Insights Into Education Podcast

Rosemary Agneessens is a proven community organizer and leader. She joins Dan and Ed for a refreshing and much-needed discussion of where we are now and where we are going. The pandemic will pass. Many of the players at the state and national level will try the old way of holding power. They will face energized leaders who see a clear path to the future. Rosemary has stayed focused on the battlelines, cherishing small victories that open the paths for our students and help build our states and nation. She sees a time in the near future when those who want their children and communities to have great education programs will lead the politicians. A time when going hat-in-hand to beg legislatures for funds to a time when all understand that to have a great nation we must have great schools. What we are learning in states like Arizona, and what Rosemary shares, is vital information for leaders everywhere.

Dan and Ed introduce a highly respected educator, Richard Parkhouse. Richard is uniquely qualified to help evolve education so that schools are student-centered and address changes necessary if America is to flourish. Richard is an author, speaker, and is committed to creating “school cultures of significance, where everyone matters.”  He has had the opportunity to inspire greatness in thousands of students.  His work includes collaborating with schools to surface and clearly communicate their beliefs, values, and purpose. He believes all students are gifted and talented, and every day they should be working to become the World’s Greatest versions of themselves, always pursuing their personal best! Prepare to be impressed. We will introduce a teacher from one of his model schools in our next podcast.

Dan’s and Ed’s guest is Galen Englund, a remarkable and very accomplished young man. This podcast highlights the educational paths that led to his successful career and the ability to make a contribution to himself and to society. Galen is open, factual, and freely discusses his family background, and his educational travails as a challenging and misunderstood student. His early education ranged back and forth between Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, and Costa Rica. Galen pays special tribute to a cadre of excellent teachers he had in the small southern Arizona town of Patagonia.  He was recognized as a Flinn Scholar (2009-2014) and attended Arizona State University, Barrett Honors College, Global Studies program with an emphasis on violence, conflict, and human rights. By age 22, he was deeply involved in the human tragedies of war refugees in Slovenia (what had been Yugoslavia). Please see, Central European University: ceu.academia/GalenLamphereEnglund/curriculumVitae. Unleashed, he has accomplished more in his 20s than most in a lifetime.  He has traveled widely in 60+ countries. He presently heads Englund Consulting: Conflict * Data * Research. Galen is working to identify conditions that lead to war and suffering.

Dan and Ed are deeply impressed with Diane Ravitch’s critically acclaimed new book. Inspired by her insights and leadership – and the past and present corruption of public education by people who call themselves reformers, but are really deformers –  they begin an unscripted and very frank dialogue which includes thoughts from Ed’s new book about the future of education and how we need to evolve our educational system.  

Part two. Interview with David Nathaniel Berger.  Dan and Ed continue to document the preparation necessary for our graduates to make a contribution to themselves and to society. David’s deep commitment to The International Work Group For Indigenous Affairs, located in Denmark, is the result of his education and his self-directed quest for knowledge. This podcast gives an insight into how the Danish Government, the European Union, and the United Nations support the work of native populations around the globe. David proves to us that in every educational endeavor the immediate and practical application of learning is essential.

What preparation is necessary to make a contribution to yourself and society? In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Dan and Ed interview David Nathaniel Berger who is currently in Denmark working with the International Work Group For Indigenous Affairs. We ask David to identify the pivotal experiences he had growing up, his middle and high school preparation, his time at Arizona State University and the Barrett Honors College, his internship at the American Consulate in Milan, Italy, his experiences with the American Red Cross, his 3-year service with the Peace Corps, his recognition and work as an Erasmus Mundas Scholar in Poland and Denmark, and his work in his current position. How did a focus on Global Affairs set him on such an exciting and productive path?

Dan Kenley interviews Ed Berger about his recent book, Human Competence. What was the thinking behind this unique approach to education reform? Why write an education book that avoids edubabble and academic gamesmanship? How is this book an indicator of education for the future? Why stress 'no education without immediate and practical application'? Dan probes and exposes the students’ role in dealing with issues that will define their future and perhaps the future of our species. He draws Berger out about the evolution of our schools so that we are not focused on our past, or preparing kids for standardized tests. Evolution must be based on the powerful teaching practices of great educators and what we know about collective intelligence and collaborative behavior. This may become one of the pivotal works that gets people thinking about preparing students for their future. The Book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/HUMAN-COMPETENCE-EDUCATING-THEIR-FUTURE-ebook/dp/B07TK48K9T/

Some of the best and brightest young USA students, faced with debt, damaged school districts, and poor pay, especially as educators, venture into other lands and find meaningful work and decent remuneration for their efforts. Our guest, Dan Miles, a vibrant and exciting music and mathematics educator went into the unknown and took charge of his future. He shares the pathways he followed to teach in Abu Dhabi - the United Arab Emirates. After several years he moved to Kuala Lumpur (KL) Malaysia’s largest city. In KU, with support he could never find in the USA, he has created an outstanding program of music/humanities education. Dan’s story is full of information as to how and why he took risks and built a quality life abroad.

