Voices4Ed

In this episode, you'll hear from Oakland activists Lakisha Young, Dirk Tillotson, and Kareem Weaver about the Literacy for All campaign, which is described as going beyond focusing on “K-3 literacy outcomes” and also targets increasing the literacy of the whole family.  “What good is being able to sit at the lunch counter if you can't read the menu when you get there?” – Kareem Weaver. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast

In this episode, you'll hear from Anise Walker and Yolanda Corbett about the state of education in Washington D.C. during COVID-19 and the challenges that parents face when they try to get a seat at the table. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast

In this episode, you'll hear from Lorena Lopera about why Latino communities are among the hardest hit by COVID-19 and about the steps that need to be taken to ensure that students in those communities receive the educational support they need. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

Lane and Chris Stewart talk to Jeb Bush about how the COVID-19 pandemic will permanently change education and politics in the United States. You'll learn how COVID-19 will catalyze education innovation, why school districts should not take a "data vacation" during COVID-19, and how COVID-19 is changing the way parents think about education. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, you'll hear from Lane's wife, Kerline, about what it has been like to suddenly be a homeschool teacher because of COVID-19. You'll hear about how it's changed her lifestyle, how she's coping with the increased workload, and what she has learned from the process. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with activist Dirk Tillotson about how low income students are being denied an education during COVID-19. You’ll hear how Comcast’s free internet service is not actually free, why a lack of internet access is an extreme barrier to academic success, and how activists and business leaders are stepping up to solve the problem. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

Dr. Howard Fuller is a civil rights icon, education reform advocate, and an academic. He is the former superintendant of Milwaulkee Public Schools and a co-founder of the Malcolm X Liberation University. In this episode, Dr. Fuller explains what it looks like to stop talking and take action. He talks about the time he visited the guerilla freedom fighters in Mozambique, the lack of support for charter schools from either the Democrats and the Republicans, and why teachers' unions are currently at cross-purposes with students. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Lane and Ikhlas sit down with Chris Stewart and Tanesha Peeples to discuss the new Brightbeam report: The Secret Shame: How America’s Most Progressive Cities Betray Their Commitment to Educational Opportunity For All. You'll learn why we need to call out progressives about education inequity, how to hold local politicians accountable for education inequity issues, and what regular people can do to make a difference in their city. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kimberly Underwood and Dr. Eddie Moore Jr. about the lack of black male educators in American classrooms. You’ll learn about the historical and systemic causes for the lack of black male educators, the negative impact it has on students of color, and the steps that are being taken to improve the situation. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we talk to Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises about the phenomenon she calls "educational redlining". Sonja explains how differences in student outcomes are often caused by inequity in teaching technique– that especially in classrooms of black students, teachers spend too much time modeling problems and not enough time allowing students to struggle for solutions. We discuss the obstacles to achievement that students currently face, how teachers are not allowing students to think for themselves, and how educational redlining affects students' college readiness. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with recipients of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Networks For School Improvement Grants about how they are using the money to improve schools. You’ll hear from Tracy Fray-Oliver of the Bank Street College of Education about how the history of segregation is still affecting Yonkers area schools and from Derek S. Mitchell, Ph.D. of Partners In School Innovation about the best way to engage with teachers about social justice issues. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Conor P. Williams breaks down the education policies of the Democratic presidential hopefuls. You'll hear about the candidate's education platforms, their positions on the charter school movement, and why civil rights battles are often more successful at the federal level.  Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak to Zachary Wright about his recent article on how the idea of a “good” school can simply be code for a school that serves a rich, white community. You’ll learn about the socioeconomic factors that influence school rating, the dilemma that progressive white parents face when choosing a school for their kids, and why parents need to reassess their concept of a “good” school. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with Chris Stewart, CEO of Education Post, about education reform. We discuss why education reform has become a bad word as well as how to empower parents to have greater control over their kids' education. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Andrew H. Nichols and Shaun R. Harper join us to discuss the recent EdTrust report Broken Mirrors: Black Student Representation at Public State Colleges and Universities. The concept behind Broken Mirrorsis that the demographics of college students does not mirror that of the general public and that students of color are vastly underrepresented on college campuses. We discuss the ways the college admissions process is biased towards wealthy white students, from the recruitment process to standardized testing. You'll learn about the systemic changes that need to take place to ensure that students of color have equal opportunity to succeed in higher education. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Erika Sanzi joins us to discuss the Rhode Island house bill (HB 5817) that would make sex between school employees and students a crime. We talk about what the Rhode Island bill means for schools in general and the education sector. You'll learn why the bill hasn't passed yet– even though other states have similar laws, how the lack of legislation on this issue makes schools less safe for students, and why most people don't realize that student sexual abuse is an issue. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with ExcelinEd CEO Patricia Levesque about the expansion of the Florida voucher program that will enable more low-income students to gain access to state-backed scholarships for private schools. We discuss concerns about the privatization of public education as well as the general state of education in Florida. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

