Podcasts about charter schools

Five of seven charter schools that opened last year have exceeded their targets for attendance and achievement. Bombay Hills' Tipene St Stephen's School. Co-tumuaki principal Nathan Durie spoke to John Campbell.

For the more than 7.5 million students in the United States who receive special education services, access to a quality education is not just an aspiration—it is a legal right. Yet despite federal protections through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which guarantees students a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), significant disparities in access, quality, and outcomes continue to exist across the country. Today, approximately 15% of all public school students—more than one in every seven children—receive special education services, making this one of the most important issues facing public education today. In this episode of Let's Have This Conversation, I sit down with Mitch Elatkin, Senior Director of Specialized Services for ReGeneration Schools, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality, college-preparatory education. ReGeneration Schools currently serves students through a network of schools in Chicago and Cincinnati, with a mission of developing values-driven leaders while preparing young people to lead free and fulfilling lives. Mitch oversees special education, Section 504 services, and related supports across multiple schools. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in special education leadership—including roles with KIPP Public Schools and the Noble Network of Charter Schools—he brings a unique perspective on what schools are doing well, where they are falling short, and what meaningful improvements are needed to better serve students with disabilities. During our conversation, Mitch discusses the realities facing educators, students, and families navigating special education today. We explore the importance of inclusive learning environments, the role of co-teaching models, how administrators' mindsets impact student outcomes, and why creating systems that focus on both academic achievement and student belonging is critical for long-term success. We also examine the persistent challenges facing special education nationwide. Research shows that access to services and educational quality can vary significantly based on factors such as geography, socioeconomic status, race, and disability category. These inequities often create barriers that prevent students from receiving the support they need to thrive. Whether you're an educator, school leader, parent, advocate, or policymaker, this conversation offers valuable insights into how schools can move beyond compliance and toward truly inclusive educational practices that empower every student. If we believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, then conversations like this are essential. Mitch Elatkin shares a thoughtful and practical vision for creating schools where all students—not just some—have the support they need to reach their full potential.     For more information: https://regenerationschools.org/ LinkedIn: @Mitch Elatkin, Ed.D.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Achievement and attendance gains are being celebrated at some charter schools for disengaged students. Annual reports show four of the seven that opened last year met Government attendance or achievement targets. Associate Education Minister David Seymour says Christchurch's Mastery School is the standout performer, despite missing achievement targets. He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it was established for students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, and they're close to ticking boxes. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A question of whether charter schools can achieve better results than what's already possible at state schools. New annual reports show three of the seven charter schools that opened last year failed to meet attendance or achievement targets. Some did make significant gains, with Māori-Pasifika boys' boarding school Tipene nearly doubling reading expectations. PPTA President Chris Abercrombie told Francesca Rudkin state schools can deliver just as well for disengaged students. He says they're more equipped to deal with specific issues, with established networks and resources. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Did you know New Hampshire charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate with more flexibility than traditional district schools? While each school may offer a unique mission, theme, or learning environment, they must meet strict academic and financial accountability standards set by the state. When demand exceeds available seats, admissions are determined through a fair lottery system to ensure equal access for all students. 

 What makes New York's charter schools different from traditional public schools? These publicly funded schools have greater flexibility in how they operate but must still meet strict state performance standards and are open to students through non-discriminatory lotteries. With more than 350 active schools statewide, families are encouraged to review official state data when comparing academic results and available student services. 

Michael Henderson, associate professor at Louisiana State University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Henderson's paper, “Blowback or Buy-In: Public Opinion in Response to Charter School Penetration,” which was presented at “School Choice: Impacts on Participants, Non-Participants, Educators, and Entrepreneurs,” a conference hosted by the Harvard Kennedy School's Program on Education Policy and Governance on May 7 and 8, 2026.

