Podcasts about Education policy

Hour 3 of the Marc Cox Morning Show brought the firepower — and not just from the studio air conditioner finally kicking in. Heritage Foundation's Jonathan Butcher pulled back the curtain on America's college campus DEI shell game, where "diversity" got swapped for "belonging" but the racial preferences never went anywhere. Then Ken Cuccinelli delivered the most battle-tested election integrity analysis you'll hear anywhere in conservative media — a surgical takedown of John Thune's surrender on the SAVE Act, a roadmap for attaching it to FISA, and a cold hard look at California's election system that he says is built from the ground up to absorb cheating. Scott Pelley's media meltdown got the two-tape treatment that left CBS News with nowhere to hide. And Kim on a Whim closed the hour exposing a seven-city St. Louis fire department merger that has union power grab written all over it. The Marc Cox Morning Show isn't just talking about what's wrong with America — it's naming names and showing receipts. Hour 4 is straight ahead. HOUR HASHTAGS: #MarcCoxMorningShow #Hour3 #JonathanButcher #HeritagFoundation #DEI #KenCuccinelli #ElectionIntegrity #SAVEAct #CaliforniaElection #KimOnAWhim #StLouisMerger #ScottPelley #MediaBias #ConservativeRadio #AmericaFirst #MAGA #PatriotRadio #MorningRadio #WakeUpAmerica #MissouriConservative HOUR 3 GUEST LIST: Jonathan Butcher — Acting Director, Center for Education Policy, Heritage Foundation; Author, Higher Education in America: It's Worse Than You Think Ken Cuccinelli — National Chair, Election Transparency Initiative; Former Attorney General, Virginia

On the hottest Wednesday of the year — inside and outside the studio — Marc Cox, Kim St. Onge, and the best guest lineup in conservative radio delivered four hours of truth that the mainstream media, the Missouri establishment, and the Washington good-old-boy network desperately wish you hadn't heard. America struck Iran overnight, a helicopter went down, and two pilots were pulled from the ocean by an unmanned drone boat in one of the most remarkable military stories of the year. Carmelo Anthony got 35 years while his family pocketed $650,000 from strangers online. Maine Democrats nominated a man with a Nazi tattoo he conveniently forgot about for 20 years. California kept counting votes — and somehow one candidate received zero out of 24,000 consecutive ballots. John Thune admitted on camera he won't even try to pass the Save America Act. Ken Cuccinelli had the battle plan Thune doesn't want the House to hear. Jonathan Butcher exposed DEI's rebranding game on America's college campuses. Taylor Riggs confirmed inflation is at a three-year high and Social Security hits the wall in 2032. Kim St. Onge made the pro-life case that a YouTuber who monetized his pregnant wife's journey had no right to call himself a victim after aborting his Down syndrome son at 20 weeks. And Jimmy Failla made you laugh so hard at the absurdity of it all that you almost forgot how mad you should be. Almost. This is the Marc Cox Morning Show — the four hours of conservative truth that St. Louis, Missouri, and America can't afford to miss. See you Thursday at 5AM. FULL SHOW HASHTAGS: #MarcCoxMorningShow #ConservativeRadio #IranStrike #AmericaFirst #ElectionIntegrity #SAVEAct #KenCuccinelli #JimmyFailla #TaylorRiggs #JonathanButcher #NicoleMurray #KimOnAWhim #ProLife #DownSyndrome #DEI #CaliforniaElection #VoterFraud #Inflation #SocialSecurity #MissouriPolitics #Amendment5 #MAGA #PatriotRadio #StLouis #WakeUpAmerica #TruthMatters #MorningRadio #MissouriConservative #FoxNews #BackTheBlue FULL SHOW GUEST LIST: Nicole Murray — Business & Markets Reporter Jonathan Butcher — Acting Director, Center for Education Policy, Heritage Foundation; Author, Higher Education in America: It's Worse Than You Think Ken Cuccinelli — National Chair, Election Transparency Initiative; Former Attorney General, Virginia Jimmy Failla — Host, Fox Across America Taylor Riggs — Fox Business Correspondent Neil Westfall — Organizer, St. Louis European Auto Show

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1: What does DESI do? 17:36 SEGMENT 2: Cory Koedel, Director of Education Policy at Show-Me || TOPIC: The inaction from the legislature on important education items, like addressing the early literacy crisis. || The search for new leadership at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education || Cory co-authored Show-Me's latest report on the impacts of K-12 Open Enrollment. showmeinstitute.org 32:05 SEGMENT 3: CHRIS CORNER: Scott Pelley still doesn’t understand why Americans don’t trust the media https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1: What does DESI do? 17:36 SEGMENT 2: Cory Koedel, Director of Education Policy at Show-Me || TOPIC: The inaction from the legislature on important education items, like addressing the early literacy crisis. || The search for new leadership at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education || Cory co-authored Show-Me's latest report on the impacts of K-12 Open Enrollment. showmeinstitute.org 32:05 SEGMENT 3: CHRIS CORNER: Scott Pelley still doesn’t understand why Americans don’t trust the media https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered why some teaching strategies just seem to click… while others fall flat?In this episode, we're joined by Lisa Riegel, who brings a fresh and fascinating perspective on how the brain really learns, and how we can use that knowledge to become more intentional, effective, and empowered educators.This conversation is packed with those “aha” moments that help you connect what you're already doing in the classroom with the science behind it. From understanding how repetition, emotion, and experience shape learning, to exploring what truly drives student engagement, Lisa helps us see teaching through a whole new lens.We also dive into the importance of creating safe, connected classroom environments where students are ready to learn, and why a stressed brain simply can't engage. Lisa shares practical, easy-to-implement strategies that support both student learning and teacher wellbeing, helping you work smarter, not harder.This is one of those episodes that will deepen your understanding, spark your curiosity, and leave you feeling inspired to reflect on your own practice.Key TakeawaysThe brain learns best through repetition, emotion, and meaningful experiencesEngagement goes beyond being “on-task” it's about connection, purpose, and understandingIntrinsic motivation is key to long-term learning and student ownershipCreating a sense of safety and belonging is essential for effective learningPractical, brain-aligned strategies can support focus, regulation, and productivity in the classroomLisa's 8C framework offers a powerful approach to building thriving, human-centred learning environmentsWhen we understand how the brain works, we can make small, intentional changes that have a big impactIf this episode sparked your curiosity, we'd love to hear from you! Send us a DM, share your biggest takeaway, or let us know what questions you still have about our big beautiful brains - we're all learning and growing together.You can also connect with Lisa using the links in the show notes to learn more about her work and how she supports educators and leaders around the world.Rainbows ahead,Alisha and AshleighResources mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Lisa hereConnect with Lisa via email here: lisariegel@epinstitute.net Connect with Lisa on LinkedInLisa's books: Neurowell and Aspirations to Operations60 Brain Break Ideas you can use in class today!APPLE PODCAST | SPOTIFY  | AMAZONAbout Today's GuestLisa Riegel started her career in education, driven by one goal: to help people reach their potential. Over time, she realized that fulfillment, whether in a classroom, company, or community, comes from understanding how the brain drives behavior and how systems shape success.That discovery became the foundation for her life's work. As an educator, researcher, and author, she has spent two decades helping schools, leaders, parents, and organizations align brain science with human systems - creating cultures where people feel connected, capable, and in control of their growth.Dr. Riegel earned dual bachelor's degrees in English and Secondary Education from Kent State University. She holds a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from Otterbein University and a Ph.D. in Education Policy and Leadership from The Ohio State University. Her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and she has authored five books, including her two latest books, NeuroWell, and Aspirations to Operations, focused on brain science and how we can leverage it to help people become happier, healthier, and more successful. Let's hear from you! Text us!