Dan and Ed bring Holli Kenley back to update us on positive things that are happening for parents and kids. Holli gives updates on the latest breakthroughs on screen dependence, game addiction, depression disorders, and many other challenges facing today’s families. She introduces us to good research about the importance of play, and how play gives children skills to deal with stress release and even develop empathy. Perhaps the most valuable qualities of this podcast, are the sources of information for parents and teachers that she introduces us to. 

Dan and Ed focus on current education practices and highlight both problems and strengths they have observed in schools. Dan shares his recent experiences working as an administrator in a California middle school; Ed shares information about his research and writing about how we must evolve our education systems to deal with AI and the effects of climate change. He introduces his new book, Human Competence, out in June 2019.

With special guest, Alex Berger calling in from Denmark, Dan and Ed engage in a lively discussion of critical issues that must be addressed to enhance public education and free it from standardization and data-focused testing. This unscripted exchange ranges from preparing students to delve into the root causes of current events, to changes in the way we teach. Throughout the conversations, the major focus is on what we must do to prepare students for their future, not our past.

Dan and Ed bring back Nicky Indicavitch because she is one of the most eloquent and knowledgeable spokespersons for what has become a National Model for grassroots civic involvement and change. In a state where the voice of the citizens has been ignored, and where representative government has been intentionally misled, a breakthrough occurred that is moving the state away from the control of a small minority of ideologues and profiteers and giving the power back to the people. Nicky explains the Red For Ed movement that sprang up because of the damages done to our public education system: The denigration of teachers, elected representatives ignoring family values, children damaged by intentional acts to destroy public education, and the lack of systems of accountability. In January of 2018, few voices were heard by our legislators and they proceeded as if they had complete immunity from the wishes of the citizens they were elected to represent. By April, over 40,000 voices where raised in opposition to their contempt. By May, over 250,000 Arizona citizen taxpayers were organized via community centers, all demanding change. Parents want to know what has happened to children as the Legislature has starved public education. Teachers are explaining what has happened and what can be changed to help all of our children. It will take time to repair the damage, to get voters active again, and to reverse the damage done by Dark Money (dirty money = dirty politicians), and to repair the subverted representative system that has caused so much suffering. This process is not a sprint, it is a marathon that will continue through the years. Nicky is a great source of information. You will listen to this podcast and share it with others. It is that good.

Dan and Ed asked Jim Hall to return to continue reporting on his work for Charter School Accountability. In episode 29, April 11, 2018, Jim explained his motivation and his research into how taxpayer money is given out with little or no accountability. In Arizona, millions of taxpayer dollars have gone into privatizer’s pockets. Part of this theft is allowed by an ideology that that is labeled “School Choice”. A significant part is due to elected representatives who have done away with conflict of interest rules, accountability systems, and democratically elected school boards to track how public dollars are spent. Ideological belief systems overshadow representative democracy and allow individuals to profit from tax dollars collected for education. Jim has done extensive research for over four years to track taxpayer dollars and inform the public of the mentality that hurts children, their families, and our communities. He has been instrumental in educating those who can stop this theft.

Dan and Ed welcome Holli Kenley back to Insights Into Education. Holli is a highly experienced marriage and family therapist and noted author. Based on her years of research and observations, Holli shares vital parenting information and principles.    Parenting is a tremendous responsibility. Everything we say and do or don't say and do deeply affects our children and their futures. Contrary to popular thought, it is not enough just "to be" in our children's lives; "how we show up" has lifelong implications and ramifications.   With the demands of everyday life along with the myriad of mixed messages regarding effective parenting, parents often feel overwhelmed and confused. In today's podcast, Holli will discuss four critical concepts which will stretch, strengthen, and support parents/guardians as they embrace a mindset of "intentional parenting."    Learn more at: http://wellnesswithholli.blogspot.com/2018/01/pilates-for-parents-warm-up-you-matter.html