Mitch Gruber joins us for a wide-ranging discussion on some of Rochester's biggest challenges and opportunities. From the housing shortage and downtown development to traffic safety, the future of the Public Market, and the Inner Loop North project, Mitch shares his perspective as both a Rochester City Councilmember and longtime community leader at Foodlink. What should Rochester prioritize over the next decade? Mitch offers a candid look at where the city is headed, what's standing in the way, and why he remains optimistic about Rochester's future.00:00 Introduction & Mitch Gruber's Background05:39 From Foodlink to City Council10:15 Housing Development & Charlotte Street Debate13:42 Charter Schools, Vacant Buildings & Housing16:19 Rochester's Housing Crisis28:25 Traffic Safety & Vision Zero35:28 The Future of Rochester Public Market41:42 Why Mitch is Optimistic About Rochester47:12 Rapid Fire Rochester Questions Explore more Rochester Living Podcast episodes:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLT9MAsAiN2WUv-wSzGQssiEOLaZefmrdY#RochesterLiving #RochesterNY #RochesterPodcast #MitchGruber #Foodlink #CityCouncil

Karen & her guest co-host Bob Ridgeway open the show with rental & home buying opportunities then they jump right in with their first guest, Alex Ramirez of Valor Home Loans where their passion is to make certain Veterans realize the benefits they have earned. The goal is to educate Veterans to understand the process, all that is available to them along with the guidance that Valor Home Loans provide, VA mortgages can be closed in just 30 days! Their next guest is Dr. Cesar Morales who has served as the Ventura County Supervisor of Schools since 2021. Dr. Morales talks about the 19 districts & 12 Charter Schools, the challenges to offer the best education while keeping the funding for all schools going. The social, educational, and recreational aspects of public schools is essential along with mobile libraries and after school programs.  The final guest for this podcast is Laura with Sonny Horses For Kids where programs help unite children with law enforcement, honors heroes, provides scholarships and feeds children and families in Ventura County, learn about the event coming up For The First Wednesday in June!. Another awesome podcast from Girls On The Air! 

A comprehensive breakdown of political donations and fast track requests and consents has been released show a concerning amount of crossover which brings into question a donation's role in politics.Charter school results are in, showing Kura Kaupapa charter schools having higher attendance rates for Māori over their state school counterparts. Meanwhile, $750m for disability funding for schools has seemingly gone poof.Latest polling shows Labour are the most favoured as to lead the country in areas ranked most important to New Zealanders. So why are their polling numbers still mid?++++++++++++++++++++Like us on Facebook.com/BigHairyNetwork Follow us on Twitter.com/@bighairynetworkFollowing us on TikTok.com/@bighairynetworkSupport us on Patreon www.patreon.com/c/BigHairyNewsCheck out our merch https://bhn.nz/shop/Donate to our work https://bhn.nz/shop/donation/

Mike Caldwell sits down with Bill Knous, Senior Director of Quality and Growth at the Colorado League of Charter Schools and co-founder of Gran Via, a micro school in the Denver area. Bill shares his winding path into education — from a history degree and living abroad in Australia and Spain, to teaching multilingual learners in Denver and Philly, to leading classrooms and schools in Colombia. He and his wife co-founded Gran Via in 2020, growing it from six students to 30 while navigating a patchwork of micro-school funding in Colorado. Bill makes a passionate case for scrapping seat-time requirements as the primary accountability metric, arguing the system is designed for adult compliance rather than student motivation. He also reflects on what gives him hope — a rising generation of learners who experienced the pandemic and are pushing back on the one-size-fits-all model. The episode closes with Bill's take on transformative leadership: the ability to influence and motivate a diverse group of people around a singular mission. We're proud to be sponsored by IXL. IXL's comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers' timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments

On this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools and Mary Tamer of MassPotential speak with Rachel Canter, Director of Education Policy for the Progressive Policy Institute's Reinventing America's Schools project and founder of Mississippi First, about Mississippi's remarkable rise in K–12 student achievement and the policy reforms that helped drive it. Drawing on her experience as a former Teach For America teacher and longtime education advocate, Canter reflects on the leadership, accountability, and strategic reforms that helped Mississippi transform from one of the nation's lowest-performing states to one of its fastest-improving on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. She discusses the science of reading, the debate between phonics and whole language instruction, and what schools must do to rebuild academic rigor in literacy, STEM, and civics. Canter also explores the importance of exposing students to great literature and roots music from William Faulkner and Delta bluesmen like Robert Johnson, drawing on Mississippi's rich cultural legacy, and reflects on how lessons from Civil Rights era figures, including Emmett Till and Fannie Lou Hamer, can strengthen civics education today. She concludes by sharing policy recommendations for governors, legislators, educators, and parents seeking dramatic and lasting improvements in student outcomes nationwide.