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Sam Stone is joined by Jonathan Butcher, Scot Mussi, Lou Perez, and John Lee to discuss higher education, Arizona school choice, comedy, culture, and Canada's euthanasia controversy. The show is then turned over to Chuck Warren  who sits down with Dr. John Lee for a one on one talk on China, Iran, critical minerals, and U.S. foreign policy. The episode wraps with B's Crime Corner and a disturbing true crime case unravleing in Ohio. Jonathan Butcher, Acting Director of the Center for Education Policy and Will Skillman Senior Research Fellow in Education Policy at The Heritage Foundation, joins the show to discuss his book Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think. Butcher breaks down the rising cost of college, the unclear pricing behind tuition, the role of federal student loans in tuition inflation, and the ideological imbalance on many campuses. He also discusses threats facing Jewish students, the impact of campus culture on young men and women, declining birth rates, and why lawmakers need to enforce the law on college campuses. The conversation also looks at trade schools, career readiness, and why America needs to rethink the idea that every student must follow the traditional college path. Want a copy of Jonathan Butcher's book, Higher Education in America: It's Worse than You Think? The first five listeners to DM the Breaking Battlegrounds Facebook page with "Higher Education in America" will receive a copy. Make sure to include your mailing address so we know where to send it. Follow Jonathan Butcher on X: @JM_Butcher Scot Mussi, President of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, joins Sam to discuss the fight over Arizona's school choice program and a ballot initiative backed by the Washington, D.C. Teachers Union that could impact more than 100,000 students. Mussi explains why school choice matters for families, including students with special needs, and why the fight over education funding is becoming one of the biggest political battles in Arizona. He also discusses Republican enthusiasm ahead of the November midterm elections, border security, cost of living, local spending, municipal budget increases, tax burdens, and what conservatives need to do to turn voter enthusiasm into turnout. Follow Scot Mussi on X: @ScotMussi Follow Arizona Free Enterprise Club on X: @azfec Website: azfree.org Comedian, producer, and author Lou Perez joins the program to discuss a troubling medical assistance in dying case out of Canada involving a 45-year-old man with inflammatory bowel disease and mental health struggles who was assessed for euthanasia outside a Tim Hortons before dying without his family being informed. Lou and Sam discuss the ethical questions surrounding Canada's MAID system, the consequences for the doctor involved, and the documentary Better Off Dead, which examines euthanasia practices in Canada.  Follow Lou Perez on X: @LouPerez                                                                                              The second to last segment, host Chuck Warren sits down with Dr. John Lee for a wide-ranging foreign policy conversation on China, Trump's strategy, critical minerals, Iran, and America's alliances. Dr. Lee is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, a senior fellow nonresident at the United States Studies Centre, and an adjunct professor at the University of Sydney. Lee discusses his article in The Hill, "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot," and argues that the Trump administration's reindustrialization and rearming agenda has strengthened America's strategic position rather than weakened it. He explains why Xi Jinping is now operating from a less favorable position, why America's allies may need pressure to take defense more seriously, and why critical minerals have become a major national security priority after years of warning signs from Beijing. Dr. Lee also breaks down the Iran situation, arguing that a successful outcome for the United States would mean setting back Iran's nuclear ambitions and reducing its conventional military threat. He explains why China is a more rational negotiating actor than Iran, how regime security shapes Tehran's decision-making, and why the U.S.-Australia alliance remains strategically strong despite political tensions over Trump. Guest: John Lee Article: "After the Trump-G Summit, China, Not America, is on the Back Foot" in The Hill In the final segment, B's Crime Corner returns with a disturbing true crime case out of Ohio, where two parents were convicted after their 11-year-old son, who had Hirschsprung's disease, died in a hotel room after being denied medical treatment. B breaks down the case, the 15-year prison sentences, the unanswered questions, and the psychology behind parents who harm their own children. Tune in to Breaking Battlegrounds, the radio show covering the latest news, politics, culture, crime, and the stories shaping America.  Catch Breaking Battlegrounds live on 960 AM in Phoenix every Saturday at 9:00 AM, with full episodes and exclusive podcast-only segments dropping every Friday wherever you get your podcasts or watch on Youtube.  Stay connected with Breaking Battlegrounds: • Substack: https://substack.com/@breakingbattlegrounds • Website: https://breakingbattlegrounds.vote • News: https://breakingbattlegrounds.news • X: https://x.com/breaking_battle • Instagram: @breakingbattlegrounds • Facebook: Breaking Battlegrounds If you enjoy the show, please leave us a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Your support helps keep the podcast growing.

Graduation season is once more upon us. The long school year has come to a close, and now, in caps and gowns, the nation's graduates gather to receive their various certifications, diplomas, and degrees, and listen to wisdom from a speaker.  However, many college graduations are not the same tranquil affairs they used to be. FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, reports that attempts by students to disinvite commencement speakers over political beliefs have increased sharply over the last decade or so. To name one example, students at Morehouse School of Medicine are attempting to block the commencement speech of alumnus Congressman Rich McCormick, over his stances against DEI, abortion, and transgender surgeries among other views. Some schools, such as New York University, have switched to recorded remarks by students in lieu of an in-person speaker.  At this point, the level of intolerance and intellectual coddling taking place at American universities is not a new story. It's bad, but is there a way back? This week, the Heritage Foundation is releasing a new book: Higher Education in America: It's Worse than you Think. I sat down with Jonathan Butcher, Acting Director of Heritage's Center for Education Policy and one of the book's authors, to ask whether he believes there is hope for the American university.  --- Email us with thoughts, questions, or suggestions: HeritageExplains@heritage.org  ---Jonathan Butcher on X: https://x.com/JM_Butcher?lang=enHigher Education in America: It's Worse Than You Think: https://a.co/d/0aMuIWzN

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.

Melissa Arnold Lyon joins The Education Gadfly Show to discuss Fordham's new report, A Crowded Table: Teacher Union Strength in 2026, and what has changed in state education politics since Fordham's 2012 analysis of teacher union power. How influential are teacher unions today, where are they strongest, and what does a more crowded political landscape mean for education policy?Then, on the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines new research on the Common Core State Standards and their effects on achievement beyond math and English language arts.Recommended content:A Crowded Table: Teacher Union Strength in 2026 —Melissa Arnold Lyon, Sandy Frost Waldron, and Rebecca Jacobsen, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteHow Strong Are U.S. Teacher Unions? A State-By-State Comparison —Amber M. Northern, Ph.D., Janie Scull, and Dara Zeehandelaar Shaw, Ph.D., Thomas B. Fordham InstituteTeachers' Unions and Collective Bargaining —Bradley D. Marianno, Live Handbook: Education Policy Research, an initiative of AEFPThe unintended effects of the Common Core State Standards on non-targeted subjects — Benjamin W. Arold, and M. Danish Shakeel, ScienceDirect (2026)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? We would love to hear them. Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

Patrick J. Wolf, a Distinguished Professor of Education Policy at the University of Arkansas, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Wolf's paper, "The Nation's Achievement Inequality Report Card: An Assessment of Interquartile Test Score Gaps and Equality Trends in Traditional Public, Charter, Catholic, and Department of Defense Schools," 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.

