POPULARITY
Categories
Melanie Smith's path to education entrepreneurship was anything but typical. A U.S. Army veteran who once worked in a European command war room, Melanie found her true calling in peace education through the Montessori method. After years teaching in both public and private schools, she launched Freedom Montessori Academy, an eco-school in Florida that blends individualized Montessori learning with nature-based education. In this episode, Melanie shares how her military background shaped her vision for peaceful, child-centered learning, why she took the leap to start her own school, and how she rebuilt her program after the challenges of the pandemic. Melanie's story is an inspiring look at resilience, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving today's microschool movement. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!
Joining is James Lynch, news writer for National Review and former reporter for the Daily Caller. Based in Washington, D.C., James has been covering the education battles up close, and he says one thing is clear: school choice is here to stay. From charter schools to education savings accounts, parents are demanding the power to decide what's best for their children's future. Despite pushback from teachers' unions and the left, momentum is only growing as families flee failing public schools and embrace educational freedom. James breaks down why this movement is unstoppable, what it means for parents across America, and how it's reshaping the future of education.
Corey DeAngelis joins Kevin P. Chavous to unpack the rapid rise of the education freedom movement. They explore school choice's impact on public schools, bipartisan momentum, the role of teachers' unions, and how personalized learning will reshape education's future. Corey DeAngelis is a leading voice in the school choice movement, a researcher, author, and advocate for giving parents control over their children's education. He currently serves as a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children and is affiliated with multiple education policy think tanks. Chapters 00:00 – The Winds Are Shifting 00:13 – What Drives School Choice 01:00 – Corey's Path to Advocacy 02:10 – Key Research Findings 03:51 – Leaving Academia 05:51 – Growing Support Nationwide 08:48 – Union Resistance 09:30 – Public School Gains 23:20 – The Future of Personalized Learning Explore K12-Powered Education & Career Pathways K12's innovative programs give students a head start on their future. Enrollment is now open! Join over 3 million students who have chosen K12-powered tuition-free online public schooling for a flexible, personalized learning experience—all from the safety of home. ✅ State-certified teachers trained in virtual instruction ✅ Accredited curriculum supporting all learners, including advanced students & those with special needs ✅ Career-focused programs, including healthcare pathways & more ✅ More family time, stronger class connections, and academic success Apply today to secure your spot and see why families trust K12 for their child's education.
Before government schools, America had 95% literacy. Now it's 35%. What if everything you've been told about "fixing" education is actually designed to make it worse? Robert teams up with award-winning journalist and CEO of Liberty Sentinel, Alex Newman, to announce their explosive new book "Woke and Weaponized" - a deep dive into how Karl Marx's ideas infiltrated American education and what parents can do about it. From Robert Owen's occult origins to the post-WWI turning point that handed our children to the state, this episode reveals the shocking history behind today's educational crisis and offers hope for families seeking true educational freedom. Resources: https://libertysentinel.org/ This episode of Refining Rhetoric is sponsored by: CC Plus Concurrent Enrollment: The Concurrent Enrollment Program is a flexible opportunity to earn college credit from an accredited Christian university while honoring homeschool families and program parameters contained in the Challenge Guide. Your student can remain in community while earning college credit for the work they are already doing which means community and mentoring stay in place while practicing the skills of learning through college! Register now or learn more by going to classicalconversationsplus.com/concurrent-enrollment-program.