 Are charter schools in Illinois the right fit for every student? These tuition-free public schools offer families more educational options, often featuring unique programs and teaching styles—but their impact and quality can vary widely. From Chicago to rural communities, understanding performance, support services, and availability is key before making a decision. 

 What makes Oregon charter schools different from traditional public schools in 2026? While these public schools have more flexibility in curriculum and staffing, they still follow state academic standards, safety rules, and lottery-based admissions. Oregon's approach balances innovation with accountability while using equity funding and new instructional time rules to help students succeed. 

On this episode, we feature Jonathan Hage, founder and CEO of Charter Schools USA. For three decades, he has focused on expanding school choice and developing charter schools designed to give families more educational options. We spoke to Jon about the inception of charter schools in Florida, how parents drive the movement, the lessons he's learned building schools and communities across the country, and the future of K–12 education. The Florida Charter School Alliance (FCSA) is a member-driven organization focused on influencing legislative policy and environments with unrivaled success in advocating for and protecting charter schools and parental choice. The FCSA advocates for, defends, supports, and collaborates with public charter schools that serve close to 400,000 students statewide. #FloridaCharterSchoolAlliance #FCSA www.flcharteralliance.org    

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts. On this episode we meet new journalism co-op Defacto on THE NORTH STATE, learn how to defend democracy across borders with Progressive International's David Adler on The Broadbent Institute's PERSPECTIVES, talk about what bold ecosocialist policy looks like with BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan on SRSLY WRONG and unpack how Alberta's unique relationship with Charter Schools relates to broader changes happening in the province's public education system on ALBERTA ADVANTAGE.The Harbinger Media Network includes 89 podcasts focused on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated to community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, at CIVL 101.7FM in Abbotsford, at CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, at CiTR 101.9FM, CJSF 90.1FM and at CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver, at Hamilton's CFMU 93.3FM, at Radio Laurier in Waterloo, at CJTM 1280AM in Toronto, at CJAM 99.1FM in Windsor and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts. On this episode we meet new journalism co-op Defacto on THE NORTH STATE, learn how to defend democracy across borders with Progressive International's David Adler on The Broadbent Institute's PERSPECTIVES, talk about what bold ecosocialist policy looks like with BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan on SRSLY WRONG and unpack how Alberta's unique relationship with Charter Schools relates to broader changes happening in the province's public education system on ALBERTA ADVANTAGE.The Harbinger Media Network includes 89 podcasts focused on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated to community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, at CIVL 101.7FM in Abbotsford, at CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, at CiTR 101.9FM, CJSF 90.1FM and at CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver, at Hamilton's CFMU 93.3FM, at Radio Laurier in Waterloo, at CJTM 1280AM in Toronto, at CJAM 99.1FM in Windsor and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Could learning from home through a public school work for your child? Pennsylvania cyber charter schools offer tuition-free online learning with certified teachers and flexible schedules, but success often depends on strong parental support, motivation, and reliable technology. For some families, it's a game changer—for others, the challenges may outweigh the flexibility.

What does it really take to lead bold organizational change — and make it stick?On this episode of More Great Seats 4 Kids, Mike Lesczinski, Director of Strategy and Communications at the SUNY Charter Schools Institute, sits down with Tresha Ward, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Prospect Charter Schools, for a conversation about leadership, equity, talent, and school transformation.Since stepping into the CEO role in 2021, Tresha has led a major effort to redesign systems and structures to create equity for both students and staff. She shares how Brooklyn Prospect rethought staffing models, strengthened leadership development, improved compensation practices, rebuilt culture, and dramatically increased employee retention while reducing disparities by race and role.This is a practical discussion about making difficult decisions, navigating resistance, staying grounded in values, and building an organization where excellence, diversity, and belonging can thrive together.Support the show

