Podcasts about School choice

John Danner, co-founder and CEO of Flourish Schools, joins Kerry McDonald to discuss how his new Nashville-based microschool network is reimagining middle school education. Drawing on his experience founding Rocketship Public Schools, Danner explains how Flourish uses AI to automate foundational learning while empowering teachers to focus on students' “superpowers” — curiosity, communication, and leadership. He and Kerry explore the balance between technology and humanity in education, the promise of microschools in ESA states, and what it takes to build joyful learning environments that truly help children flourish. ***   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!

Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with the Honorable Benjamin S. Carson, Sr. M.D., one of America's most principled leaders, a brilliant mind, and a champion of freedom. Dr. Ben Carson is the founder and chairman of the American Cornerstone Institute, the 17th U.S. Secretary of the Department of Housing and Development, and former director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The conversation focuses on: * Domestic and foreign policy initiatives with a review on the successes of the second Trump Administration. * The importance of faith, family and patriotism in protecting our freedoms in America. * The ills of marxism and socialism and their manifestation in America. * Expanding homeownership and reigniting the American Dream. * Affirming Israel's sovereignty and protecting Jewish communities in the West. Our conversation also highlights Dr. Ben Carson's must-read book "The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family." Quote from Dr. Ben Carson's book, "The Perilous Fight": "The perilous fight" was penned by Francis Scott Key in the midst of a most difficult and pivotal moment in our nation's history when twenty British ships bombarded Fort McHenry from the Baltimore Harbor. It was on the morning of September 14, 1814 that Francis Scott Key wrote about the ramparts, and the land of the free and the home of the brave which inspired a nation and became a rallying victory call. “The perilous fight—those words arrest my attention whenever I place my right hand over my heart and face the flag at the playing of our national anthem. They are a reminder that America was born in a crucible of fire. Freedom was not given freely but had to be fought for and defended.” ~ Dr. Ben Carson Biography | Dr. Ben Carson In 1973, Ben Carson graduated from Yale University. He went on to receive his M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School. At the age of 33, Dr. Carson became the chief of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, making him the youngest major division director in the hospital's history. This would be among an extensive list of outstanding firsts for Dr. Carson. Dr. Carson's accomplishments have earned him a place in medical history. He performed the first and only successful separation of craniopagus (Siamese) twins joined at the back of the head in 1987. He also performed the first fully successful separation of type-2 vertical craniopagus twins in 1997 in South Africa. In his career, Dr. Carson became a professor of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery, and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center for over 29 years. In 2016, Dr. Carson accepted the position of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under the Trump administration. After completing his tenure as the 17th Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2021, Dr. Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute. This organization is focused on fighting for the principles that have guided him through life and that make this country great: faith, liberty, community and life. Dr. Carson and his wife, Candy Carson, co-founded the Carson Scholars Fund, which recognizes young people of all backgrounds for exceptional academic and humanitarian accomplishments. The organization has awarded more than 11,000 scholarships and paid out more than $8.9 million in scholarships. The Carson Scholars Fund is currently operating in 50 states and the District of Columbia, and since its founding, has installed more than 270 Ben Carson Reading Rooms around the country. In 2021, Dr. Carson founded the American Cornerstone Institute (ACI), a conservative think tank centered around advancing policies that promote “faith, liberty, community, and life.” Dr. and Mrs. Carson reside in Florida. They are the proud parents of three sons and three daughters-in-law, and blessed grandparents of eight grandchildren. Visit the American Cornerstone Institute's website (https://americancornerstone.org/) The American Cornerstone Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2021 by Dr. Ben Carson that focuses on advancing America's founding principles of faith, liberty, community, and life. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 Twitter: @RealBenCarson @ileaderssummit @AmericasRT @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