Many school choice proponents today focus on what choice does for the students who use it to leave traditional public schools. But one of the original arguments for choice was that, through competition, it would spur traditional public schools to improve.So: Has it?Do choice programs make traditional public schools better? Does the size of these competitive effects depend on the type of choice program? And what other factors might matter for the amount of competitive pressure that choice programs exert on traditional public schools? On this episode of The Report Card, Nat Malkus discusses these questions, and more, with Sarah Cordes. Nat and Sarah discuss ESAs and the new federal tax credit scholarship program, why school transportation matters so much for competitive effects, whether choice programs can be too large, how competition affects school principals, and what effect declining public school enrollments might have on school choice in the coming years.Sarah Cordes is an associate professor of policy, organizational, and leadership studies at Temple University.Show Notes:Competition in Education Markets: Impacts, Perceptions, and Policy ContextsThe Effects of Charter Schools on Neighborhood and School Segregation: Evidence from New York CityIn Pursuit of the Common Good: The Spillover Effects of Charter Schools on Public School Students in New York City
It's possible this school year is one of the last before a federal program changes the face of public and private schools in Minnesota. President Donald Trump's sprawling budget bill that passed in July included a program that amounts to school vouchers that can be used for private schools. It signals a new era of the school choice movement. While legislation like this usually originates in conservative circles, nonprofit advocates in traditionally Democratic-leaning states, like Minnesota, have a new opportunity to strengthen their movement. Here to explain how the bill could change things for school choice in Minnesota is one such advocate. Ricky Austin is the president of the Aim Higher Foundation in St. Paul. He joined MPR News host Nina Moini to explain what his organization does and how the federal tax credit works.
Former educator and current insurance agent Jamie Creel joins the show this morning to discuss education and school choice in Mississippi, there's no way anyone can still support this idea the school choice is good "Republican policy" and nothing more than socialism with lipstick after listening to todays show.
Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with Jean Evans about the judge's ruling on the NEA challenge to the Missouri Scholars program and the approval of 7,500 scholarships with $51 million in new funding. They explain how the tax credit program works, offering donors a dollar-for-dollar return and raising millions statewide for school choice. Evans outlines how scholarships are prioritized for students with IEPs and low-income families while addressing legal challenges from the NEA.
Jean Evans joins to explain the Missouri Scholars Program, its legal challenges, and how the tax credit scholarship program provides new opportunities for families. John Lamping analyzes Mike Kehoe's appointment of Catherine Hanaway as Attorney General, highlighting GOP establishment versus MAGA divides, redistricting battles, and future political ambitions for Missouri leaders. The hour also includes In Other News.
Marc Cox talks with Anthony Labruna about crime reduction in Washington D.C., Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, and opposition from Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Labruna explains how Democrats like Pritzker and Gavin Newsom are positioning for 2028 while Trump forces them to defend high crime rates. They also cover education reform, including a Missouri judge's ruling in favor of 7,500 scholarships, potential federal school choice legislation, and Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's push for local-level changes. The conversation closes with criticism of the press, Will Scharf's role in drafting executive orders, and upcoming debates over protecting First and Second Amendment rights.
Hour 1 Marc Cox reviews David Lee Roth's concert at The Factory, noting Roth's vocal limitations, the venue experience, and comparisons to Van Halen's heyday. He highlights Channel Five's 30th anniversary celebration. In the Buck Don't Give a ____ segment, Dan Buck talks with Link Lauren, a conservative LGBTQ influencer, about cancel culture and Kim Kardashian dressing her daughter inappropriately. Marc also covers manipulated crime statistics in Washington DC, ICE custody of Mr. Abrigo Garcia, Lisa Cook at the Federal Reserve, and Trump's executive orders on flag burning. Hour 2 Jean Evans joins to explain the Missouri Scholars Program, its legal challenges, and how the tax credit scholarship program creates new opportunities for families. John Lamping analyzes Mike Kehoe's appointment of Catherine Hanaway as Attorney General, breaking down Republican establishment versus MAGA divides, Missouri redistricting, and long-term political ambitions. Marc and the team also touch on factional politics, congressional maps, and speculation about the 2028 presidential race. The hour closes with In Other News. Hour 3 Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with Fox News' Todd Piro about crime reduction under Trump, federal presence in New York, and behind-the-scenes media promotion. Anthony Labruna joins to discuss crime in Washington DC and Chicago, Democratic governors' positioning for 2028, and federal school choice reforms. In the weekly 2A Tuesday segment, Mark Walters explains how federal armed presence reduced murders in DC, shares immigration concerns in Illinois, and defends Second Amendment rights. The hour closes with Dan Buck's Buck Don't Give a ____ segment featuring Link Lauren on cancel culture, Kim Kardashian's parenting controversy, and the challenges conservative LGBTQ voices face in media.