This conversation started 2 years ago, when I ran into Kelly McMahon at a summer conference. Kelly's a kindergarten teacher at Hoover Community School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and I was curious about what that label “community school” means in practice for teachers, students, and the community served by this new model for the area.I've since learned that just because your kids attend Ames Community School District, for example, that doesn't mean they attend a “community school.” Kelly put me in touch with Dave Greenberg and Angelia Ebner, senior policy analysts and community schools program specialists at the National Education Association, who have helped build and support thousands of community schools, as Angelia described it, from “coast to coast and border to border.”And no exploration of the community schools model could be complete without including the story of Sustainable Community Schools in Chicago. Just last year, Major Brandon Johnson announced a near doubling of the number of community schools in the city, bringing the number to 36.I spoke with foundational community organizer, advocate, and elected Chicago Public Schools Board Member, Jitu Brown, about how organizing for Sustainable Community Schools defused the push by elected officials for school closures, privatization, and charter-ization of Chicago Public Schools. For Jitu, the title of School Board member may be new, but he is Chicago born and raised, and he's been organizing around education and all of its related issues since the 90s.While there were just hundreds of community schools in the United States 15 years ago, today there are over 5,000 and growing in nearly every state in the nation. A consistent refrain from every person I spoke with for this episode was that community schools are the future of public education and the alternative to narratives about “failing public schools” that favor privatization as a solution.NEA - What are community schools?NEA - 5 Steps to Kickstarting Community Schools in Your DistrictNEA Community School Measurement Guidance Tool Chicago Sustainable Community Schools Eve Ewing - Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago's South SideYou can read out directly to Angelia & Dave @ NEA:aebner@nea.org | DGreenberg@nea.org

April 23, 2026- The process for authorizing charter schools in New York is in the crosshairs of New York's powerful teachers' union. We discuss their concerns with Bob Lowry, deputy director for advocacy, research, and communications for the Council of School Superintendents, which is backing the union's legal challenge.

SPONSORS: 1) HOLLOW SOCKS: For a limited time, Hollow Socks is offering a Buy 2, Get 2 Free Sale—visit https://hollowsocks.com to check it out. JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey CLIPPERS DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8QmWEKJ3BT (***TIMESTAMPS in description below) ~ Spencer Taylor is a modern filmmaker and humanitarian known for his 2025 documentary, "The Death of Recess," which critiques the traditional American education system. He is the former Co-Host of "Impaulsive." SPENCER's LINKS: IG: https://www.instagram.com/spencervybes/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@SpencerVybes?app=desktop DOCUMENTARY: https://www.angel.com/movies/death-of-recess FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://x.com/juliandorey JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 0:00 - Rockefeller Epstein Files, Pandemic Kids Crisis, Vaccine Backlash 10:51 - Jake Paul LA, Hollywood Dark Side, Education System Origins 20:35 - Prussian Model, Horace Mann, Industrial Revolution Impact 30:22 - School System Incentives, Homeschooling Rise, Youth Capture 42:00 - Finland Education, No Homework, Recess Science 51:15 - Teacher Pay Debate, Charter Schools, School Choice, NEA Influence 1:00:22 SOGI Curriculum, Arcus Foundation, UN Influence 1:10:25 System Collapse Warning, Revolution Talk, Tax Awareness 1:20:15 Institutional Power, Ukraine Experience, Global Missions 1:29:00 Bucha Massacre, Ukraine War Life, Propaganda, Ground Reality 1:40:42 Drone Warfare, War Reality, Gaza Crossing, Frontline Contrast 1:53:32 Gaza Experience, Civilian Reality, War Trauma, Faith Perspective 1:59:13 Christianity Return, Faith Journey, Archaeology, Spiritual Conviction 2:09:16 Humanitarian Aid, Pakistan Floods, Missions Abroad 2:18:29 NEA Power, Rockefeller Influence, Education System Control 2:32:36 Moral Shift, Family Debate, Cultural Change, Individualism 2:44:30 Raising Kids Today, Education Reform, ESA Accounts 2:47:17 - Spencer's Work CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef - https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 410 - Spencer Taylor Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

THE BEST BITS IN A SILLIER PACKAGE (from Wednesday's Mike Hosking Breakfast) Working Ourselves Into a State/Should We Be More Fiscally Acerbic?/All Kinds of Schools, All Kinds of Fuels/Why Would You Want to Make Your Own Fuel Though?/What Do They Do All DaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of children in charter schools is growing, with Act leader David Seymour saying it proves parents want choice. Head of Twin Oaks Classical School Amanda Goodchild spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