In this powerful episode of An Educated Guest, host Todd Zipper sits down with Michael Moe, Founder and CEO of GSV Ventures, to discuss the seismic shifts occurring across the entire learning ecosystem. Michael, who was a key figure in analyzing the first online education boom, shares his perspective on the current state of education, which he describes as a mix of "chaos and dynamic opportunity." The conversation moves from the historical rise and fall of institutions like the University of Phoenix to the present-day impact of AI. Michael makes a compelling case that AI will accelerate the need for continuous, lifelong learning and discusses his framework of the Seven C's—the foundational, durable skills required for success in the 21st-century workforce. He also offers an unvarnished view of the K-12 and Higher Education funding landscape, highlighting how the rise of school choice and the immense burden of student debt are creating both a crisis and a golden age for innovative education models. Michael concludes by offering his bullish take on why now is the ideal time to invest capital in the EdTech space.Key Takeaways from this Episode:The Shift from Degree to Skills: Why the degree is no longer the sole ticket to prosperity, and how employers are moving to skills-based hiring.The Power of Invisible Learning: How gamification and new models will thread learning into our daily lives, making it continuous and engaging.School Choice and Accountability: Michael's belief that school choice, supported by 75% of Americans, is forcing necessary market accountability onto the entire K-12 system.The Investment Thesis: Why EdTech valuations are "dramatically too pessimistic" and why the industry's talent and opportunity have never been stronger.A Bold Prediction: Michael's long-term vision for American education to reclaim its status as the "best in the world," where "elite means excellence, not scarcity."About Our Guest:Michael Moe is the Founder and CEO of GSV Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on the multi-trillion-dollar education and future of work sectors. He is the co-founder of the ASU GSV Summit and is renowned for his expertise in analyzing disruptive, high-growth businesses.

You're listening to the Faith and Law podcast. This spring, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, protecting the right of parents to direct the religious upbringing of their children and to opt their young children out of one-sided gender ideology curriculum in public schools.Our panel of experts, in partnership with the Becket Fund For Religious Liberty, explored the Mahmoud decision and what it means for the future of parental rights and religious freedomSupport the show

Susan Pendergrass speaks with Marty Lueken, director of EdChoice's Fiscal Research and Education Center, about the 2025 Fiscal Fact Book. They discuss how much is really spent per student, where the money comes from, why staffing has grown even as enrollment has declined, the fiscal impact of school choice programs, and more. Produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Kerry McDonald welcomes Charles and Charissa Mitchell, two of the four co-founders of the Threefold Schoolhouse, an Acton Academy located outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They share their inspiring story of building a learner-driven microschool that launched with just 10 students in 2019 and today serves 65 learners from pre-kindergarten through high school.  The Mitchells talks about the entrepreneurial challenges they've faced—from zoning restrictions and temporary spaces to navigating outdated education regulations—while staying true to Acton Academy's philosophy that embraces curiosity, experimentation, and failure as essential parts of the learning process. They also discuss their vision for helping young people discover their calling and make a global impact, and why they believe we are living through an education revolution. ***   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!

Mississippi school accountability grades are released. How well did schools score? We'll take a look.Then, Mississippi lawmakers are hearing arguments for and against proposals on school choice. Plus, what are those white fluffy balls you see floating in the air? They're actually insects. More on that ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former state Representative Mesha Mainor, once a Democrat and now a Republican, joins hosts Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy to discuss her run for state school superintendent. Mainor explains why she's challenging incumbent Richard Woods, her push for school choice, and her views on issues ranging from teacher autonomy to school safety. The hosts also unpack how her candidacy fits into Georgia's broader political battles over education and culture. Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We'll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions at PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen in as LeiLani and Shaka Mitchell, Nashville-based lawyer, facilitator and national leader in education reform policy discuss the school choice expansion and the many different roles that AI is playing in the expansion.

