Behind the Minds

In this episode, we ask viewers to look at the buildings around them, especially old school buildings. The sound of learning has disappeared from these places, but magnificent architecture remains. Now, St. Louis Public Schools is working to market and sell these buildings - hoping visionaries can bring them back to their place as a gem in the community. That’s exactly what’s happened at Better Family Life. We take you inside the community organization and old school building success story. We also want you to look up to the roof of another building…that’s the setting for a story on students learning important nutritional lessons.

Prepare to be amazed by the creative ideas and inventions local entrepreneurs are coming up with in the St. Louis area. But, here’s the real kicker: all of these inventors are in their teens! We highlight a new school district sponsored innovation center as well as some students who have their businesses set up and who are ready to sell their big ideas. Our show also features a special tutoring program that is helping students make tremendous strides and a student-produced story that looks into ways teens think we can improve race relations in our community.

For more than fifty years, teachers at the Miriam School in Webster Groves have taught children with complex learning disabilities how to recognize and successfully meet their full potential. As you can imagine, teaching trends have changed significantly over the years. In this episode, we show you how Miriam is reaching out beyond the typical classroom to help its students excel. This show also includes a one one one with Missouri's new education commissioner, a story on a new program designed to bring social workers to students and a report on how many from around the community and nation are supporting students in Ferguson. Plus, our hosts try out some heavenly cookies from an extraordinary organization, Angel Baked Cookies.

Behind the Minds is the only show in the St. Louis region all about education. In this episode, we showcase a high-energy concert for teens that’s not just upbeat, it also spreads a message of drug prevention and awareness. We also check in on a new truancy program in the St. Charles City school district that holds parents accountable for getting their kids to school…or face jail time. Plus, we’ll highlight an innovative way to teach entrepreneurial skills to students. And, our entire episode takes place at The Soulard School; a school focused on building curriculum with each student in mind, looking at individual learning styles and interests. See this unique education model in action.

Behind the Minds explores the complex issue of Common Core. We talk with Missouri legislators as well as a teacher and students about the academic standards. On a side note, cursive handwriting lessons are going by the way side partly because of Common Core. Plus, this entire show is taking place at the St. Louis Rowing Club boathouse. That's because they have a high rate of club members graduating and going on to college with rowing scholarships. See the incredible amount work that goes into this sport. And, finally, a family uproots from St. Louis for Hollywood all to follow their child's dream. We show you how the move is panning out for the family.

Hard work in the classroom isn’t the only thing that can get you recruited to some of the nation’s top schools. Members of the St. Louis Rowing Club are having incredible success both in the water and in college recruitment. But, this sport is not for the faint of heart - it takes a lot of commitment along with physical and mental strength.

It’s that time of year students look forward to all school year long: summer break. But, the excitement of time away from schoolwork usually rubs off fairly quickly and the “I’m bored” syndrome sets in. We talk with a panel of experts about ideas to keep your children busy this summer and spotlight one local out of this world summer camp. Also, it’s not just a break from the books for some kids, it’s also a break from healthy school meals. We tell you how some programs are helping students get the nutrition they need during the summer months. Plus, a couple of students win a national contest for seeing Jackie Robinson as a role model and a St. Louis legend retires.

Imagine the courage of a young woman who knew what she wanted and refused to take no for an answer. See how she broke barriers and making dreams come true.

Some call it the biggest fundamental change we’ve ever seen in education: flipped classrooms. We explore what this new method entails and why teachers and students at the elementary, secondary and higher education levels love it. That, plus we tell you how another St. Louis school is saying no to technology in the classrooms, and how students are seeing science power their vehicles in another district. That, plus we look into how local public schools are handling the growing number of children diagnosed with ADHD. That’s next on this edition of Behind the Minds from Pattonville High School. Behind the Minds is the only show in the St. Louis metro area focused solely on K-12 education.

With about 6.4 million U.S. children diagnosed with A.D.H.D., it is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of children, according to the CDC. And, Missouri is #2 only to Mississippi in the percentage of children taking medication to treat it. These rates reflect a significant rise over the last decade and draw concern among some medical professionals who believe A.D.H.D. diagnosis and its medication treatments are overused in American children. However, many parents and children tout the life-changing benefits of medical treatments. This episode explores this issue with interviews from parents, teachers, doctors and experts.