Our guest for this episode is Kate Walsh, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ). We discuss the NCTQ's surprising findings in their recent report, A Fair Chance: Simple steps to strengthen and diversify the teacher workforce. They found that the first-time pass rate for elementary teacher content exams is abysmally low: only 46% of candidates passed on their first try. We discuss possible explanations for the low pass rates as well as their effect on teacher diversity. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss The Opportunity Myth: a report by the TNTP dispels the myth that all students have the same opportunity to attain their college and professional goals. First, we speak with Justin Thach, a high-schooler from Salem, Oregon about his observations of inequity in the classroom. Then, we speak with Bailey Czupryk, lead researcher for The Opportunity Myth about concrete things we can do to move schools towards providing equal opportunity for all students. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

This is the second of two episodes from the Black Male Educators Convening (BMEC) in Philadelphia. In this episode, we talk to high school student Noor Bowman about her experience going to school in Philadelphia. We also talk to Peggy Brookins, CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (or the Navy Seals of teachers as Lane calls it) about why board certification is so important and how we can encourage more teachers to become certified. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

This is the first of two episodes from the Black Male Educators Convening (BMEC) in Philadelphia. In this episode, we talk to Philadelphia schools superintendent Dr. William Hite about why it's so important to have black male educators in our schools, why there are not many of them, and what we can do to get more. We also chat with Darlene Cobb, mother of BMEC founder Vincent Cobb II who we interviewed at last year's BMEC. We hear her perspective on her son's journey from childhood to becoming an educator and advocate. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we speak with Sam Duell, Associate Policy Director for Charter Schools at the Foundation for Excellence in Education. We bust common myths about charter school policy as well as discuss how to resolve the long-standing battle between traditional public schools and charter schools. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we sit down with our colleague Vesia Wilson-Hawkins to discuss what it would be like if parents got as fired up about literacy as they do at their kid’s soccer game. Vesia tells us about what inspired her recent article on the same topic, the disconnect in parent’s perceptions of their child’s academic performance and reality, and how coaches and athletes could be instrumental in advocating for better education. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss the science-backed methodology for teaching kids how to read and why schools are not using it. Our guest, Emily Hanford of APM Reports talks to us about the history of reading education in the United States, the efficacy of various teaching methodologies, and how we can advocate for better teaching practices for our children. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode we chat about the STARZ docuseries "America to Me" which examines racial, economic and class issues at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois. We talk to LeeAndra Khan and Tracy Dell'Angela about how racial inequity still plagues schools across the country, even in highly integrated communities. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast.

There are many ways that parents can engage with their kids’ education. However there are few resources available to help parents make the biggest possible impact. Often, the most significant resource provided to parents is a back-to-school shopping list! In this episode, we interview Samantha Brown Olivieri, chief strategy officer at GreatSchools, about how parents can ensure their children are receiving a quality education on both individual and systemic levels. We talk about school supply list policies, the merits of educational standards, and the most important things that parents can provide to their kids. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss the repealing of the Obama-era Guidance on school discipline and what it means for the fight to make education more equitable. First we talk to the director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance, Miriam Rollin, about the current state of the Guidance: what it is, how it's been working, and what it means for it to be repealed. Then, we have a broader conversation about inequity and school disciplinary philosophy with Sharif El-Mekki, the principal at Mastery Charter School-Shoemaker Campus. We discuss Sharif's approach to discipline at his own school as well as his opinions on the repealing of the disciplinary Guidance. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we sit down with our friend and colleague Laura Waters to discuss the role of the federal government in regulating public schools as well as Laura's recent article about Betsy DeVos's failure to protect disabled students from civil rights violations. We discuss Laura's perspective on these issues, both as an education writer and the mother of a child with disabilities. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss the metrics that parents can use to make an informed decision about school choice. Then you will hear a story of public education done right. This is the story of Sandra and her young son Aurelius, and their journey to find a school that could provide the support that Aurelius needs to shine. Eventually, Sandra chose KIPP Jacksonville for her children, and couldn't be more pleased. You'll hear about how Aurelius's difficulties manifested in a typical public school, how Sandra found KIPP, and what it's like for Aurelius now as a student there. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we interview Torie Weiston-Serdan, educator and founder of the Youth Mentoring Action Network, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring services to young people to help them become college, career, and life ready. We discuss the benefits of mentoring programs and why increasing opportunities for kids to be mentored is so important. We talk about the future and potential of mentoring as well as how schools can provide better support for marginalized groups. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Lane and Ikhlas speak with Susana Cordova, deputy superintendent of Denver Public Schools. She started working in Denver over 20 years ago as a bilingual language arts teacher. We discuss the current state of education in Denver, what it's like to push for reform in your hometown, and what makes a quality school. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we explore the experiences and struggles of first-generation college students. First, we hear from our colleague Valentina, Education Post’s chief of staff, about her experience as a first-generation college student. Then, we speak with a current first-generation student, Leticia, and a staff member from the OneGoal organization, Melissa. OneGoal is a coalition of teachers, students, school leaders, and education advocates that work to close the college degree divide that has been preventing millions of students from accessing a life of choice and opportunity. They help students from under-served communities get into college and make sure that they graduate. Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Ikhlas and Lane are joined by the founder of Campaign for School Equity, Mendell Grinter, to commemorate the date of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination 50 years ago. They discuss why Dr. King’s dream is still relevant today and what needs to be done to see it completely realized in the future.  

On our last episode of 2017, we talk about the best and worst moments of the year. From politics to #metoo, from wonderful moments inside classrooms and outside, 2017 was a big year. We want to thank all of the guests we’ve had on the podcast so far and are looking forward to a great 2018.

In this episode, Ikhlas visited a Panel on Millennials in Education Reform, hosted by the Fordham Institute in Washington DC. She spoke with three panelists on how Millennials are involved in education and reform. Mendell Grinter, Founder and Executive Director of Campaign for School Equity. Lea Crusey, founder of Allies for Educational Equity Dakarai Aarons, Vice President of Strategic Communications for the Data Quality Campaign. Ikhlas’s main interview is with Alyssa Schwenk, the Director of External Relations at the Fordham Institute. Alyssa was responsible for organizing the panel, and she chatted with Ikhlas about the report that the panel was based on, what Millennials can do for Education Reform, and her thoughts on the new Taylor Swift album.

Lane attends the World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) in Doha, Qatar, and interviews some of the unique voices at the summit. First, we hear from two students at the English Modern School in Doha, Satine Dosdos, and Matthew El Chalouhi. They explain how their school works in Qatar and what makes a great teacher. Lane interviews Zainab Mohamed, an educator who has worked for Teach for Qatar and talks about the issues facing Qatari schools and families when it comes to teachers, school choice and more. Finally, Lane chats with Mike Feinberg, co-founder of KIPP, about what challenges the KIPP schools are facing, and what defines a great teacher.  

Today on the podcast we're talking to two amazing moms of school kids, Erika Sanzi and Keri Rodrigues. How Erika and Keri do it all is beyond us, but in this episode, we dive into everything from advocating for kids to trying to find some down time with three boys running around the house. Erika Sanzi lives in Rhode Island, is a former teacher and school board member, and the mother of three boys. She writes about education issues on her blog Good School Hunting as well as blogging on Education Post. Keri Rodrigues lives in Massachusetts and is also the mother of three boys. She is the founder and Mom-in-Chief of Massachusetts Parents United, a parent advocacy group, and she writes about education and parenting topics at EduMom.org. Erika and Keri recently launched Planet Mom Radio, their own platform for talking about a parent’s perspective of public education. In the interview, we mention that the podcast is forthcoming, but you can listen to their first episode now!

We finally got to sit down with David Johns and Dr. John King at The Inaugural National Black Male Educators Convening in Philly last month, hosted by The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice. Last episode we chatted with Sharif El-Mekki and Vincent Cobb II, co-organizers of the Convening, which you can listen to here. First, we speak with David Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition and a PhD student at Columbia University. We discuss how to give students more of a voice in schools and conferences like this one, and somehow we end up talking about media portrayals of Black families—think Black-ish, Cosby Show and obviously T.I. & Tiny. Next, we talk to Dr. King Jr., the president and CEO of The Education Trust, and formerly the secretary of education under President Obama from 2016 to 2017. He shares his personal story towards becoming an educator, and answers the question we all want to know: How do you get White people to care about teachers of color.

Ikhlas and Lane attended The Inaugural National Black Male Educators Convening in Philly earlier this month hosted by The Fellowship: Black Male Educators for Social Justice. They got to hear from Black male educators from around the country on why they came to the convening and what we can do to get more Black male educators in the classroom. They also talk to organizers of the event, Vincent Cobb II and Sharif El-Mekki, about why they planned the event, how to create a conversation beyond Black male educators themselves, and what parents and students can learn from the event. Learn more at educationpost.org

Principals can really make or break a school. Today we’re discussing what principals do, what makes a good or bad principal, and how teachers and principals can work together to improve schools. We're joined by former Minnesota Teacher of the Year Tom Rademacher and former Chicago principal LeeAndra Khan. We also chat with co-hosts of the EdCouple podcast and retired Chicago principals, Nate Pietrini and James Gray. Learn more at educationpost.org

Welcome to the first episode of Voices4ED, an Education Post podcast where we bring in voices of students, parents and teachers to talk about what’s really happening in our public schools. Hosted by Ikhlas Saleem and Lane Wright of Education Post, they open up this first episode by talking about how each of our hosts got into the field of public education. They chat about their earlier experiences with education in their K-12 years, and why everyone should be invested in good public schools. Learn more at educationpost.org