Dan and Ed welcome back Rosemary Agneessens, one of the most knowledgeable and energetic ladies we have the privilege of having as our guest. Rosemary shares insights into the amazing things happening for civic involvement and representative change in Arizona. She explains the Red For Ed movement that has activated educators, parents, and citizens in this Republican right to work state. Arizona, like too many other states where the will of the majority is not respected, is a state controlled by Dark Money and a Libertarian version of a legislature and government. It is a state where the will of the citizens has not been a consideration. This Spring educators united throughout the state and addressed a 30 year system of starving public education, and false economic philosophies that only work for those in power. As the Red For Ed movement gained prominence, educators found their professional voices and fought for kids and their profession. Red For Ed is an exportable model that works to counter anti-democratic powers. As a community organizer, Rosemary shares an exportable model for citizens who wish to take back their democracy. Her insights benefit communities everywhere.

Dan and Ed are still reeling from this remarkable and informative visit with Jim Hall, educator and investigator of charter school finance in Arizona. Charter school finance? Sounds boring? Well, hold on to your grip on reality and prepare for information that will help you fight for teachers and students against a state government that is not honest or above board and has hidden the facts about the tens of millions of dollars that have been stolen from Arizona taxpayers. Fraud and abuse of public funds are only part of the scam the so-called ‘representatives of the people’ have engineered. Greed, profit, and ideological beliefs forced by so-called Libertarians and extremists have opened Arizona to the few rotten enough to steal from children, and design systems to destroy public schools. Please share this podcast and help it go viral. Jim’s well researched information is what parents, teachers and all citizens need to reclaim democracy in our state.

Ed and Dan believe the American education system can recover from the destructive work of privatizers, profiteers, and those who claim they can force solutions without identifying the problems. There is no more potent group than the PTA (PTSA) as they know what is happening to our children and how to support our public schools. We are very fortunate to have Beth Simek, the State President of the Arizona PTA, and Nicky Indicavitch, Northern Arizona Region Director of the PTA, and the Parent Coordinator for Arizona Schools Now. The information they share is exactly what every parent and teacher must have if we are to counter those who plan to destroy public schools. 

Ed and Dan have a special guest, Jennifer Hernandez, Community Engagement Manager for Expect More Arizona, one of the increasingly effective groups educating citizens about what it will take to regain support for public schools. Citizen’s groups like Expect More Arizona are working to help communities organize to fight for quality education. Among the tools that Jennifer talks about is the Education Progress Meter which provides metrics and information documenting where we are and where we want to go. How leaders like Jen are organizing is important information for citizens in every state.  Jen shares very positive and successful programs that are making a difference for kids. The last few minutes of this podcast will energize you and give you hope. 

Dan and Ed welcome Vickey La Motte, an accomplished educator, visionary, developer, and the first director of the Family Enrichment Center (FEC), a lab school model for Early Care and Education Programs. The Center is located on the Prescott campus of Yavapai Community College. Through her work, and the contributions of those she has attracted, the most critical needs of child rearing parents, and early childhood development are being addressed.  Vickey explains why the need for early childhood development programs is proven and beyond question. The results from quality programs attract parents of all economic and education levels. Sadly, early childhood programs do not receive the economic support necessary to meet the demand. The FEC has a large waiting list of families, and most of them cannot be served. Vickey explains the benefits of quality, highly individualized programs with certified staff for children and parents. The brain, empathy, physical motor and problem solving skills are all developed and enhanced following the child's interests and curiosity.

In this podcast Ed and Dan answer a listener’s question: Who are you guys and what are some of the most important things you have done? Ed shares adventures as a high school teacher in a frank discussion of the why and how of his approaches to meeting the needs of approximately 150 kids a day in 42 minute classes. Dan shares the help he had from mentors and his experiences as a beginning elementary school teacher. These stories that Ed and Dan share are insights into the experiences that create strong professional educators.

Dan and I have striven to learn about the insights of graduates of American K-12 schools and American universities who have gone on to study in other countries.  Our guest for this Podcast graduated from Prescott High School and the Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University. He did his graduate work in Denmark at the University of Copenhagen. He has lived in Denmark for six and a half years. Alex is a millennial driven by curiosity who is a well-known travel blogger and who has immersed himself in over fifty countries. He is a renowned photographer and videographer. Most important, he is an acute observer of others and the effects of quality education. His book, Practical Curiosity (http://practicalcuriosity.com), will be available from November 2017.