David Seymour believes financial flexibility is playing a role in the rapid growth of charter schools. New figures show more than 1,400 students were enrolled in 16 schools as of last month. The first seven schools established have seen their rolls jump more than 200% from 215 to 650. The Associate Education Minister told Mike Hosking charter schools demonstrate what's possible within the learning environment. He says they can be shut down if they don't reach targets like attendance and academics, but in return get the flexibility to use money their way. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Schill, Director of School Support for Charter Schools USA, discusses how charter schools differ from traditional public schools, and shares details about a Charter Schools USA Family Fun Day this weekend at the Community First Igloo. Visit CHARTERSCHOOLSUSA.COM for more information.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark Prof. Albert Cheng and Center for Strong Public Schools' Alisha Searcy speak with Sarah Cohodes, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Michigan, about her extensive research on charter public schools and education reform. Cohodes reflects on her academic journey and how it shaped her focus on school accountability, autonomy, and student outcomes. She explains the foundational charter school model—greater state regulatory flexibility in exchange for stronger accountability—and emphasizes the importance of rigorous authorization and data transparency. She highlights her 2021 research on charter effectiveness, showing strong gains for low-income students in urban areas and positive competitive effects on district schools. Cohodes also discusses high-performing charter networks, the importance of exceptional teachers and leaders, and Massachusetts' charter schools' standout success in closing achievement gaps and improving college outcomes. She concludes with a forward-looking discussion on policy solutions to address declining academic performance and how research can guide leaders and families in improving opportunities for urban students nationwide.

In this episode of the State University of New York (SUNY) Charter Schools Institute's More Great Seats 4 Kids podcast, the Institute's Mike Lesczinski is joined by Kalila Hoggard, Chief People Officer at DREAM, and Ana Rader, Director of Seasonal and Fellowship Recruitment at DREAM, for a conversation on building sustainable teacher pipelines from within school communities. They discuss the origins and growth of the DREAM Teaching Fellowship, why DREAM prioritizes alumni and community members as future educators, and how the fellowship supports both teacher development and long-term student success. The episode explores recruitment, retention, mentorship, and professional growth, while highlighting how investing in homegrown talent strengthens school culture and advances DREAM's commitment to generational impact.About DREAM Founded in 1991 in East Harlem, DREAM began as a baseball program for neighborhood youth. Today, it is a network of seven schools in East Harlem and the South Bronx serving young people from birth through early adulthood — through 0-4 early childhood programs, extended-day and extended/year school model for students in grades K-12, and six years of alumni support after high school graduation. DREAM serves more than 3,000 students and alumni across East Harlem and the South Bronx. With strong academic results, free afterschool and summer programs, deep family partnerships, and healthy school meals cooked on-site, DREAM supports the whole child — so young people are prepared for school, college, and career. More InformationState University of New York (SUNY) Charter Schools Institute DREAM DREAM Teaching Fellowship Support the show

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts. On this episode we discuss the costs of Canada's growing partnership with India on THE BREACH SHOW, explain why Oil & Gas interests lie about the future of their projects while profiting from the war in Iran on Sierra Club Canada's THE ENVIRONMENT IN CANADA and unpack the fallout from Vancouver mayor Ken Sim's  false accusations that city councillors are dealing drugs on REDEYE and talk about American-style Charter Schools and how they relate to the broader changes happening in the public education system on ALBERTA ADVANTAGE.The Harbinger Media Network includes 89 podcasts focused on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated to community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, at CIVL 101.7FM in Abbotsford, at CHLY 101.7FM in Nanaimo, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, at CiTR 101.9FM, CJSF 90.1FM and at CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver, at Hamilton's CFMU 93.3FM, at Radio Laurier in Waterloo, at CJTM 1280AM in Toronto, at CJAM 99.1FM in Windsor and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Y'all, we're getting real about something that's been grinding my gears lately - the wild world of charter schools and the parents who tour them with champagne expectations on a beer budget. It's time to talk about what happens when you want caviar service at a Chick-fil-A price point.What's cooking in this episode:Why you can't have private school expectations at a free charter schoolThe reality check parents need when touring these "in-between" institutionsHow charter schools are basically 70% public school, 30% private school luxuryThe questions you should actually be asking (and the ones that make you look ridiculous)Warning: This episode might make you reconsider your school tour approach and check yourself before you start demanding Secret Service protection for your kid's free education. We're not sugarcoating the reality of what these schools can and can't offer.So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready for some straight talk about managing expectations, asking the right questions, and understanding what you're actually getting when you choose charter over traditional public education.