Republicans are hoping school choice will be an issue that helps them with voters on the campaign trail this year. Michael Pope is looking at one district in Lynchburg where the future of public schools will be on the ballot.
In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Jennifer Palmer, former special education teacher and now founder of Mobile Classroom Solutions in Polk County, Florida. Jennifer shares her journey from the conventional public school classroom to building a thriving microschool and learning pod that serve diverse learners, including many with special needs. We discuss how COVID sparked her entrepreneurial leap, why families are embracing flexible and personalized education, and how Florida's school choice programs are empowering parents to find the right fit for their children. Jennifer also highlights her role as co-founder and president of the Polk Microschool Collective, a growing network that connects and supports education entrepreneurs. Her story is an inspiring look at the creativity, courage, and community-building that are fueling the microschool movement in Florida and beyond. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.
Susan Pendergrass talks with Matthew Ladner, senior advisor for education policy implementation at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy, about a recent Washington Post article blaming Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Accounts for school closures in the Roosevelt Elementary School District. They unpack the real reasons behind declining enrollment, the role of open enrollment and charter schools, and why most Arizona students exercising school choice are still in public schools. The discussion covers how media narratives overlook parent-driven decisions, the political resistance to letting kids leave low-performing districts, and why open enrollment could be a game changer for states like Missouri. Ladner also shares his broader perspective on the post-COVID shift toward educational self-reliance and what it means for the future of public education. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity
Send us a textJoin hosts Alex Sarlin, Ben Kornell, and guest co-host Matt Tower from Whiteboard Advisors for a back-to-school edition of Week in EdTech, covering market shifts, Big Tech's push into education, the GPT-5 rollout, and the rising challenge of deepfake abuse in schools.✨ Episode Highlights:[00:03:40] Back-to-school funding uncertainty and “back-to-basics” mentality[00:06:40] B2C vs. B2B: consumer learning grows while institutions tighten[00:09:31] Big Tech moves from infrastructure to competing in applications[00:13:40] GPT-5 rollout backlash and prioritization of B2C users[00:17:34] Rethinking schools' role: raising the floor vs. raising the ceiling[00:19:52] School choice and flexible student pathways through ESAs[00:20:58] Proposal for an AI user Bill of Rights[00:27:36] Media panic: critiques of AI in education from major outlets[00:34:19] SoftBank executive buys stake in UK university[00:38:10] Workforce training gap: Google and Microsoft invest billions[00:39:12] Google's Gemini leads in image and video generation Plus, special guests:[00:49:18] Evan Harris, President of Pathos Consulting Group, on deepfake abuse in schools and crisis response[00:56:02] Becky Keene, author of AI Optimism, on AI literacy for teachers and classroom integration[01:03:47] Max Spero, Co-Founder and CEO of Pangram Labs, on building future-ready schools with emerging tech
Challenging claims that school choice is a free market solution, fosters competition, frees kids from failing schools, and eliminates leftist indoctrination, while exposing expanded government control and global agendas. During our podcast break, enjoy this replay of Courtenay's appearance on The Reason We Learn from March 12, 2025. Key topics: ➤Debunking common myths about school choice, including it being a free market solution, fostering competition, freeing kids from failing schools, and eliminating woke/leftist indoctrination. ➤How school choice expands government control via public-private partnerships, standardization, oversight, and ties to agendas like transhumanism, global citizenship, and biodigital convergence. ➤Parallels to Obamacare, the illusion of "choice," and the push toward tokenized, gamified education systems. ➤Advocating for true education liberty over government-funded programs. Follow and Connect with The Reason We Learn:
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens when your zip code determines your child's future?In this episode, Will and Josh talk with Jason Bedrick, a research fellow at the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy, to unpack the complex—and often contentious—landscape of school choice. Bedrick shares his 20+ year journey in education reform, tracing his advocacy for parental rights and religious liberty back to a post-9/11 awakening and Milton Friedman's theories.The conversation explores vouchers, education savings accounts (ESAs), the history and distortion of school choice post-Brown v. Board, and how pandemic-era frustrations accelerated parental engagement. Bedrick also addresses the tension between religious freedom and government schooling, pushing back on claims that school choice fuels segregation or undermines civic unity.If you're wondering how school choice intersects with parental rights, government responsibility, First Amendment protections, or the values debate in public schools, this episode is a must-listen.Subscribe, share, and join the conversation as we examine what true educational freedom looks like—and who gets to decide.