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores how education, workforce development, and economic opportunity intersect to shape Texas' future prosperity. Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors. Host Brad Swail is joined by Dr. Wynn Rosser, Commissioner of Higher Education and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Texas 2036, for a discussion on how Texas can prepare more students for meaningful careers while sustaining one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The conversation examines the state's evolving approach to education and workforce development, including dual-credit programs, credentials of value, outcomes-based funding, affordability, and strategies for connecting students with high-demand careers. Major topics include: Texas' position as the world's eighth-largest economy The importance of credentials of value and workforce alignment Expanding dual-credit opportunities in high school Community college reform and House Bill 8 Outcomes-based funding for higher education Career and technical education pathways Workforce shortages in healthcare, construction, and skilled trades College affordability and manageable student debt My Texas Future and career planning resources Data-driven policymaking and economic development Preparing Texas' workforce for the industries of the future The path toward Texas' 2036 goals The discussion highlights how decades of education reforms have expanded access to postsecondary opportunities and why policymakers are increasingly focused not only on college completion, but on ensuring students earn credentials that lead to strong labor market outcomes. Rosser and Hryhorchuk also discuss the role of economic development, community colleges, universities, workforce training programs, and career education in preparing Texans for emerging industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and healthcare to semiconductors, aerospace, and energy. Looking toward 2036, both guests argue that Texas' continued success will depend on aligning education systems, workforce needs, and economic opportunities so that every Texan has a pathway to prosperity. 00:00 — Intro + The Future of Economic Prosperity 01:17 — Meet Wynn Rosser and John Hryhorchuk 03:53 — Why Texas' future is still being written 05:01 — The opportunity gap and workforce challenges 06:43 — Why the education pipeline starts earlier 09:09 — Dual-credit success stories in Texas 12:02 — Can every student graduate with college credit? 15:45 — Credentials of value and workforce readiness 17:21 — Innovative education partnerships across Texas 19:10 — Beyond the traditional four-year degree 23:01 — Changing perceptions about career pathways 24:49 — Lifelong learning and workforce adaptability 26:22 — High-demand careers and earning potential 29:16 — Community college reform and House Bill 8 34:04 — College affordability and manageable debt 38:51 — My Texas Future and student planning tools 40:07 — Expanding higher education opportunities 42:53 — What Texas could look like in 2036 46:35 — Measuring progress toward Texas' goals 48:11 — Legislative priorities and future reforms 52:02 — Final advice for students and families 53:46 — Closing thoughts on Texas opportunity Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks Follow us on social mediaX: @Texas_DispatchInstagram: thetexasdispatchLinkedIn: The Texas DispatchTikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas DispatchYour source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.https://thetexasdispatch.com

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 […]

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.

Ben Scafidi, a Professor and Director of Education Economics Center at Kennesaw State University, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss his paper, “Enrollment, Fiscal, and Resource Changes in American Public School Districts, 1998 to 2019,” 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.

What's really driving declining enrollment in Texas public schools — and how will AI reshape classrooms in the years ahead? On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Chairman Brad Buckley, Chair of the Texas House Public Education Committee, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of public education in Texas. Buckley discusses the major challenges facing schools across the state, from demographic shifts and declining birth rates to school funding pressures, learning loss, and the growing role of artificial intelligence in education. A major focus of the conversation is the surprising decline in enrollment across traditional Texas public school districts. According to testimony discussed during a recent House Public Education Committee hearing, Texas public schools have seen approximately 76,000 fewer students enrolled for the 2025–2026 school year. The discussion covers: • Why Texas public schools are seeing declining enrollment • Birth rates, housing affordability, and demographic changes • The growth of homeschooling, virtual education, and charter schools • Why some districts continue growing while others shrink • Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) and their potential future impact • How school funding formulas struggle with declining enrollment • The long-term implications of lower birth rates nationwide • AI in classrooms and concerns about age appropriateness • Why Buckley believes teachers — not AI — should drive learning • The risks of AI replacing “productive struggle” in education • Data privacy, ethics, and accuracy concerns surrounding AI • Pandemic learning loss and ongoing struggles in mathematics The episode also explores major testing reforms coming to Texas schools, including the planned replacement of the STAAR test beginning in the 2027–2028 school year. Additional topics include: • Replacing one large test with shorter progress-monitoring assessments • Reducing testing anxiety for students and teachers • Providing real-time instructional feedback to educators • Why middle school outcomes are becoming a growing concern • Workforce readiness and the push toward higher-value technical credentials • Career training in engineering, cybersecurity, and STEM fields • Reducing administrative burdens and compliance mandates on schools Buckley argues that Texas must continue modernizing public education while remaining focused on core fundamentals like literacy, mathematics, and strong classroom instruction. The takeaway: the future of Texas education will depend on balancing innovation, accountability, and flexibility while ensuring students still receive deep, meaningful learning experiences. 00:00 — Intro + Chairman Brad Buckley joins 02:45 — Declining enrollment in Texas schools 05:37 — Housing costs, homeschooling, and demographic shifts 09:09 — ESAs and school funding impacts 13:25 — Long-term effects of declining birth rates 19:32 — AI in classrooms and education policy 21:51 — Why teachers should still drive learning 23:52 — Age-appropriate use of AI in schools 26:16 — Replacing the STAAR test 27:06 — Pandemic learning loss and math struggles 31:19 — Middle school outcomes and workforce readiness 34:05 — New testing models and real-time assessments 38:03 — Reducing school compliance burdens + closing Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Send us Fan Mail What do you do when the system itself becomes unstable? In this episode of Thinking 2 Think, Mike Aponte explores leadership during education system disruption, including:  Budget pressure in schools  Delayed planning and operational breakdowns  Federal education restructuring and decentralization debates This episode is not political—it's practical. You'll learn how real leaders think when: funding is uncertain  systems are shifting  pressure is high  and decisions can't wait Key frameworks include:Control the Controllables mindset CLEAR Under Pressure Framework How to protect mission-critical functions: safety, instruction, communication, and trust Whether you're a school leader, business operator, or decision-maker under pressure, this episode teaches how to maintain clarity, structure, and execution when everything around you is changing. Hope is not a strategy. Discipline is. Support the showCHECK OUT OUR NEW CRITICAL THINKING GAME APP! Currently in BETA: Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.appWeb: https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.base692af669b00f0dc8d8ad6653.app*Coming soon to Apple StoreJoin My Substack for more content: maaponte.substack.comConsulting/Advisory Services: MAAponte.com

Patrick Graff, a Senior Fellow with the American Federation for Children, joins Paul E. Peterson to discuss Graff's paper, "Declining Public School Enrollment and the Rise of Universal Private School Choice Programs," 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.