Greg Brady spoke to Colin Craig with Second Street.org about the operation of charter schools in Alberta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textIdaho has had charter schools for nearly three decades. They were created to innovate, and the question today is: are they doing that? In this episode, I'm joined by Duncan Robb, education policy expert and the writer behind the Substack K–12 Education in Idaho (k12educationidaho.substack.com). We break down the basics, what charter schools are (and aren't), how they're governed, and the role of the Idaho Public Charter School Commission...then zoom out to the bigger policy design question: if charters were meant to be “labs of innovation,” who is responsible for making sure what works actually transfers to traditional public schools? We also talk through current education policy debates, including state testing, accountability, and what meaningful flexibility really looks like in practice. By the end of the conversation, it was clear we had only scratched the surface, so stay tuned for more conversations with Duncan as we continue digging into charter schools and education policy in Idaho. Bonus: Duncan and I don't agree on everything, which makes for a fun conversation.Find Alexis on Instagram and JOIN in the conversation: https://www.instagram.com/the_idaho_lady/ JOIN the convo on Substack & STAY up-to-date with emails and posts https://substack.com/@theidaholady?r=5katbx&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-page Send Alexis an email with guest requests, ideas, or potential collaboration.email@thealexismorgan.comFind great resources, info on school communities, and other current projects regarding public policy:https://www.thealexismorgan.com

This week Jazmin explained the ruling by the Supreme Court of Kentucky, which struck down the legislature's attempts to fund charter schools in the state. It was a unanimous ruling, which is unusual! Then, Robert talks about a major rate increase in front of the Public Service Commission and the discussion that has surrounded that.

Honolulu Civil Beat's Christina Jedra reports on how Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke says she may be the lawmaker mentioned in the $35,000 payment allegation; Ed Noh, executive director of the Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission, talks about the benefits and challenges of charter schools

Marlon Marshall, the Chief Executive Officer of City Fund, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss how City Fund and Bloomberg Philanthropies are committing $20 million to create new charter schools in connection with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

On today’s “Closer Look,” first, we hear from WABE politics reporter Rahul Bali. He discusses the latest political news in Georgia, including Georgia Republican Barry Loudermilk’s decision not to run for reelection, what it could mean for Democrats in Georgia, as well as how it could impact the midterm elections. He also talks more about the 2026 Georgia Amended Fiscal Year Budget and several bills he’s following, including Senate Bill 433, that would allow Georgia drivers to have specialty license plates to inform law enforcement officers that someone in the car has a developmental disability. Plus, as part of “Closer Look’s” extended coverage following National School Choice Week, we hear from Bonnie Holliday, the president and CEO of the Georgia Charter Schools Association. She discusses school choice and her organization’s work to support Georgia charter schools. Lastly, for decades, the Atlanta-based Carter Center has monitored elections across the world. But as President Donald Trump continues to call for greater federal control in elections, The Carter Center is keeping an eye on potential election interference for this year’s midterms in the U.S. We hear from Paige Alexander, the CEO of The Carter Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donovan Head, who serves as the executive director of the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia, is clearing up some misconceptions about charter schools, as he sees it. He says charter schools are free, public schools that are required to adhere to federal and state educational standards. He joined “Closer Look” to explain the process of how charter schools are developed. Show host Rose Scott was also joined by Dr. Jameson Brewer from the University of North Georgia and Dr. Carrie Sampson, an Associate Professor at Arizona State University. They shared their critiques of the current charter school system and offered ways it could further benefit students and their families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Montana education officials approved two new public charter schools Friday. That's the fewest since lawmakers paved the way for the schools in 2023.

At least five new charter schools are set to open this term. Altum Classical Academy principal Christian Pera spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

0000019b-dbbe-d056-a19b-fbbe90b80000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2026-01-20/iowa-state-board-of-education-approves-three-new-charter-schoolsJoseph LeahyIowa State Board of Education approves three new charter schools

Natalie Lozada, the founding Executive Director of Haven Charter High School, joins the podcast to discuss the STEM-based CTE high school's launch this past August. Natalie discusses the inspiration behind Haven and how the school built ties within the local Bronx community and successfully navigated initial challenges and the pre-opening process. Support the show

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Center for Strong Public Schools' Alisha Searcy discuss state and national K-12 education reform with Katherine Haley, Founder and Partner of the Oak Rose Group and President of the Arizona State Board of Education. Haley shares her remarkable career journey from Capitol Hill—where she served as chief policy advisor to former U.S. House Speaker John Boehner—to leading education reform in Arizona. She discusses founding the Oak Rose Group to advance human flourishing through strategic consulting, and her work on the Arizona State Board of Education, where she addresses the state's academic challenges on NAEP despite robust charter public and school choice programs. Ms. Haley provides an insider's perspective on the political dynamics of federal education lawmaking, the influence of special interests, and the complexities of programs like IDEA, Title I, and the DC voucher program. She examines why American K-12 education struggles to improve despite massive expenditures exceeding $800 billion annually, and offers advice for what governors, legislators, local officials, and parents can do to dramatically transform academic outcomes for America's schoolchildren.