Susan Pendergrass speaks with Andy Smarick, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, about a recent U.S. Supreme Court case that could reshape the debate over faith-based charter schools. They explore the constitutional questions at the heart of the case, including the tension between the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, and why a 4–4 split leaves the door open for future challenges. The conversation covers the potential role of religious organizations in public education, the importance of accountability in school choice programs, recent legal battles in Missouri and Wyoming, and how shifting public opinion may change the K–12 landscape in the years ahead. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity
We learn what help is available for flood damage. The legal and practical challenges of conducting the new census that President Trump is calling for. The history of school choice in Wisconsin.
In this episode of 'Your Message Received,' host John Duffin welcomes Chloe Anagnos, a writer, digital strategist, and active community member, who shares her unique journey from growing up in Elkhart, Indiana, to becoming a prominent voice in the fields of culture, politics, and motherhood. Chloe discusses the impact of the Great Recession on her hometown, her passion for journalism and digital media, and her strong stance on educational freedom. Please tune in to learn about Chloe's insights on resilience, authenticity, and the importance of respectful discourse in today's polarized environment.Here are some ways to follow and stay connected with Chloe Anagnos. Links below. https://americasfuture.org/about/staff-and-board/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloeanagnos/Instagram @chloeanagnos00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:12 Meet Chloe Anagnos02:17 Growing Up in Elkhart, Indiana03:25 Impact of the Great Recession07:44 High School Challenges and Mentorship11:59 Discovering a Passion for Media13:09 College and Career Pivot15:09 Balancing Career and Motherhood20:09 Immigrant Background and Family History26:36 The Importance of Concise Communication27:36 Navigating AI in Communications28:07 Balancing Technology and Originality32:02 The Role of Respect in Debates35:18 School Choice and Educational Freedom43:00 Homeschooling Success Stories48:13 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome49:28 How to Connect with Chloe Anagnos50:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
And Just Like That writer and producer Samantha Irby joins to discuss the final season, the internet backlash, and what she really thinks about Aidan. Erin and Alyssa also dish on Pete Hegseth's praises for his bigoted pastor, Donald Trump's messy takeover of DC's police, and how school choice is ruining education funding in Arizona. They wrap with a scathing roast of Katie Miller's ridiculous new podcast for conservative moms. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reposts video of pastors saying women shouldn't vote (NPR 8/9)U.S. Air Force to deny early retirement benefits to some transgender service members (NPR 8/8)Restoring Confederate memorial to cost $10M: Army official (The Hill 8/7)Trump federalizes DC police, deploys National Guard (NBC Washington 8/11)Nudity on Oklahoma superintendent's office TV was just a mishap, state House speaker suggests (The 19th 8/7)LA County CEO paints bleak financial picture; public hospital closure a possibility (LAist 8/5)Public schools are closing as Arizona's school voucher program soars (Washington Post 8/5)
Think of Alexa Achille as an "Alexa" for innovative education in South Florida. A former special education teacher in the New York City public schools, Alexa finds great fulfillment in helping families discover the benefits of unconventional education. She is the founder of The Collabo in West Palm Beach, Florida, which empowers homeschooling families by providing enriching learning experiences for students, strategic resources for parents, and expert guidance on educational and post-secondary opportunities as a Choice Navigator. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.
What we've seen is incredible growth and popularity of educational choice being placed in the hands of parents and students rather than being placed at the mercy of assigned schools based on where lines are drawn on a map.
This episode is presented by Create A Video – AP Dillon joins me to discuss North Carolina Josh Stein's veto of a federal tax credit for school choice, passage of a state "mini-budget," and how Democrats are threatening to primary fellow Democrats for disagreeing over ICE enforcement. Dillon is a reporter for the North State Journal. She also publishes a Substack.com newsletter called More To The Story. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: If you choose to subscribe, get 15% off here! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jody Underwood, Ph.D of EdOpt.org breaks down their work to help New Hampshire families find the right school and education choices for their children, from home school to so much more.
On the latest episode of The South Florida, we devoted the whole hour to pick the brains of the superintendents of South Florida's three largest schools systems: Miami-Dade County Public Schools (1:09), Broward County Public Schools (21:12) and Palm Beach County School District (39:09). And while they're all feeling pretty good about receiving A-grades, they've got challenges ahead in the new school year that starts next week. Among them: stiff competition from private and charter schools, budget cuts and this new thing called A.I.
August 7, 2025 | Resizing Gov; Putin/Trump; Tariffs; Jones Act; mRNA; Satellites; Gaza | Yaron Brook ShowFrom shrinking government to the Putin–Trump power game, Yaron takes on tariffs, the Jones Act, mRNA breakthroughs, satellites, Gaza, and Hezbollah. No spin—just hard truths about economics, foreign policy, and freedom.Live Q&A: Revolutionary spirit vs. today's complacency, falling TV prices vs. rising college costs, Gaza's “starvation” claims, school choice ethics, moral judgment, Israel's PR problem, animal rights, Trump's tariffs myth, WWI, socialism's war on the family, and more.Key Time Stamps:02:15 Resizing Gov17:50 Putin/Trump30:15 Tariffs49:05 Jones Act1:01:40 mRNA1:08:40 Satellites1:11:20 Gaza1:19:55 Hezbollah1:27:00 Putin/TrumpLive Questions:1:28:49 Did early Americans think they would win v Britain? What principle changed to make it tolerable now?1:39:10 Is this "starvation in Gaza" narrative nothing but a modern day anti-Semitic olood libel? Or has Hamas found a way to effectively starve its own population?1:39:58 What about late Andrew Coulson's argument that non-refundable tax credits are only acceptable school choice option, with other options too coercive and associated with subsidization? Do ESAs facilitate single-payer education?1:49:41 College tuition went up 194.4% in the past 25 years. Has the VALUE of a college education gone up by at least that much since 2000?1:52:26 Rand had a principle that one must never fail to pronounce moral judgement. Could condemning and shaming someone who cheats on their spouse be an application of this principle?1:56:00 Are most Americans morally good most of the time and just don't realize they're being moral because altruism is the accepted morality? What are the consequences of denying egoism intellectually even if one practices it?1:57:02 Why is Israel so bad at PR? Or is antisemitism so entrenched, no matter what they do, they will be crushed by ignorance? Netanyahu tried to get on Joe Rogan's podcast and was turned down.1:58:22 Are animals our slaves?1:58:37 Some animals have demonstrated a limited but very real capacity for reason. Such as Elephants, Chimps, Magpies, and Dolphins. Should they have some limited rights to the degree of their limited reason?2:01:07 Who'd be in the coalition on Dodd-Frank repeal?2:01:38 Bill Maher, etc., are saying: “I guess Trump's tariffs aren't bad; economy is good; I was wrong.” But they're not even in effect yet. What's the deal?2:02:32 is it helpful to debate policy on social media?2:04:03 I've heard you say that USA shouldn't have entered WW1. Did you know that Germany bombed NY harbor in 1916 and were sinking US vessels in 1915 & 172:05:50 did you see any clips from the DSA (dem-soc of A) Town Hall? they want to abolish the family. Said marriage=prostitution; childhood=slavery2:08:10 Do you have time for Portugal/Spain recommendations if I send an itinerary? Mostly looking for great food.2:08:12 See pinned comment for timestamps of additional questions
August 6, 2025 | School Choice; Intl Students; Economic Data; Russia; Jones act; Ships; China | Yaron Brook ShowDon't miss this episode if you want to understand how ideas shape events—and how to fight back with reason, individualism, and freedom.
Susan Pendergrass speaks with Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children, about how a new federal scholarship tax credit, created through the One Big Beautiful Bill, could transform K–12 education across the country. They discuss what this means for Missouri families, the legal threats facing the MOScholars program, how education policy is shifting nationally, and more. Timestamps 00:00 The Evolution of School Choice in Missouri 02:59 Charter Schools and Teacher Innovation 05:40 The Impact of Lawsuits on Educational Freedom 08:35 Federal Tax Credit Programs and Their Implications 11:19 The Future of School Choice and Parental Empowerment Produced by Show-Me Opportunity
Steve Gruber talks with Brian Jodice, National Press Secretary for the American Federation for Children, to break down the so-called “dilemma” Democratic governors face over school choice tax credits. Jodice makes the case for why empowering parents through school choice isn't controversial, it's common sense.
THE TRUTH BEHIND WHY I'M AGAINST SCHOOL CHOICE
On this episode of the podcast, Senator Marsha Blackburn joins the conversation to expose the obstructionist tactics of Senate Democrats and highlight critical national security legislation, including bills to ban foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, specifically targeting China, end Sister City agreements with adversarial nations, and require U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assess the impact of foreign buyers on housing markets. The Tennessee Republican also calls for accountability in the wake of newly declassified documents implicating the FBI and the Clinton campaign in amplifying the debunked Russia collusion narrative.The second conversation on this episode is between Amanda Head and retired FBI Executive Assistant Director Chris Piehota who weighs in on the politicization of the Bureau, criticizing the weaponization of federal agencies for partisan purposes and praising current leadership for trying to restore the FBI's integrity. He warns of growing threats to national security if institutional trust isn't rebuilt.And finally, American Principles Project Executive Director Anthony LaBruna slams the National Education Association (NEA) after its annual convention devolves into a political rally against President Donald Trump. LaBruna calls for the NEA's charter to be revoked, citing a radical agenda that prioritizes gender politics over academic fundamentals. He predicts a mass exodus to homeschooling, private, and faith-based education as families seek refuge from failing public schools, and warns that union leaders' six-figure salaries are coming at the cost of students' futures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Some woman who clearly only heard what she wanted to decides to call in and make herself look like an idiot over school choice debate.
I was invited to speak at the Rankin County Republican breakfast this past Saturday morning by Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey, I used the opportunity to speak to the crowd about the dangers of school choice and it being the trojan horse to sneak in Jackson's cultural rot. The backlash hasn't been shocking at all, here's an hour of me making my case, it includes some woman trying to tell me I'm wrong and even calling me a racist.
On today's episode of my show, The Clay Edwards Show, I kick off with excitement for the third hour's Heavy Hitters segment featuring The Outlaw Entrepreneur Show. My guest, Lee Bailey from Salad Days, discusses our innovative indoor lettuce farm in Flora, Mississippi, which supplies high-quality, pesticide-free produce to restaurants and stores. I share my positive experience trying our butter lettuce, noting its exceptional freshness and longevity compared to store-bought options, and draw parallels to growing medical cannabis indoors. I recount personal stories, including my anticipation for meeting wrestling legend Ric Flair and a childhood memory of watching NWA wrestling with my grandfather, who despised Flair's antics. The show delves into a serious incident in Copiah County: following a fatal three-car crash involving drag racing, where 18-year-old Kensavion Brown lost his life, his father allegedly assaulted four responding firefighters, sending three to the hospital. I express sympathy for the family's loss but criticize the lack of charges, urging Sheriff Byron Swilley to act and emphasizing accountability for attacks on first responders. I discuss the emotional context but insist such actions are inexcusable, sharing listener reactions and stressing the need for equal application of the law. I address backlash from my recent speech at the Rankin County Republican Breakfast, where I railed against school choice policies. I argue against allowing public school transfers, particularly from Jackson to suburban districts like Rankin or Madison, claiming it invites "cultural cancer" and undermines sacrifices made by families who relocated for better education. I support money following students to charter or private schools but reject public-to-public transfers, citing examples of negative influences and questioning motives of proponents, whom I link to financial gains. A caller challenges my stance, praising school choice successes in neighboring states, but I defend my position as realistic, not racist, and call for a ballot initiative if it's truly popular. The episode wraps with me standing firm on my views and teasing continued discussion.
Washington Times Commentary Editor Kelly Sadler interviews Corey DeAngelis, school choice advocate and a senior fellow at the American Culture Project.
Today's guest, Tiffany Blassingame, is reimagining Christian education. As the founder and lead teacher at The Ferguson School—a progressive, faith-based K-5 microschool in Decatur, Georgia—she blends over 20 years of experience in public and private education with a heart for helping students thrive. A fourth-generation educator, Tiffany primarily serves Black and brown gifted and neurodiverse learners. Her passion for nurturing both students and teachers sparked the creation of the Microschool Teacher Academy, where she mentors microschool educators with real-world tools and insights. Read more about Tiffany in Kerry's recent Forbes.com article. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.
A state legislative leader says one of his top priorities for the next session is expanding school choice.Then, the Army Corps of Engineers hears what residents in Jackson think about different versions of the "One Lake Project", an effort to mitigate flooding along the Pearl River.Plus, students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center are relocating thousands of graves, a unique opportunity to better understand the state's medical history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us a textNo matter where your kids go to school, the heart of parenting is the same. In this final episode of our series, we reflect on what unites us as parents—why it's time to link arms, not draw lines—and how our shared love, values, and intentionality matter more than the location.
Charlie takes an hour of questions live from CK Exclusive subscribers, including: -Are expanded government school choices policies a Trojan horse to exert control over Christian or home schools? -What is the one good reason to go to college without a detailed career plan? -Should Major League Baseball have a salary cap? Become an Exclusives subscriber and ask Charlie a question on-air by going to members.charliekirk.com. Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Corey DeAngelis updates Michele on the latest insane behavior of teachers unions and how parents and teachers can respond. School Choice is a no brainer. Michele Tafoya is a four-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster turned political and cultural commentator. Record-setting, four-time Sports Emmy Award winner Michele Tafoya worked her final NBC Sunday Night Football game at Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, her fifth Super Bowl. She retired from sportscasting the following day. In total, she covered 327 games — the most national primetime TV games (regular + postseason) for an NFL sideline reporter. Learn More about “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://linktr.ee/micheletafoya Subscribe to “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://apple.co/3nPW221 Follow Michele on twitter: https://twitter.com/Michele_Tafoya Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmicheletafoya/ Learn more about the Salem Podcast network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Corey DeAngelis updates Michele on the latest insane behavior of teachers unions and how parents and teachers can respond. School Choice is a no brainer. Michele Tafoya is a four-time Emmy award-winning sportscaster turned political and cultural commentator. Record-setting, four-time Sports Emmy Award winner Michele Tafoya worked her final NBC Sunday Night Football game at Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022, her fifth Super Bowl. She retired from sportscasting the following day. In total, she covered 327 games — the most national primetime TV games (regular + postseason) for an NFL sideline reporter. Learn More about “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://linktr.ee/micheletafoya Subscribe to “The Michele Tafoya Podcast” here: https://apple.co/3nPW221 Follow Michele on twitter: https://twitter.com/Michele_Tafoya Follow Michele on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmicheletafoya/ Learn more about the Salem Podcast network: https://salempodcastnetwork.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Charlie takes an hour of questions live from CK Exclusive subscribers, including: -Are expanded government school choices policies a Trojan horse to exert control over Christian or home schools? -What is the one good reason to go to college without a detailed career plan? -Should Major League Baseball have a salary cap? Become an Exclusives subscriber and ask Charlie a question on-air by going to members.charliekirk.com. Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
My guest today is Emma Rodriguez, founder of Lighthouse Christian Academy, a microschool in Frisco, Texas that opened in January of this year. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Emma spent seven years teaching in one of the largest and fastest-growing school districts in the country. While she loved the classroom, she saw firsthand how traditional education often leaves students behind and families yearning for more meaningful connection. So she became an education entrepreneur. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.
Montgomery County Public Schools, MD, is on the verge of big changes in attendance boundaries, program access, and grading policy, but this summer faces political contestation between wanting these changes and deciding on whom to impose the cost of that change. Sunil Dasgupta talks with MCPS parent and Kensington resident Rebekah Kuschmider about the likelihood and cost of disbanding the regional school choice program centered on Silver Spring called the Down County Consortium (DCC) even as the school district seeks to expand choice more widely. Music by Washington DC prog rock band, A Shrewdness of Apes.
“Back To School” Yes, it's back-to-school time in much of Virginia come the first week of August and as we enter a universe where the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the dismantling of the Federal Department of Education, many Virginians feel uneasy about what that future will bring. As we said in the column from last week titled “Could an End to Funding Mean a Start to School Choice?” it is also a time of opportunity to go back to serving the children of Virginia and providing them with the tools to be great adults. In last week's column we touched on the Virginia Micro-School Network and so many people asked about what that was, we decided that we needed to sit down with Lindsey Zea with the Virginia Micro Schools network to find out what they are and where they are going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Alisha Searcy and Dr. Cara Candal of ExcelinEd interview former assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Education and co-founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute (DFI), Jim Blew. Mr. Blew reflects on his tenure in federal education leadership and his motivation for establishing DFI. He discusses the decades of rising federal K-12 spending through initiatives like RTTT, ESSA, and ESSER funds, instead calling for devolving federal authority out of the U.S. Department of Education, and more private school choice and charter public school innovation. Mr. Blew shares the origins and goals of the new national education tax credit law, which emphasizes private school choice options and state-level flexibility. He unpacks the program's key provisions, including tax credits for donations to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) that fund school choice for students. However, he raises concerns that the law's state “opt-in” requirement may sideline students in blue states led by school choice opponents. Finally, Mr. Blew addresses some constitutional and strategic concerns, arguing that federal education tax credits, if carefully structured, can enhance educational opportunity.
On this week's Education Gadfly Show, Mike returns for another solo episode, reflecting on the role of regulation in school choice—is it stifling innovation or saving us from bad schools?Then, on the Research Minute, Adam covers a study looking at the relationship between timed math testing and anxiety among fourth- and fifth-grade students.Recommended content:“Democrats' School Choice Dilemma” —Michael J. Petrilli, for the Wall Street Journal“Seizing educational dynamism” —Stéphane Lavertu and Tim Rosenberger, Thomas B. Fordham Institute“School Choice Should Take the Road Less Traveled” —Robert Enlow and Michael Q. McShane, Education Next“Of School Choice, Regulation, and the Real Road-Least Traveled” —Jed Wallace, CharterFolk“It's One Small, Ugly School Choice Expansion” —Michael Q. McShane, for the Wall Street Journal“Math anxiety in elementary students: Examining the role of timing and task complexity” —Kathrin E. Maki, Anne F. Zaslofsky, Robin Codding, and Breanne Woods, ScienceDirect (2024)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for improving our podcast? Send them to Stephanie Distler at sdistler@fordhaminstitute.org.
Today's guest is Sana Khan, a Board-certified Family Medicine Physician and founder of Ihsan Academy of Texas Microschool, a full-time, in-person program serving Grades 1-8 in Katy, Texas. The word Ihsan is Arabic for "Excellence", highlighting the vision of the school to provide Excellence in both the knowledge and application of the Islamic faith, and Academic Scholarship. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.
In this episode of American Potential, host David From is joined by Genevieve Collins, State Director of Americans for Prosperity–Texas, and Joel Enge, founder of Kingdom Life Academy, to share the extraordinary story behind the largest school choice legislation in American history. After more than a decade of advocacy, Texas has officially passed sweeping education savings account (ESA) legislation, unlocking new options for thousands of families. Collins explains how her team helped mobilize communities across the state to shift public opinion, change the political landscape, and secure a historic 86 votes in the Texas House. Joel Enge offers a deeply personal perspective. A former public school teacher in Tyler, Texas, Joel sold his home to launch a school that serves students struggling in traditional education environments. He shares how school choice will bring hope to low-income families, allow his micro-school to grow, and create life-changing opportunities for students through real-world, hands-on learning. This is the story of how grassroots action, policy expertise, and bold leadership came together to empower parents and give kids a better shot at success. Texas is now leading the way—and this episode explains why it matters for the entire country.