In part 2 of this episode, MacKenzie sits down with Stacy Hock, Vice Chair of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, to discuss the current landscape of K-12 education reform. Drawing on her experience as an education leader and mom of four with kids in public, private, and Alpha schools, Stacy shares her perspective on tailoring education to each child's unique needs and path. She also digs into the red tape and regulations that often hold schools back, and how reform could open doors for more innovation in learning.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and the Center for Public Schools' Alisha Searcy interview Kerry McDonald, Senior Education Fellow at the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), host of the LiberatED podcast, and author of Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling (2025). As a leading advocate for alternative schooling, McDonald shares how her educational background shaped her philosophy of learner-driven schooling and traces the history of homeschooling in America, highlighting the hurdles families have overcome in recent years. She reflects on the COVID-19 shutdowns that placed more than 50 million students into “Zoom school,” discussing lessons from that period and the ongoing problem of learning loss. McDonald concludes the interview examining the expansion of school choice programs in more than 20 states, weighing taxpayer costs and potential positive impact on students' academic performance.

In this episode, the conversation centered on the launch of Thomas More Classical School in Anchorage, set to open in 2026. The guest, Headmaster Sarah Spaulding, explained the school's mission to bring classical education to Alaska and described how the model emphasizes forming both intellect and character. The discussion highlighted what sets classical education apart: its grounding in the seven liberal arts, its reliance on teacher-led classrooms, and its emphasis on virtue, truth, and beauty. Spaulding explained that the school is supported by Hillsdale College's K–12 Education Office, which provides training and curriculum guidance, while the school itself remains locally governed and tuition-funded. Listeners also heard about practical details, including the timeline for opening, the application process starting in October 2025, and the plan to begin with 120 students in kindergarten through sixth grade before expanding into a full K–12 program. Spaulding described how extracurricular activities will grow with enrollment and emphasized the school's commitment to keeping tuition accessible with financial aid options. A portion of the conversation explored the history of Thomas More, the school's namesake, and how his devotion to education, integrity, and faith mirrors the school's mission. The episode closed with encouragement for Anchorage families to learn more, visit the school's website, and consider whether classical education is the right fit for their children.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 The Speaker’s Stump Speech is titled “America First, or Democracy will be Last” and is about Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly and is sponsored by https://www.hansenstree.com/ 16:48 SEG 2 Andrew Handel, Director of ALEC’s Education and Workforce Development Task Force | TOPIC: The latest NAEP scores continue to affirm that change is needed in the way America thinks about K-12 education. | We must reimagine it to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy and society. That means empowering parents, putting students first, and holding schools accountable for the results they produce. | Andrew has immediate solutions state lawmakers can implement to reverse this trend 1. Empower Parents 2. Ensure High-Quality Instruction 3. Create Distraction-Free Learning Environments 4. Minimize Chronic Absenteeism 5. Expand Teacher Pathways alec.orgx.com/AndrewHandel 34:00 SEG 3 How many millions of dollars do you need to raise a kid these days? 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 The Speaker’s Stump Speech is titled “America First, or Democracy will be Last” and is about Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly and is sponsored by https://www.hansenstree.com/ 16:48 SEG 2 Andrew Handel, Director of ALEC’s Education and Workforce Development Task Force | TOPIC: The latest NAEP scores continue to affirm that change is needed in the way America thinks about K-12 education. | We must reimagine it to meet the demands of a rapidly changing economy and society. That means empowering parents, putting students first, and holding schools accountable for the results they produce. | Andrew has immediate solutions state lawmakers can implement to reverse this trend 1. Empower Parents 2. Ensure High-Quality Instruction 3. Create Distraction-Free Learning Environments 4. Minimize Chronic Absenteeism 5. Expand Teacher Pathways alec.orgx.com/AndrewHandel 34:00 SEG 3 How many millions of dollars do you need to raise a kid these days? 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.

Simon Laird joins Josh to discuss the Educational Choice for Children Act, a new federal school choice act passed as part of the Big Beautiful Bill. They explore the act's provisions, its impact on existing state-level school choice laws, its effects on schools, and whether states might opt out of the program. Simon's article in the Arizona Republic:   https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2025/09/04/arizona-sgo-private-school-tuition-scholarships/85894339007/   Follow Simon on Substack and at Young Voices:   https://substack.com/@simonlaird?r=3goao8&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile https://www.joinyv.org/talent/simon-laird   Check out Simon's other project at:   https://www.schoolsshouldnotteachlies.org/    

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with David Richards, founder and CEO of Changemaker Education, about his fascinating career path from banking to teaching, to launching charter schools, and now microschools. David shares how a simple LinkedIn post sparked the launch of six pilot microschools across the country—and how he plans to grow that network to 100 schools over the next decade. The conversation explores the promise and pitfalls of scaling microschools, including lessons from the charter school movement, the challenges of measuring quality, and the importance of keeping love, empowerment, and innovation at the center. David and Kerry also discuss how microschools can influence broader education systems—much like Netflix reshaped entertainment—and what it will take to prevent them from becoming burdened by bureaucracy. ***   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!

In this episode, Sarah welcomes Greg Harrell, the newest addition to the IQE/MSO team, for his podcast debut. Greg shares his background in public service, education, and government, and provides an in-depth look at the recently released 2025 IREAD scores—Indiana's critical assessment for third-grade literacy. Together, they discuss the state's post-pandemic progress, key education policy priorities, and the strong results from Indiana's non-public schools.Key Takeaways: Meet Greg Harrell: Greg's roots in southern Indiana, his career path from state government to education advocacy, and his passion for policy and school choice. What is IREAD? Overview of Indiana's IREAD test for third graders: Origins, purpose, and why it matters. The evolution of the assessment since its 2013 implementation. The 2025 IREAD Results: Statewide increase: Over 87% of third graders passed, hitting pre-pandemic levels. Record gains: Largest year-over-year improvement since the test's creation, with about 6,000 more students passing compared to last year. Non-public schools shine: 96% proficiency rate for Indiana's private schools. Factors Driving Improvement: $170 million invested since 2022 in literacy initiatives (public and philanthropic funding, including from Lilly Endowment). Earlier identification and support: Second graders now take IREAD, helping educators identify and assist struggling students sooner. Looking Forward: The Department of Education's ambitious goal: 95% of third graders passing IREAD by 2027. Ongoing policy priorities: Defending school choice, reducing unnecessary regulation, and tweaking programs for better outcomes in the 2026 legislative session. Why School Choice Matters: Greg's personal perspective on the evolution and importance of educational choice in Indiana. The alignment between K-12 and higher education in empowering families and students with options. Did you find this episode informative? Help us out! Leave a review Share it with your friends Give us a 5 Star rating on your podcatcher of choice For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org

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What does it take to launch and grow a thriving microschool for neurodiverse learners? Kerry McDonald talks with Yorelle Haroush, founder of Trailblazers Microschool in Florida, about her entrepreneurial journey, her adventure-based approach to learning, and the overwhelming demand from families looking for alternatives to conventional schooling. Yorelle discusses both the challenges and the opportunities of starting small, scaling sustainably, and envisioning a global future for microschooling. ***   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!

Across the U.S., students are heading back to school. But here's the reality: despite record levels of public education funding, student performance is flat—or more likely declining—in many places.Nearly twenty states have adopted near-universal Education Savings Accounts, giving families more freedom. Yet in many others, progress lags. Even where legislation has recently passed, like in Texas, the programs often fall short of true, universal choice in terms of all students, all options, and all dollars.The time for a school choice revolution is now! In this episode of This Week's Economy, I break down why education needs choice, competition, and innovation—and how those principles can transform not just the lives of individual students, but families, communities, and the future of our nation.You can catch the full episode on YouTube, Apple Podcast, or Spotify.Visit: VanceGinn.comSubscribe: VanceGinn.Substack.com

In this episode of American Potential, host David From sits down with Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton to discuss how his state is leading the way on education freedom and fiscal responsibility. Sexton shares why parents, not bureaucrats, should decide how their children are educated and explains how Tennessee's bold school choice program is empowering families with more options. He also highlights how competition is driving public schools to improve while ensuring every student has the chance to succeed, no matter their zip code. The conversation doesn't stop with education. Speaker Sexton also pulls back the curtain on how Tennessee is saving taxpayers money by cutting waste, paying down debt, and pushing back against the strings that come attached to federal funding. From rejecting costly mandates to insisting on greater oversight of grant dollars, Sexton outlines a common-sense approach to governing that keeps taxes low and opportunities high. His story shows what principled leadership can accomplish when freedom and accountability come first.