What does real consistency look like in a homeschool—beyond perfect plans and good intentions? In this episode, I sit down with longtime homeschooler and community leader Dawn Garrett to talk about the kind of steady, everyday effort that truly shapes learning and family life.We talk about why consistency matters, what can make it hard, how to start small, and why “showing up” can look different from season to season. Dawn shares honest lessons from her own journey, simple routines that work, and encouragement for the days when it feels like you're starting over… again.If you've ever struggled to keep going—or wondered if everyone else has it more together—this conversation is a reminder that consistency is something we build over time.Listen in, and then tell us: What does consistency look like in your home right now?Show Notes:Minimum Viable Day - Start HereMorning Time on the Go podcast episodeBlog: Why I Need a Scheduled RoutineHomeschool Better TogetherContact: LadyDusk.comInsta ladyduskcommunity.pambarnhill.comhttps://pambarnhill.com/how-to-be-more-flexible-with-your-homeschooling/https://pambarnhill.com/kids-awake-early/https://pambarnhill.com/finding-time-for-morning-time/https://pambarnhill.com/how-to-homeschool-with-confidence/https://pambarnhill.com/benefits-homeschool-consistency/https://pambarnhill.com/scheduled-routine/https://pambarnhill.com/best-morning-habits/https://pambarnhill.com/quick-and-easy-homeschool-breakfasts/

This week on The Learning Curve we're looking back on memorable episodes of 2025: In this episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and Alisha Searcy interview Trish Schreiber, senior fellow in education at the Frontier Institute in Montana. Schreiber shares her journey from Silicon Valley to Montana and her passion for expanding educational opportunities. She discusses the impact of […]

12-18-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Stephanie Bell, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Ark. Professor Albert Cheng and American Federation for Children's Shaka Mitchell speak with Erika Donalds, America First Policy Institute's Chair of Education Opportunity and Chair of the AFPI-Florida State Chapter. A nationally recognized education policy expert, Ms. Donalds shares the formative educational experiences that shaped her passion for school reform. With experience founding or working with multiple classical charter public schools over her career, she offers insight on how the U.S. can address its declining reading and math scores through higher-quality academic curricula. She discusses how education policy can better suit students' needs, strengthen school choice programs. She also highlights Florida's leadership in expanding school choice and outlines core principles for strengthening parent-driven choice programs across the nation. Concluding the interview, Ms. Donalds reflects on the country's persistent struggles with teaching basic U.S. history and civics education; the federal education tax credit program; and importance of returning the U.S. Department of Education's policymaking and spending to the states, localities, and parents.

Diane Ravitch, education historian, former research professor of education at New York University, blogger at dianeravitch.net and author of the recent book An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else (Columbia University Press, 2025), talks about how she went from being an influential advocate for school choice and standardized testing to a promoter of public schools. 

Send Bidemi a Text Message!In this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde unpacks four seemingly disconnected American stories: a Houston food critic's "toe touch" approach to restaurants, a Phoenix community organizer rebuilding neighborhoods from the ground up, the quiet expansion of charter schools in Florida, and rehab scams targeting Native American communities in the Southwest. He then reveals the hidden tech threads running through them all. From social media reviews and digital organizing tools to data-driven education policy and Medicaid billing fraud, Bidemi explores how technology can empower communities or quietly erode trust, and what it means for everyday people trying to eat well, learn well, and get well in a rapidly changing world. Support the show

The Chicago Board of Education recently voted to keep Chicago High School for the Arts open after talks of closing the public fine arts school. At the same time, the decision was made to close the public charter school EPIC Academy. Chalkbeat's Bureau Chief Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about how the decision was made and what it means to close a school.  Good News: 12 x 12 Art Exhibition  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Deborah's Place Board President, Rosie Drumgoole, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 17 episode:  Auditorium Theatre Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE