out of the criminal justice system? And how can we holistically reintegrate students that are currently in the juvenile justice system? In this episode, Kevin discusses disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline with VP of Reintegration and Community Engagement at ViaPath Technologies, Tony Lowden.

In the wake of the pandemic and online learning, many are rethinking the traditional model of public education. Educational innovators are increasingly incorporating project-based learning as an alternative to standardized curriculum and testing. Some argue that it can lead to more equitable outcomes for all students and better prepare students for team-based professional work. How is the traditional learning model shifting?Which teaching methods benefit ALL students and teachers alike?How can we mold our curriculum to produce the creative, innovative leaders of tomorrow? In this episode, Kevin discusses how project-based learning might transform our classrooms with Trish Millines Dziko of the Technology Access Foundation.

In recent years, school choice has become a growing issue among parents. A 2022 National School Choice Week survey found that more than half of parents were considering a different school for one of their children. In our shifting education landscape, some parents are turning away from public schools, while others remain staunch advocates of public education. But is it really just an either/or discussion? And how can our school systems serve all students, regardless of need and ability? In this episode, Kevin discusses parent involvement in school choice with mother and founder of Empowered Arizona Families, Kayla Svedin.