The first day of school is supposed to be an exciting time for students.  In the St. Louis area, some of that excitement was mixed with frustration, confusion and apprehension this year as many districts grappled with the effects of the state’s school transfer law.  On this edition of Behind the Minds, we take an in-depth look at this 20-year-old law, it’s original intent, and its unintended consequences.  It’s a topic school administrators and experts are watching closely around the state and country.  St. Louis area representatives and an education expert weighs in during a thought-provoking panel discussion.  Plus, a local student athlete competes in a world championship.  That in itself is impressive, but when you hear this student’s story, you’ll be inspired, too.  And, former President Bill Clinton not only visits a local school, he works to improve it.

Cleveland Military Academy in St. Louis is a beacon of a success in a struggling school district. Students not only meet state high school standards, they’re graduating and going on to college. So, why did the St. Louis school district want to shut it down? We ask several teens, who have had experience in changing schools, for advice on handling being the “new kid.” Host Gina Kurre also explores a nontraditional way of learning that has many parents, teachers and students excited about its potential: language immersion schools. Finally, we take you to two very different summer camps - one of the oldest camps in the world that’s changed thousand of kids’ lives and another that’s much newer and is changing parents’ perceptions.

Behind the Minds is the only show in St. Louis focusing solely on education, and the students, parents and teachers finding solutions to challenges in our schools. In this episode, we explore the infamous St. Louis question, "Where did you go to high school?" Could choosing between a public or private high school affect your future opportunities and income? A Federal Reserve economist weighs in, and a panel of six college bound high school seniors offers advice for parents and middle schoolers about how to make this tough decision. We'll also show you around Ritenour High School's new fine arts facility. The multi-million dollar auditorium is professional grade. At a time when many schools in the area are cutting arts budgets, find out why this school district is investing in them. You'll also meet the founder of a popular website who's also published a book, and he's only in middle school! Hear his inspiring success story, and the advice his father offers for other parents on encouraging children to excel. Finally, studies are now showing you can get a lot more than just that warm and fuzzy feeling from philanthropy. Learn about the health benefits of giving to others.

Join hosts Gina Kurre and Jerry Bryan at Hazelwood West Middle School where they'll discuss several education issues affecting our area schools including: the significance of MAP test scores and a unique way some Jennings teachers motivated their students to study hard for them, the prevalence of teachers pursuing and attaining post-secondary education, and the importance of community outreach in bringing unique artistic opportunities to local schools. That, plus meet a couple of incredible Hazelwood West alums; one who just graduated from the middle school and is already a CEO of his own company and another who is proud to teach at her alma mater school district (along with a number of other alum teachers). That plus see if you can guess where our mystery St. Louisan went to high school.

This episode of Behind the Minds literally begins on a high note from Crossroads College Preparatory School's "Harmonic Rush." The a cappella group formed less than a year ago is already impressing crowds with their incredible harmonies. You'll also meet a "Standout Student" from the school who's becoming a role model for others. Behind the Minds strives to feature innovative academic programs and inspiring educators and students from around the St. Louis area and this episode is no exception with features on College Bound, the Parkway Digital Film Festival, Hazelwood West High School and more. Co-host Gina Kurre also reports on how area schools are addressing the growing problem of heroin addiction and overdoes among high school students.

A local student’s life is changed by American Idol, the clock’s ticking to enroll students in summer camps – especially those that rock, People magazine features a St. Louis judge for changing students’ lives, a historical program disappears thanks to budget cuts and Roosevelt High School is touting their successes and victories on this edition of Behind the Minds from Mehlville High School.

A local student’s life is changed by American Idol, the clock’s ticking to enroll students in summer camps – especially those that rock, People magazine features a St. Louis judge for changing students’ lives, a historical program disappears thanks to budget cuts and Roosevelt High School is touting their successes and victories on this edition of Behind the Minds from Mehlville High School.

We're in the Wentzville school district for this edition of Behind the Minds where some Timberland High School students got our hosts' toes tapping.  See and hear some of that school's talents on display - both musical and artistic - in this episode.  Also, see if you can guess where our Mystery St. Louisan went to high school (here's a hint: her first job in television was in St. Louis when she was just 16 years old!), be inspired by a teacher who's encouraging students to push through tough times following a natural disaster, learn how a community organization is using Shakespeare to teach about a modern day issue and watch as a civics class gets a very real lesson in the effects of the economic downturn.   That plus advice on taking the ACT exam from a student who scored a perfect score on the test, in this edition of Behind the Minds.

We're in the Wentzville school district for this edition of Behind the Minds where some Timberland High School students got our hosts' toes tapping.  See and hear some of that school's talents on display - both musical and artistic - in this episode.  Also, see if you can guess where our Mystery St. Louisan went to high school (here's a hint: her first job in television was in St. Louis when she was just 16 years old!), be inspired by a teacher who's encouraging students to push through tough times following a natural disaster, learn how a community organization is using Shakespeare to teach about a modern day issue and watch as a civics class gets a very real lesson in the effects of the economic downturn.   That plus advice on taking the ACT exam from a student who scored a perfect score on the test, in this edition of Behind the Minds.

Go Flyers! The Lindbergh High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders welcome us to this edition of Behind the Minds from the Lindbergh school district. We're there to highlight an Extraordinary Educator who is a member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, but you might be surprised by her story of redemption. You'll be impressed by her and our standout student, Katlyn Sansone. See how Sansone used her talents to help others in our community. Plus, you'll find out about an elementary school in St. Louis paying it's students to come to class and behave. Find out if the controversial idea is working. We also look into the problem of teenage pregnancies in St. Louis schools. Pregnancy was becoming such a "coveted" situation among teen girls, that one school started a program to change the trend. Finally, see if you can guess our Mystery St. Louisan. Here's a hint: he doesn't mind getting his hands dirty (especially with clay).

Go Flyers! The Lindbergh High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders welcome us to this edition of Behind the Minds from the Lindbergh school district. We're there to highlight an Extraordinary Educator who is a member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, but you might be surprised by her story of redemption. You'll be impressed by her and our standout student, Katlyn Sansone. See how Sansone used her talents to help others in our community. Plus, you'll find out about an elementary school in St. Louis paying it's students to come to class and behave. Find out if the controversial idea is working. We also look into the problem of teenage pregnancies in St. Louis schools. Pregnancy was becoming such a "coveted" situation among teen girls, that one school started a program to change the trend. Finally, see if you can guess our Mystery St. Louisan. Here's a hint: he doesn't mind getting his hands dirty (especially with clay).

Vashon High School is the alma mater of this episode’s Mystery St. Louisan. See if you can guess his identity before we reveal it. Here’s a hint: this athlete has to be light on his feet, but he says his most embarrassing moment was when he fell up the stairs in high school!

Behind the Minds traveled to St. Justin Martyr School in Sunset Hills for this episode of the show. Find out what a teacher at that school is doing to catch the eye of national awards committees. Plus, everybody takes spelling tests, right? Not in St. Louis. We’ll tell you which two school districts have done away with the exams and they’re reasoning behind the decision. Also, learn how senior citizens are filling in where budget cuts left educational holes. And, prepare to be impressed by a group of students making movies while they’re still in elementary school! All of that, plus see if you can guess our Mystery St. Louisan: his job requires him to be light on his feet and to spend a lot of hours in the gym.

Vashon High School is the alma mater of this episode’s Mystery St. Louisan. See if you can guess his identity before we reveal it. Here’s a hint: this athlete has to be light on his feet, but he says his most embarrassing moment was when he fell up the stairs in high school!

Behind the Minds traveled to St. Justin Martyr School in Sunset Hills for this episode of the show. Find out what a teacher at that school is doing to catch the eye of national awards committees. Plus, everybody takes spelling tests, right? Not in St. Louis. We’ll tell you which two school districts have done away with the exams and they’re reasoning behind the decision. Also, learn how senior citizens are filling in where budget cuts left educational holes. And, prepare to be impressed by a group of students making movies while they’re still in elementary school! All of that, plus see if you can guess our Mystery St. Louisan: his job requires him to be light on his feet and to spend a lot of hours in the gym.