Although we're heading into the final weeks of the school year, learning should never stop. OEA members have the opportunity to learn from each other, improve their practice for their students, and build their skills and relationships at this year's OEA Summer Leadership Academy June 22-24 in Columbus. In this episode, we're sitting down with two OEA members who are presenting at SLA about why this is such a valuable experience for educators. We're also hearing from one of the OEA staff members who is co-planning the event about why a fireside chat with the keynote speaker, Tyler James Williams from Abbot Elementary, is just one of the many draws for this year's SLA conference.REGISTER NOW FOR SLA | The OEA Summer Leadership Academy is designed to help OEA members at all levels of the association realize and develop skills and talents as leaders of their profession and their association while building relationships and organizing for power. June 22-24, 2026 - Hyatt Regency Columbus (350 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215)More information and registration at https://cvent.me/z0aWP9Registration deadline: June 12026 Summer Leadership Academy Features:• Annual OEA District Leaders Event open to all Summer Leadership Academy attendees• Meet and Greet with Ohio's 2026 pro-public education candidates• More than 40 unique sessions to meet your professional learning needs• NEW! A wellness session block focused on balance, care, and creativity• Time for you to connect with your colleagues, learn together, and reflect on how OEA members are United for Public EducationJOIN OEA FOR MORE SUMMER FUN | In addition to this year's Summer Leadership Academy, OEA is offering several other opportunities for educators to come together while school is out:GOLF OUTING | Join OEA at Champions Golf Course before you head to SLA on Monday, June 22, 2026.Click here for full details and info about registering your foursome or signing up to attend as a spectator.SUMMER CELEBRATION OF DIVERSE READERS | OEA and the Dayton Education Association will be giving away thousands of free books featuring diverse characters, written by diverse authors at the 4th annual Summer Celebration of Diverse Readers on Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Lohery Recreation Center (2366 Glenarm Ave. Dayton, OH 45420)  SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guests: Mackenzie Leonard, Van Buren Education Association memberMackenzie is the EL Program Coordinator and ESL teacher at Van Buren Schools, where she works with students grades PK-12. She is also a member of the Ohio TESOL Board and a proud member of OEA's EL Cadre. Kenzie is a graduate from THE Ohio State University as well as from BGSU and has a passion for developing and fostering cultural awareness and multicultural experiences within small-town communities. Kenzie is a daughter, sister, and "Mama" to her ever-energetic daughter, Palmer!Joie Moore, Pickerington Support Staff Association PresidentJoie Moore serves as the president of the Pickerington Support Staff Association, as a board member of Central OEA/NEA, and on the OEA Board of Directors, representing Central Unit 2. Additionally, she is the Vice Chair of the Ohio Association of Education Support Professionals. She was a participant in the OEA ESP Educator Voice Academy and a 2023 NEA ESP Leadership Academy graduate.  Joie is married to Greg, a fellow OEA member, and they have two adult children, who both graduated from Pickerington Schools, Frankie and Nick.  In her downtime Joie enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and reading. Daria DeNoia, OEA Education Policy and Practice Consultant In her role as an Education Policy and Practice Consultant for the Ohio Education Association, Daria DeNoia (she, her) advocates for best practices and equitable policies for Ohio educators at the state level, and provides professional development for OEA members that supports their teaching practices.  She has been a special education teacher for young children with significant needs in an urban school district, an experiential pre-school teacher, and a program coordinator for an educational equity organization. Daria believes that communities are strongest when all people work together to create systems that support their needs, and works as a community organizer to build local power. She has her B.A. in English Literature and American Studies from Rutgers College, her M. Ed. in Special Education from the University of Dayton, achieved National Board Certification, and is a certified Restorative Practices Facilitator through IIRP. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about where OEA stands on the issues Keep up to date on the legislation affecting Ohio public schools and educators with OEA's Legislative WatchAbout us:The Ohio Education Association represents nearly 120,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals who work in Ohio's schools, colleges, and universities to help improve public education and the lives of Ohio's children. OEA members provide professional services to benefit students, schools, and the public in virtually every position needed to run Ohio's schools.Public Education Matters host Katie Olmsted serves as Media Relations Consultant for the Ohio Education Association. She joined OEA in May 2020, after a ten-year career as an Emmy Award-winning television reporter, anchor, and producer. Katie comes from a family of educators and is passionate about telling educators' stories and advocating for Ohio's students. She lives in Central Ohio with her husband and two young children. This episode was recorded on April 14 and 22, 2026...

Following our previous education discussion, a clearer picture begins to emerge: one defined not just by underperformance, but by mounting pressure. Demand is rising faster than capacity, and while the state continues to expand its role, it's increasingly doing so through partnerships that sit adjacent to the system itself. So what does this mean in practice? As the model of education begins to shift toward more specialised pathways, the tension between ambition and delivery becomes harder to ignore. In this episode, Phumi Mashigo explores that gap, and brings in Onwabile Lubhelwana, spokesperson to the Gauteng MEC for Basic Education Lebogang Maile, to understand how this evolving system is being carried forward today. The Burning Platform

John Maytham speaks to Professor Jonathan Jansen about the governance crisis at NSFAS and its implications for higher education in South Africa. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, host Larry Galizio, Ph.D., interviews Davis Jenkins, Ph.D., senior research scholar at the Community College Research Center and co-author of More Essential Than Ever: Community College Pathways to Educational and Career Success. Dr. Jenkins, a national expert on guided pathways and workforce-aligned programs, says that educational completion is insufficient, and colleges should address the value of completion as it leads to talks about the return on investment for students. He also offers insight into how California community colleges can improve student outcomes through engaged learning and purposeful onboarding._______________________Davis Jenkins, Ph.D., is a senior research scholar at the Community College Research Center and research professor in the Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis at Columbia University's Teachers College. He works with colleges, schools, community groups, and employers in communities and states across the country to find ways to improve educational and employment outcomes for students from groups that have been poorly served by the U.S. educational system.

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

On this week's episode, Mike Petrilli is joined by David Griffith and Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss Fordham's latest report, From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report. Drawing on a nationally representative survey of K–3 teachers, they examine what educators understand about reading instruction, how state policies are shaping classroom practice, and where progress has been made. The takeaway: While many teachers are embracing the science of reading, gaps in knowledge and implementation remain.Then on the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines new evidence on student attendance, finding that most variation is driven by student characteristics rather than school districts, raising important questions about policies that tie funding to average daily attendance.Recommended content: From the Teacher's Desk: A Science of Reading Progress Report —David Griffith and Brian Fitzpatrick, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteWonkathon 2025 Anthology: What comes next for the science of reading? —Edited by Brandon L. Wright and Elainah Elkins, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteImperfect Attendance: Toward a fairer measure of student absenteeism —Jing Liu, Ph.D., Thomas B. Fordham InstituteHow Large are District Effects on Student Attendance? Implications for School Funding Based on Average Daily Attendance David S. Knight and Mark Olofson, EdWorkingPapers (2026)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? We would love to hear them. Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

In episode #57 of the How Humans Work Podcast, I sit down with social psychology and education policy expert Ryan Balch to explore the underlying evolutionary social forces that drive our behaviors and create challenges in our society. With tremendous ease and good-heartedness, Ryan walks us through core motivations, disconnects, and other hazards that our default "System 1" thinking brings to the table.By understanding both System 1 thinking and the core needs for value and belonging, we can grasp the why and how our snap categorizations and defensive instincts seek to protect our identities in a highly segregated society, generating social and conversational friction. Balch explains how deep-seated human needs for belonging and security often masquerade as rigid political stances, leading to profound communication breakdowns.Further in, we learn practical, "System 2" strategies to overcome these defensive reactions, primarily by shifting the goal of a conversation from "winning" to "understanding". By asking curious questions, navigating cognitive dissonance, and recognizing that challenged beliefs can literally feel like physical threats to the brain, this episode offers a compassionate roadmap for building genuine human connections in an age where difficult conversations lead to polarizations and social strife.Thank you, Ryan, for being on the show and giving us simple, clear, and powerful insights to help us navigate differences in a constructive and caring way.Key TakeawaysThe Default Mode: Our brains naturally rely on "System 1" thinking, which is quick, automatic, and instinctually focused on categorizing others.The Root of Disconnect: We frequently confuse our internal emotional needs for security and control with outward political policy statements.Defensive Reactions: When our ideas are challenged, it threatens our sense of security and creates cognitive dissonance.Moving the Goalposts: We often try to reduce this internal tension defensively by blaming others or shifting the parameters of the argument.The Media's Role: News outlets capitalize on our natural uncertainty by providing outrage-inducing narratives that give our brains rewarding hits of dopamine.Shifting Goals: To foster better interactions, we must consciously apply "System 2" effort to change our conversational goal from trying to convince to trying to understand.The Power of Empathy: Brain scans show that receiving a counteracting idea can register in the brain similarly to a physical knife attack.Grace in Dialogue: Recognizing this biological reality highlights the vital need for grace, curiosity, and compassion when engaging with differing perspectives.About Ryan Balch:Ryan is a Senior Lecturer in the Psychology and LPO department at Vanderbilt University, where he teaches classes on social psychology, general psychology, and education policy. He completed his Ph.D. in Education Policy at Vanderbilt University as an Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Fellow, during which his dissertation focused on the development and validation of student surveys of teacher practice. Following graduation, Ryan was the director of teacher and principal evaluation for Baltimore City Schools. During this time, he oversaw the creation and implementation of the district's new evaluation systems. Previously, Ryan worked for 7 years as a psychology and science teacher and administrator at Riverwood High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He has a B.A. in Psychology from Duke University and an M.A. in Science Education from Georgia State University. Ryan plays ultimate frisbee and enjoys coaching and being involved in all the activities of his 13 and 11-year-old kids.Show ResourcesArticle on Vulnerability by Ryan's Social Psych StudentsProductive Conversation AssignmentHeineken Worlds Apart CommercialTerry Dobson's Aikido StoryAn Interview link to the Brent MacKinnon Conversation