Activism In Education: Dan and Ed expose their deepest concerns about teacher apathy and lack of professional responsibility. The discussion is vibrant and opinionated. As they discuss their insights into the damage done to public education they share the concerns of many highly competent professionals. Some of the questions that drive this podcast: The information is out there, why has it been ignored? Have you read Diane Ravitch’s books? Do non-professionals follow her blogs? Why support the Badass Teachers Association? Do teachers who are not professional recognize and support leaders acting to save public education?  Have teachers’ unions led the fight to correct lies told to destroy teacher credibility and public schools? 

This episode concludes the 5-part series about Screen Addiction.  In these episodes, Holli Kenley provides parents and educators with resources and information about what screen use and abuse is doing to our children. This final episode focuses on what parents need to know, and need to do, to keep their children healthy and free of an addiction that is compared to opium addiction by many brain development specialists. Dan and Ed share this information in the belief that once they know the risks, parents can protect their kids. What parents must do is go against massive advertising campaigns and movements that hook children into these retarding influences.  To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 21, 20, 19, 18, Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.

In episode 21, Screen Kids Part IV, Dan and Ed continue our interviews with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks.  Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs and human development. This is the fourth part of a five-part series addressed directly to parents and teachers which presents information about the damage flat screens (smart phones, iPads, TVs) do to brain development, especially to children in their earliest stages of growth through age 8. Holli is concerned that much of this new information will cause an overreaction and possibly generate guilt and negative responses. She identifies dangers and offers courses of action that will alleviate these problems. This episode is a gentle introduction. To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 20, 19, 18, Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.

In episode 20, Screen Kids Part III, Dan and Ed continue our interviews with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks.  Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs and human development. This is the third part of a three-part series addressed directly to parents and teachers which presents information about the damage flat screens (smart phones, iPads, TVs) do to brain development, especially to children in their earliest stages of growth through age 8. Holli is concerned that much of this new information will cause an overreaction and possibly generate guilt and negative responses. She identifies dangers and offers courses of action that will alleviate these problems. This episode is a gentle introduction. To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 19, 18, Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.

In episode 19, Screen Kids Part II, Dan and Ed continue our interviews with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks.  Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs and human development. This is the first part of a three-part series addressed directly to parents and teachers which presents information about the damage flat screens (smart phones, iPads, TVs) do to brain development, especially to children in their earliest stages of growth through age 8. Holli is concerned that much of this new information will cause an overreaction and possibly generate guilt and negative responses. She identifies dangers and offers courses of action that will alleviate these problems. This episode is a gentle introduction. The next episodes go deeper into the issues we all need to be aware of. To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 18, Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.

In episode 18, Screen Kids, Dan and Ed continue our interviews with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks.  Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs and human development. This is the first part of a three-part series addressed directly to parents and teachers which presents information about the damage flat screens (smart phones, iPads, TVs) do to brain development, especially to children in their earliest stages of growth through age 8. Holli is concerned that much of this new information will cause an overreaction and possibly generate guilt and negative responses. She identifies dangers and offers courses of action that will alleviate these problems. This episode is a gentle introduction. The next episodes go deeper into the issues we all need to be aware of. To connect with Holli in past episodes, access Episode 12 (Sept 19, 2016) Another Way, and Episode 13 (Oct 4, 2016) Cyberbullying And Bullycide. Also relevant is Dan and Ed’s past episode #15. (November 17, 2016.) The Damage Tech Does To Developing Brains.

Dan and Ed invite Wendy Watson, an early childhood education expert, to share her views and experiences.  Wendy dispels any ideas that early – even pre-natal – experiences are not major, critical factors in human development. She presents factual information about the benefits of early childhood education.  She explains why brain development before the age of 8 is critical to human success and well being. After age 8 the damage done do to a lack of human interactions may be dealt with, but only as learned responses not natural inherent development.  Listen and affirm that what happens to human beings before kindergarten makes a major difference.  Wendy also shares information for parents about the myriads of resources available.

In this episode, Public Support For The Public Good, Dan and Ed spend time with Peter Pierson, a talented and active citizen who ran in 2016 for a seat in the AZ House representing Legislative District 1, which is a gerrymandered, sprawling district which includes Prescott.     As Ed notes, “Peter lost the election, but won the respect of our communities.”  Peter explains the effects of the dynamics of negativity and anti-government rhetoric that defeated the voice of the electorate, not just in AZ, but across the Nation. Peter addresses issues that focus on The Quality of Place, which require public investment for the public good, and only succeed if there is public support for the public good.   Most Americans are not proud of the 2016 election process which resulted in candidates and issues that do not reflect the will of the people. Peter’s clear insights into how to make the system work again, save our public schools, save our community libraries and services, and rebuild what we have lost, are ones you will want to study and share in your community.

This 19 minute episode introduces parents to the essentials of brain development in children who are allowed to play and develop naturally, without technology. No tablets. No smart phones. No electronic programs should be introduced at home or at school which are falsely touted as educational until major brain development can overrule their limited educational value and their addictive qualities.  Ed and Dan urge parents to read: Glow Kids. How Screen Addiction Is Hijacking Our Kids - And How To Break The Trance, by Nicholas Kardaras. 2016. This issue is a red flag concern for everyone unaware of how the misuse of technology can impede brain development.  

Cashing In On Kids.  Dan and I attempt to look at education from the reformer’s point of view. What is their thinking?  Why destroy public schools? Are their approaches good for your child? For our communities?  For our country?  In our minds, we do not accept the argument that individuals can take profits from the tax dollars citizens pay for education.  We reject education scams that build Real Estate empires for individuals and corporations. We reject experiments that damage children. We wonder why our concepts of morality and ethics are not shared by the reformers. 

This episode is a continuation of Episode 12 with Holli Kenley.  Dan and Ed ask Holli to give us more detail about her work on bullying, and particularly on methods schools, organizations, families and all of us can use to create empathy. She enlightens us of the dangerous practices of institutional bullying often used to stop bullies from hurting others. Holli gives us specific information about of how to stop the thoughtless cruelty that makes life hell for so many and may even result in bullycide. 

In this episode, Dan and Ed have a great visit with Holli Kenley, a lady who is reaching thousands of people of all ages through her books, presentations, school assemblies, and radio talks.  Her messages are clear and very helpful. She has been a teacher, marriage counselor, and leader in helping us all understand human needs.  Dan and Ed focus on Holli’s book, Another Way, which is a proven aid to students, parents, and teachers.

This is the second time we have been fortunate to have Rosemary Agneessens, an experienced community organizer and facilitator, as a guest. Rosemary shares insights into empowering local community groups to identify and organize to save the best parts of our communities. If we lose the power to lead, as many communities have, then the last best hopes for positive change in our country will be gone.  Rosemary Agnessens has a diverse and wonderful background. Born and raised in Detroit, MI she entered a religious community of Franciscan sisters after high school, taught school in the Green Bay Diocese before working in Nicaragua with youth groups and then returned from Central America to do Pastoral Ministry in Texas which led her to community organizing. In 1990 her job as an organizer transferred her to Phoenix, Arizona where she left the convent and returned to education.  Later she worked in the Creighton School District for 18 years — the majority as principal. More recently she relocated to Prescott, Arizona where served as Abia Judd Elementary School's principal for 3 years and for the last 3 years has focused on organizing parents on legislative issues.

The beating hearts of America are its communities and at their core are our schools.  Our  special guest for this episode, which is focused on building community effectiveness, is Rosemary Agneessens, an experienced and accomplished educator, community development leader, and a powerhouse when it comes to vitalizing and strengthening communities. Dan and Ed define what they see as a major weakness in America today as communities are too often disjointed and not effective in preserving the qualities necessary for America to continue its growth and to foster a strong core.  Rosemary Agnessens has a diverse and wonderful background. Born and raised in Detroit, MI she entered a religious community of Franciscan sisters after high school, taught school in the Green Bay Diocese before working in Nicaragua with youth groups and then returned from Central America to do Pastoral Ministry in Texas which led her to community organizing. In 1990 her job as an organizer transferred her to Phoenix, Arizona where she left the convent and returned to education.  Later she worked in the Creighton School District for 18 years — the majority as principal. More recently she relocated to Prescott, Arizona where served as Abia Judd Elementary School's principal for 3 years and for the last 3 years has focused on organizing parents on legislative issues.

In this episode Dan and Ed examine the dynamics behind teaching and learning. They rely on first-hand experiences to explain how the structure of our schools often places the teacher in a Sage-On-The-Stage role rather than as an education facilitator and mentor. They share examples of programs that work and issues faced by teachers working in the system.  Both share observations of how learning accelerates when children start taking responsibility for their own learning. An important part of this episode is the vital role parents must play in their child’s education. 

In this episode Ed and Dan feature Judy Querry, a recently retired elementary school teacher from Colorado. Judy shares how experiential, hands-on education experiences gave her insights into learning that helped her reach children and become super-effective. 40 years ago, Judy worked with Ed and Jo Berger in a program that accelerated learning through motivation and involvement. At Crow Canyon, in the Mesa Verde region of Southwest Colorado, Judy participated in community service programs and archaeological research that helped her understand the need for the immediate and practical application of taught data. Judy’s experiences are especially valuable for parents and teachers who wish to be more effective, not less effective, in these times of false education “Reforms.”  Judy relates how she was able to student teach with a Colorado Teacher Of The Year in a one-room school house located in remote McElmo Canyon in SW Colorado.

Dan and Ed share their personal experiences as educators searching for ways to improve our public schools. They share examples, such as creating a variety of experiential programs both within the public school system and outside of it, like the immersive programs Ed developed which later became Crow Canyon. They touch on many of the key insights common among teachers and educators about what needs to be done to improve our schools and how we can remove antiquated structures that limit teaching and learning.  Ed shares experiences as a teacher that still have the potential to open the coercive model that limits student growth. Both explain why they went on quests to find other ways and insights into education that support natural learning and that challenge students to make a contribution.

In this episode, Dan and Ed discuss the re-segregation of America’s schools through the use of the school choice movement. Charter schools and vouchers-type programs are being used to separate white middle class students who achieve from students of color and, what is perceived to be lower achievement. Dan and Ed discuss the “cherry picking” (siphoning off students who achieve and make the school look good) and leaving public schools to deal with students who need special help. By starving the public schools and cutting support for their programs, children are damaged

In this episode Dan and Ed explore the origins of public education and the original intent of those who worked to create "One Nation" out of myriads of different cultures. They explore the concept of “Americanization” which, through the 1940s, was a large part of what schools focused on.  By the mid-1990s forces began to rise out of other philosophies that worked to divide American by ripping apart communities and their most important heart, the public schools. The so-called “reformer’s” written goal is to starve and kill public schools.  Dan and Ed discuss the rise of charter or partial schools, their original intent, and the way many are now being used to destroy communities, re-segregate by race and color, create wealth for individuals and corporations, and weaken the education our children deserve.  This episode provides powerful insights into many of the issues that currently face the United States and Europe as topics such as national identity and isolationism shape and drive political discourse.

Our education programs are damaged by external forces that have by-passed professional teachers, and the needs of children, to force standardization and forms of inculcation on education.  Luckily, most teachers are doing what is right for kids.  Most teachers are protecting children from the guaranteed failure and humiliation which is part of the education reform movement. This episode gives parents and teachers another look at the reasons for the Opt Out movement. 

In episode three, Dan and Ed explain their objections to the cookie-cutter (standardization) approaches corporations and many high profile non-educators have forced on education. These groups intentionally bypass the proven advances of the past which revolved around educators spending time with students, learning how they learn, and working to understand the progression which best drives student engagement and retention. They are damaging children and replacing the concept of education with inculcation.    In the future is teaching to be based on inculcation? If so, who has the right to identify the “facts” which are force-fed using tests to determine what is taught? How did this takeover of instruction come about? Dan discusses some of the history behind the standardization movement. 

In this episode, Dan and Ed identify forces hurting children. Forces at work in America that are not based on what is best for the child. These forces are driven by ideologues who have little or no experience as educators. Many are looking at ways to personally profit from the money taxpayers pay for education. The movements they have started are called Education Reform, or Corporate reform. Most boil down to little more than complex efforts to kill or forever alter public schools. In this episode Dan introduces the pivotal concept of Transformation, a required concept for future episodes and educators everywhere. 

In this introductory episode, Dan and Ed informally discuss the concerns of parents and teachers about the state of American education. They focus on what they have collectively learned from almost 100 years of experiences as teachers, researchers and administrators. They believe education must be focused on each individual child and back this up through a wealth of knowledge about experiential education. They further bolster these observations and lessons with knowledge drawn from both sides of the table parent/educator table while sharing insights into what parents need from teachers and the education system as a whole.