Discover how the Riley Institute at Furman University leverages evidence-based public education research to close opportunity gaps and empower educators.Episode Resources:Riley Institute Center for Education Policy and ResearchPublic Montessori Education Research and ReportsRiley Institute Diversity Leaders Initiative (DLI)InformEdscPublic Education PartnersSimple Civics:Simple Civics: Greenville County is a project of Greater Good GreenvilleGet in touchSupport Simple Civics with a tax-deductible contributionSign up for the Simple Civics newsletter.View our entire catalogueSimple Civics: Greenville County is produced by Podcast Studio X.

On this week's solo episode, Mike Petrilli explores a big question: What would it look like to define an evidence-based model for American elementary schools—and could AI help us get there? Drawing on his long view of school reform, he considers what most schools have in common, where they fall short, and whether a clearer, research-backed playbook could improve outcomes at scale.This is a work-in-progress idea, and Mike wants your feedback. Share your thoughts at mpetrilli [at] fordhaminstitute [dot]org.Then on the Research Minute, Amber Northern examines new evidence on special education, finding that after students are identified for services, their achievement rebounds significantly—suggesting that individualized supports may boost learning more than previously understood.Recommended content: Both/and on test scores & school inspections —Michael J. Petrilli, SCHOOLEDFollow the Science to School: Evidence-based Practices for Elementary Education — Michael J. Petrilli, Kathleen Carroll, and Barbara DavidsonAn ode to elementary schools —Michael J. Petrilli, Thomas B. Fordham InstituteSpecial Education Substantially Improves Learning: Evidence from Three States — Stephanie G. Coffey, Joshua Goodman, Amy Ellen Schwartz, Leanna Stiefel, Marcus A. Winters and Yunee H. Yoon, NBER (2026)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our show? We would love to hear them. Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

A new report reveals a sharp rise in book bans across the United States, with more than 4,200 titles targeted in 2025. Many of the challenged books reflect Black, LGBTQ+ and diverse lived experiences, raising concerns about coordinated censorship efforts and their impact on education and free expression. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Education researcher Susanna Loeb studies the broad spectrum of learning experience, including ways to recruit and retain expert teachers, how to optimize classrooms, and the impact of technology on learning. She says pandemic-inspired innovations in tutoring have led to greater student engagement and improved learning outcomes. And on the growing influence of AI in education, Loeb counts herself an optimist. She sees it as a tool for good, enhancing personalized learning and supporting teachers. These innovations that didn't exist a few years ago stand to help students to thrive, Loeb tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything podcast. Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu. Episode Reference Links: Stanford Profile: Susanna Loeb Connect With Us: Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Russ Altman introduces guest Susanna Loeb, a professor of education at Stanford University. (00:02:58) Path into Education Susanna's journey from engineering to education and her focus on impact at scale. (00:04:41) The Field of Learning Science The different approaches and challenges in education and its research. (00:07:06) Tutoring After the Pandemic How COVID exposed learning gaps and accelerated interest in tutoring. (00:10:14) What Makes Tutoring Effective The different factors that go into making tutoring effective. (00:12:16) Spreading Proven Practices Using proof points and partnerships to drive adoption across districts. (00:14:00) Building Education Networks The importance of trusted relationships and communication channels. (00:14:50) AI in the Classroom How schools are beginning to adopt AI tools and respond to demand. (00:16:00) AI & Education How teachers are leading AI adoption, with limited direct student use. (00:19:37) A Framework for Using AI The focus on improving student experiences and personalized learning. (00:21:23) Studying AI in Real Time Challenges of evaluating fast-changing tools and the need for rapid testing. (00:23:22) Partnering with AI Companies Collaborating with industry to test tools like ChatGPT in schools. (00:25:26) AI & Tutoring Blending human tutors with AI support to improve outcomes. (00:27:22) The Limits of AI Tutors Why human motivation and relationships remain essential. (00:28:54) The Future of Education Systems Balancing innovation with equitable access and student engagement. (00:30:51) Future In a Minute Rapid-fire Q&A: optimism, scaling education, and collaboration. (00:32:54) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This Day in Maine for Thursday, April 16th, 2026.

A bipartisan group of senators is pushing to boost research funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The proposed legislation would streamline access to federal grants and create new opportunities for STEM innovation at HBCUs. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Rod and Greg Show Daily Rundown – Friday, April 10, 20264:20 pm: Edward Bartlett, Founder of SAVE, joins Rod and Greg to discuss the growing epidemic of female teachers raping male students and the broad range of harmful effects on the victims.4:38 pm: Guy Ciarrocchi, Political Commentator for Broad and Liberty, joins the program to discuss his latest piece in which he says the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has run its course and it's time for the U.S. to create new alliances.6:05 pm: Anna Giaritelli, Immigration Reporter for the Washington Examiner, joins Rod and Greg for a conversation about the ways new secretary Markwayne Mullin is changing the Department of Homeland Security.6:20 pm: Madison Marino Doan, a Policy Analyst for the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy, joins the program to discuss her piece for the Daily Signal on the possible end of the American Federation of Teachers, a teacher's union that often engages in political activism.6:38 pm: We'll listen back to this week's conversations with Joshua Slocum, Host of the Disaffected podcast and contributor to The Blaze, about how affordable childcare has become a harmful entitlement, and (at 6:45 pm) with Auguste Meyrat, Senior Contributor to The Federalist, about how the trends of America's youth today stem from online influencers – and how those who follow the trends have a new name.

Culture wars have distracted America's K-12 system at the expense of students, says former U.S. Ambassador and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. On this episode of The Current, Emanuel sits down with Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy, to diagnose what went wrong and how some schools are trying to get it right. Show notes and transcript. Follow The Current and all Brookings podcasts on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Send feedback email to podcasts@brookings.edu.  

In this week's episode of China Insider, Miles Yu reviews new policies enacted by China's Education Ministry aimed at reducing excess stress and pressure among primary and secondary school students. Next, Miles looks into China's campaign of transnational repression and coercion against human rights advocates and legal experts with familial ties to members of ethnic minority groups living in China. Finally, Miles discusses the recent political purge of Politburo member and former Xinjiang chief, Ma Xingrui, as the third such purge in recent months related to China's aerospace program. China Insider is a weekly podcast project from Hudson Institute's China Center, hosted by China Center Director and Senior Fellow, Dr. Miles Yu, who provides weekly news that mainstream American outlets often miss, as well as in-depth commentary and analysis on the China challenge and the free world's future. 

Jane Puszkar joins Marc Cox and Kim St. Onge to discuss her run for the Francis Howell School District board and what she saw at polling places on Election Day. She talks about campaign challenges, concerns over classroom technology and curriculum, and efforts surrounding school library content. Puszkar also outlines her priorities on education policy and emphasizes the importance of voter turnout in local races.

In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Education began investigating dozens of colleges - including Harvard and Columbia - for possible violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act for their alleged failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and discrimination on campus. The administration threatened to withhold federal funding and many colleges struck deals to preserve their funding. Critics charged the administration with heavy-handed enforcement tactics that burdened academic freedom and free speech on campus. Join our panel of experts as they explore how these enforcement efforts have played out after one year and what we may expect in the future. Featuring: Prof. David D. Cole, Hon. George J. Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy, Georgetown Law SchoolErik S. Jaffe, Partner, Schaerr | Jaffe LLPDr. Chris Schorr, Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative, America First Policy InstituteIlya Shapiro, Senior Fellow and Director of Constitutional Studies, Manhattan Institute(Moderator) Andrew Grossman, Partner, BakerHostetler LLP

Georgia lawmakers are rewriting the rules—and your wallet may feel it. In this episode of Saturdays with Sandra, host Sandra Parrish sits down with AJC political reporter Greg Bluestein to unpack the flurry of major decisions coming out of the final days of Georgia’s legislative session. From gas tax suspensions and income tax rebates to literacy funding battles, school cell phone bans, and a surprising push to end daylight saving time, this conversation breaks down what passed, what’s stalled, and what it all means for Georgians right now. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram or download our app to stay connected! Saturdays with Sandra www.1011thepulse.com ios App Android App Advertise with UsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the first of a two-part conversation with Michael Barbour, one of the most cited researchers in K-12 distance and online learning. Michael is assistant dean for academic innovation and integration at Touro University California, and has spent nearly three decades studying the design, delivery, and support of K-12 distance, online, and blended learning — as well as the policy and governance structures that shape it. His work has brought him before legislatures and policymakers around the world.In this episode, we put a foundational assumption on the table: that research gives teachers answers. Michael makes a clear and generous case that it doesn't — and that both researchers and classroom teachers share responsibility for that misunderstanding. The distinction he draws between best practices and promising practices isn't semantic. It has real consequences for how leaders build cultures of evidence-informed decision-making, and how teachers are trained to engage with research in the first place.From there, the conversation moves into some of the most persistent misconceptions in the field — including the idea that distance learning only works for certain types of students, and the often-overlooked role that local support plays in whether any online program succeeds or fails. Michael also challenges the assumption that face-to-face teachers have a natural engagement advantage over their online counterparts, and makes a compelling case for why the distance environment may actually offer more tools for meaningful connection — not fewer."The best that we can hope for in all honesty is that research might lead us to a promising practice as a starting point." — Michael BarbourTopics covered:00:00 — Michael's origin story in K-12 distance learning~04:00 — Why teachers don't engage with research, and why researchers share the blame~10:00 — Best practices vs. promising practices: why the distinction matters~17:00 — Who distance learning actually works for~21:00 — The role of local support in online program design~24:00 — Engagement, belonging, and the myth of the visual cue~30:00 — What "personalized learning" actually looks like in K-12 online contextsLinks and resources:DLAC Research Agenda Summary — referenced early in the conversationNEPC Newsletter: AI and Personalization in K-12 Online Learning — Michael's recent piece on what personalized learning actually means in practiceDiscover more virtual learning opportunities at CILC.org with hosts Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell.Seth Fleischauer's Banyan Global Learning combines live virtual field trips with international student collaborations for a unique K12 global learning experience.

Last week, the Trump administration announced major changes to the way that student loan debt will be managed, specifically moving that management from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury. I sat down with Jonathan Butcher, Senior Research Fellow in the Center for Education Policy here at the Heritage Foundation, to talk about why this is a huge step in the movement to return education to local control. --- Thoughts? Questions? Email us at: heritageexplains@heritage.org.  --- Jonathan Butcher on X: https://x.com/JM_Butcher 

Last week, the Trump administration announced major changes to the way that student loan debt will be managed, specifically moving that management from the Department of Education to the Department of the Treasury. I sat down with Jonathan Butcher, Senior Research Fellow in the Center for Education Policy here at the Heritage Foundation, to talk […]

Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-plastic-pollution-in-our-ocean-with-eric-magers/ About Guest: Eric Magers is the Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, a nationally recognized nonprofit driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution, marine debris, and climate education. A lifelong educator and award-winning climate leader, Eric was honored at the White House and named Climate Educator of the Year for his pioneering work bridging science, community, and action. He is also the creator of Green Scholars, a nationally award-winning project-based learning course that empowers students to transform their schools through sustainability initiatives. Several schools implementing this program have been recognized as some of the greenest schools in America. Beyond Seaside, Eric is the Founder and CEO of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), which now includes more than 500 chapters and 6,000 members worldwide. Across all his work, Eric's vision is clear: empower students, schools, and communities with the tools to create systemic change and build a sustainable, innovative future. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/  Guest Website: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/home  Guest Social:  https://www.facebook.com/seasusinc https://www.instagram.com/seasusinc/ Additional Resources Mentioned:  Trash to Treasure: Exploring What It Takes to Build a Business from Waste with Kelsey Rumburg  Solving The Problem Of Plastic Pollution With Judith Enck  The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Show Notes: 03:33 - How Eric Became An Environmental Educator And Ocean Advocate 10:00 - The Planet's Big Problem Of Consumer Marine Debris 20:37 - How Environmental Legislation Can Solve Plastic Pollution 28:21 - Why A Total Plastic Ban Would Never Work 34:50 - Seaside Sustainability's Focus On Plastics And Marine Debris 37:29 - Addressing Environmental Problems Even If You Are Not Seeing Them 49:46 - Plastics Should Never Find Their Way Back Into The Environment 54:57 - Keep Yourself Updated With Google Alerts 58:14 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As states begin to take up the U.S. Secretary of Education's offer to apply for waivers to their obligations under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, there are significant implications for English Learner (EL) students around the country. In July 2025, the U.S. Department of Education issued a letter encouraging states to seek waivers to their federal mandate to improve student academic achievement and maximize the impact of federal education funding. One state, Iowa, received waiver approval, and several other states have begun the waiver request process.  ESSA outlines statutory requirements that not only fund public education, but also provide guardrails to ensure all students, regardless of their background or community, have access to a quality education that prepares them to achieve in today's world. The law also grants the Secretary of Education the authority to waive certain requirements outlined in the law, which has long been viewed as ensuring that ELs and all other students receive an equitable, quality education.  While states have long had the ability to seek waivers, the Trump administration's efforts to end the federal role in education, including by diminishing civil-rights oversight of schools, and attempts to cut program funding for particular populations, such as ELs, underscore the importance of understanding the potential implications of these actions for ELs and their communities. This webinar brings together a panel of experts to discuss the ESSA waiver process and requirements, an overview of current state waivers and their objectives, and what these developments mean in practice for ELs and the schools they attend.    Speakers include: Megan Hopkins, Professor & Chair, Department of Education Studies, University of California, San Diego Trish Morita-Mullaney, Professor, English Language Learning, Purdue University Dave Powell, Senior Consultant, Education First Delia Pompa, Senior Fellow for Education Policy, MPI   More information: www.migrationpolicy.org

There's a quote from the great conservationist John Muir that goes, "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." My guest today, Gary Stager, has been working in education since before I was born, and I turn 40 this summer, so the sense that you get talking to Gary about teaching and learning is that when you try to pick out anything by itself, you find it hitched to everything else in the universe.Gary has been prolific as an author and educator, and as the line in his official bio reads, “When Jean Piaget wanted to better understand how children learn mathematics, he hired Seymour Papert. When Dr. Papert wanted to create a high-tech alternative learning environment for incarcerated at-risk teens, he hired Gary Stager.” This work was the basis for Gary's doctoral dissertation in Science and Mathematics Education. He's worked across several continents, collaborated on a project that won a Grammy Award, and led seminars and taught students in Reggio Emilia, Italy.In this conversation, Gary shares the defining experiences of his education as a student and how those shaped his values as a teacher, we talk about today's pedagogical authoritarianism and its contrast to Reggio Emilia, his optimism about the reclaiming the role of technology in education, and, ultimately, reclaiming the art of teaching.If you've ever heard Gary speak you know he's a compelling storyteller, and I found myself in this conversation like a kid at storytime, awed at the wealth of energy, wisdom, and experience he brings to our collective endeavor. This could have easily been a 3 hour episode, and part of keeping the runtime down was editing out a lot of my active listening interjections to keep up the flow of Gary's stories.

Republicans and Democrats alike agree that the education system in the United States is broken, but how do we fix it? Erika Donalds is a nationally recognized expert in education policy and school choice, and she stopped by to discuss closing the Department of Education, the impact that would have on special education programs, and how school choice could be the answer we're looking for. Thanks for joining me for this episode! I'm a Houston- based attorney, run an HR Consulting company called Claremont Management Group, and am a tenured professor at the University of St. Thomas. I've also written several non-fiction political commentary books: Bad Deal for America (2022) explores the Vegas-style corruption running rampant in Washington DC, while The Decline of America: 100 Years of Leadership Failures (2018) analyzes – and grades – the leadership qualities of the past 100 years of U.S. presidents. You can find my books on Amazon, and me on social media (Twitter @DSchein1, LinkedIn @DavidSchein, and Facebook, Instagram, & YouTube @AuthorDavidSchein). I'd love to hear from you! As always, the opinions expressed in this podcast are mine and my guests' and not the opinions of my university, my company, or the businesses with which I am connected.

What does “free tuition” actually mean — and why isn't it enough? In this episode, Dustin sits down with Van Ton-Quinlivan, CEO of Futuro Health and host of the WorkforceRx podcast, to unpack how her organization is tackling the healthcare workforce shortage by helping adults earn debt-free credentials in allied health fields. From redesigning incentives around completion (not just enrollment) to supporting adult learners with real-life constraints, this conversation challenges traditional higher ed funding models and offers a bold blueprint for workforce-aligned education. The takeaway? Free tuition alone doesn't drive success. Smart design, accountability, and intentional support do. Guest Name: Van Ton-Quinlivan - CEO at Futuro Health Guest Social: LinkedIn Guest Bio: Van Ton-Quinlivan is a nationally recognized workforce development leader with a career spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. As CEO of Futuro Health, she's building the nation's largest network of allied healthcare workers. In 2022, she was appointed by Governor Newsom to help shape California's healthcare workforce education and training. Van is the author and podcast host of WorkforceRx, promoting agile, multicultural solutions for employers, educators, and workers.  Featured in major media and a sought-after keynote speaker, she's been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Healthcare (2024) and among the 100 Most Influential Higher Education Leaders (2025). She serves on several national boards and holds an MBA and MA in Education Policy from Stanford University. Born in Vietnam and raised in Hawaii, Van now lives in California. A new empty nester, she enjoys morning coffee walks with her husband, and recently took up taiko drumming. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Dustin Ramsdellhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinramsdell/About The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Geek is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tomorrow, I'll be trading Iowa for a couple days in Los Angeles, where the HRP team will be presenting for the third year at LearningInspirEd's Student Power Summit. It's in LA this year in partnership with Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. The founder, Father Greg Boyle, is quoted on the Homeboy homepage saying, “We imagine a world without prisons, and then we try to create that world,”. And I'm really looking forward to meeting and talking with the people there to learn more about how Homeboy works. A bit of a facetious question that sticks in my head is, in the high-stakes data-driven world of schooling, what piece of content or curriculum did these guys miss that would've made the difference? And more seriously, what is it about the environment at Homeboy Industries that schools can learn from? I'll have more on that when I get back.But until we build that world wi thout prisons, there will need to be programs for incarcerated people and people in transition from prison to public life, too.That's where this conversation with Jennifer Berkshire came about. Of course you know Jennifer from her years of hosting the Have You Heard? Podcast with her co-host Jack Schneider, and their coauthored books The Wolf At The Schoolhouse Door and The Education Wars. But for the past couple of years, Jennifer has also been teaching journalism and education policy in the Boston College Prison Education Program at MCI-Shirley, a medium security prison for men in central Massachusetts. Recording isn't allowed in the prison facility, but in 2025 Jennifer spoke with some of the men in her program who had been released from MCI-Shirley and were finishing their degrees on the Boston College campus, and she gave me permission to use those clips here.As you can hear, the program was a life-changing experience for these men, and it's been life-changing for Jennifer too.This conversation with Jennifer was one of the most eye-opening I've had in a long time, and it's always such a pleasure to talk with her. I've included links to several pieces of media we talk about in this episode, podcasts and articles created by inmates, books written by prison educators, and more, so check out the show notes for those links as well.John Lennon - The Tragedy of True CrimeEar Hustle Podcast: “The daily realities of life inside prison shared by those living it, and stories from the outside, post-incarceration”Have You Heard #202 - College Inside, College OutsideArticle - BC Prison Education Program Shatters Stigmas and Builds Better FuturesArticle - In prison, I embraced the SEL skills I should have learned in grade school

The Alliance for Civics in the Academy hosts "What Counts as Success? Assessing the Impact of Civics in Higher Ed" with Trygve Throntveit, Rachel Wahl, Joseph Kahne, and Peter Levine on February 18, 2026, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. PT. As higher education renews its commitment to civic education, questions about how to define and measure success have become increasingly urgent. This webinar examines the strengths and limitations of common metrics and considers how different measures reflect competing visions of civic purpose in higher education. Participants explore emerging frameworks for assessing civic learning and engagement, and discuss how institutions can align assessment practices with their educational missions and democratic goals. ABOUT THE SPEAKERS Rachel Wahl is an associate professor in the Social Foundations Program, Department of Educational Leadership, Foundations, and Policy at the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Virginia. She also serves as Director of the Good Life Political Project at the UVa Karsh Institute of Democracy. Her research focuses on learning through public dialogue between people on opposing sides of political divides. Her most recent book is Keeping Our Enemies Closer: Political Dialogue in Polarized Democracies (University of Pennsylvania Press, forthcoming October 2026). Her prior research focused on efforts by community activists to change police officers' beliefs and behavior through activism and education, which is the subject of her first book, Just Violence: Torture and Human Rights in the Eyes of the Police (Stanford University Press, 2017). Her research has been funded by donors such as the Educating Character Initiative, the Spencer Foundation and National Academy of Education, the Carnegie Corporation, and the federal Institute of International Education.  Joseph Kahne is the Ted and Jo Dutton Presidential Professor for Education Policy and Politics and Director of the Civic Engagement Research Group (CERG) at the University of California, Riverside. Professor Kahne's research focuses on the influence of school practices and digital media on youth civic and political development. For example, with funding from the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES), and in partnership with scholars from Ohio State, Brown, and UCR, CERG has launched and is studying the impact of Connecting Classrooms to Congress (CC2C). CC2C is a social studies curricular unit that enables students to learn and deliberate about a controversial societal issue and then participate in an online townhall with their Member of Congress. In addition, Kahne and CERG are currently studying the Educating for American Democracy Roadmap. This work takes place through a partnership with reformers and school districts in NM, OK, and LA. In addition to studying the impact of these curricular experiences on young people's civic development, with John Rogers, we are currently devoting particular attention to the politics of democratic education. We are examining ways the political contexts of school districts shape possibilities for democratic education and the varied ways educators respond.  Professor Kahne was Chair of the MacArthur Foundation's Youth and Participatory Politics Research Network. Kahne was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship. He currently chairs the Educating for American Democracy Research Task Force. Professor Kahne is a member of the National Academy of Education and a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association. He can be reached at jkahne@ucr.edu and his work is available at https://www.civicsurvey.org/ Trygve Throntveit, PhD, was appointed Research Professor in Higher Education and Associate Director of the Center for Economic and Civic Learning (CECL) at Ball State University in August of 2025. During the previous five years, he served as Director of Strategic Partnership and Civic Renewal Programming at the Minnesota Humanities Center (MHC), and as Global Fellow for History and Public Policy at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. At MHC, Dr. Throntveit expanded the Third Way Civics (3WC) initiative for undergraduate civic learning--which he first developed with partners at Ball State and Southeastern Universities in 2019--into a multi-state program, training dozens of faculty in Minnesota, Indiana, Florida, Missouri, and Montana to infuse student-centered, active civic learning into their regular courses and helping several colleges and universities build the original, US history and politics version of 3WC into their general curricula. As a result of his work on Third Way Civics, was selected by Campus Compact and the Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement coalition to co-author an upcoming guide to designing and implementing rigorous civic learning opportunities across the undergraduate curriculum, and has delivered presentations and workshops on 3WC and civic learning more generally across the United States as well as Austria, Germany, Japan, and Korea. Trained as a historian, Dr. Throntveit is an active scholar in the fields of history and political theory as well as civic learning, having published articles and books examining past and present developments in US politics, foreign policy, and social thought and served for eight years as editor of The Good Society, the journal of the transdisciplinary Civic Studies field. He has taught at Harvard University, Dartmouth College, and Minnesota State University-Mankato, and has overseen public humanities programs bringing communities into productive conversation across their differences on issues as diverse as election integrity, US-Tribal relations, and water use. Dr. Throntveit lives and works in Minneapolis, where oversees the increasingly national 3WC initiative and also directs the Twin Cities-based Institute for Public Life and Work, which he co-founded with Harry C. Boyte and Marie-Louise Strom in 2021.  Moderator Peter Levine is a philosopher and political scientist who specializes on civic life and has helped to develop Civic Studies as an international intellectual movement. In the domain of civic education, Levine was a co-organizer and co-author of The Civic Mission of Schools (2003), The College, Career & Citizenship Framework for State Social Studies Standards (2013) and The Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (2021). He is also the author of eight books, including most recently We Are the Ones We Have Been Waiting For: The Promise of Civic Renewal in America (Oxford University Press, 2013) and What Should We Do? A Theory of Civic Life (Oxford University Press, 2022).

After attending DLAC — the Digital Learning Annual Conference — founded by John Watson, one thing is clear: the digital learning community doesn't retreat under constraints. It builds.Yet, for some, the question persists:Was distance learning just a pandemic stopgap? Or is it a durable part of education's future?In this episode, John Watson joins us to unpack what the field actually learned from 2020 — and what it didn't.One of the most persistent misconceptions, he argues, is the conflation of emergency remote instruction with purpose-built online learning. High-quality digital programs take months or years to design. What happened during the pandemic was an emergency pivot. Those are not interchangeable.More importantly, this conversation reframes the debate entirely. The future isn't “online versus in-person.” It's about expanding options.What We ExploreWhy online learning should be compared to real on-the-ground alternatives — not idealized versions of school.How digital access enables other opportunities (CTE pathways, dual enrollment, flexible schedules), not just online coursework.Why hybrid models are emerging as one of the most dynamic growth areas in K–12.What personalization actually means — beyond superficial choice menus.How AI may reshape agency, instruction, and lifelong learning in unpredictable ways.A powerful story of a student who moved from functional dropout status to graduate school through a hybrid pathway.Throughout the conversation, a consistent theme emerges: Success should not be measured at the system level alone. It has to be measured at the level of individual students and the futures they're building. Distance learning isn't valuable because it's digital. It's valuable because it creates flexibility where rigidity used to exist.A Shift in PerspectiveInstead of asking whether distance learning has a future, perhaps the better question is:How do we design systems where digital tools expand human possibility — rather than merely digitize existing constraints?The schools represented at DLAC are not arguing for replacement models. They are building blended ecosystems that combine online coursework, face-to-face experiences, internships, community partnerships, and emerging technologies in ways that make school more adaptive.Episode LinksLearn more about DLAC and their year-round professional learning communities: https://www.deelac.comExplore additional episodes and resources: https://www.cilc.org/podcastAbout the HostsSeth Fleischauer is the founder of Banyan Global Learning, which designs structured live virtual and global learning experiences that expand student connection across classrooms and continents.Tami Moehring and Allyson Mitchell work with CILC to support educators in implementing high-quality digital learning experiences across grade levels.

Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government's long-awaited plans for the special educational needs and disabilities system. Can the controversial overhaul convince parents and MPs? Plus, the latest on the Gorton and Denton byelection. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

How polarized are Americans really? Are we really on the “brink of civil war” as some suggest?That's what I wanted to find out when I sat down with Jonathan Butcher, author of the recently released book “The Polarization Myth: America's Surprising Consensus on Race, Schools, and Sex.”“When we hear the term polarization, it makes us think that there's 50% on one side and 50% on the other side. But that's not what's going on,” says Butcher, who is acting director of The Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy.Butcher conducted a survey of more than 2,000 Americans and asked participants for their opinions on contentious cultural and political issues.What did he find? Contrary to what Americans are constantly told on social media and in legacy media, there is no deep divide on the issues that drive the so-called culture wars, he says. His survey found the following:-Biological sex: A majority of respondents maintain that sex is unchanging -Gender and schools: 61% oppose teaching young children that they can change their “gender”​ -Sexual content in schools: 69% do not support access in schools to books that depict sexual activity -College admissions: 52% oppose the use of racial preferences in college admissions, which are central to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs​The culture war, Butcher concludes from his survey findings, is a narrative propagated by a small faction of radical activists and amplified by the media to instill fear.“It's really like a majority of Americans and … a small minority of activists on the other [side] that just have a very loud voice,” he says.The survey responses, he told me, also show a surprising degree of consensus among Americans on basic principles and core beliefs.For example, he found that a large majority of survey respondents want their children to be taught about virtue and character at school. More than half favor increased civics education.“The important thing to remind Americans is that on the issues, they're not alone. If [you] think that individuals should be judged, promoted, accepted to school based on their merit instead of their skin color, right, you're not alone. You're not alone if you think that we should be protecting women from men accessing their bathrooms or locker rooms,” he says.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and the guest, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

 Jessie Gómez, Chalkbeat Newark reporter covering Newark Public Schools, talks about what to expect from New Jersey's new governor on education issues.