In this episode of The P.A.S. Report Podcast, Professor Nick Giordano welcomes Rich Valdes, host of America at Night, for a hard-hitting discussion on today's political and cultural landscape. From the Democrats' reliance on grievance politics to Trump's evolution as a political strategist, the two break down how cultural shifts are reshaping voter priorities. They also dive into the media's complex relationship with Trump, the deep state's challenges, and the high-stakes battle for New York City's mayoral race. This conversation reveals the forces driving America's political future and what it means for everyday citizens.   Episode Highlights How Democrats use grievance politics and why it's backfiring with voters focused on everyday issues. Trump's evolution into a calmer, more strategic leader and his ongoing battle with the deep state. The national implications of New York's mayoral race and why Curtis Sliwa's grassroots support matters.

Tucked inside the One Big Beautiful Bill Act was a first-of-its-kind provision establishing a federal tax credit scholarship program that has the chance to greatly expand school choice for families across the country. Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow for the American Federation for Children, joins us to analyze the implications of this provision and discuss the school choice movement writ large.

Today... Montrose Classical Academy, twice denied by the local school board, is appealing to the Colorado State Board of Education in hopes of opening a tuition-free classical charter school in Montrose by 2026. And later... More than two-hundred neglected cats and dogs were rescued from a Delta County property, while the seventy-eight-year-old owner faces over two-hundred counts of animal cruelty as her court case continues.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Jochim, principal at the Center on Reinventing Public Education and mom of four, joins Mike Petrilli and David Griffith on the Education Gadfly Show to continue our debate on private school choice and regulation. She also discusses how Democrats' defense of public schools often clashes with families' real experiences, and why clear, consumer-facing information is essential to making choice work. On the Research Minute, Adam Tyner highlights a new NBER study from Chicago showing that giving principals more autonomy can boost student achievement— though effects vary widely depending on leadership capacity.Recommended content Unfettered Choice Has Not Delivered on Promises to Milwaukee Families —Ashley Jochim, Education NextInnovation, regulation, and school choice, with Mike McShane | Episode 984 of The Education Gadfly Show Overregulated charter schools: Fact or fiction? —Michael J. PetrilliThe mixed blessing of new school measures—Chester E. Finn, Jr.When decentralization works: Leadership, local Needs, and student achievement—C. Kirabo Jackson, NBER (2025)Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for our show? Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

- Our safety is our responsibility. -Corey DeAngelis joins us to discuss how our education system has failed our youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this educational crossroads of our country, Christians can help loosen the stranglehold of the state over education. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.  

In this episode of the LiberatED podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Maggie Van Camp, founder of Happy Hens Farm & Forest School in New Hampshire. Maggie shares her journey from teaching in the Boston Public Schools to building a thriving microschool inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, blending outdoor learning, the arts, acdemics, and homesteading on her 11-acre property. She explains how her licensed home daycare and K-8 microschool program serve both young children and homeschoolers—most supported through New Hampshire's Education Freedom Accounts—and why universal school choice is creating fertile ground for microschools across the state. Maggie also discusses her new yurt classroom, the role of play in learning, and her vision for keeping education small, personalized, and deeply connected to nature. ***   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!

What does it take to step outside the system and build something new? Nadine Smith, founder of The Gathering Place, an all-girls microschool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sits down with Kerry McDonald to share her story of leaving the public school system to create a microschool focused on personalized, mastery-based learning. They discuss the realities of running a small school, Nadine's plans for expansion—including a potential farm-based campus—and why Nadine believes the future of education lies in microschools. Born in Jamaica and raised in New York City, Nadine is a proud graduate of the New York City public schools. She began her career as a humanities teacher, spending over a decade teaching English Language Arts, Reading, and History. She went on to serve as an instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal. For more than 12 years, Nadine led schools in some of Washington DC's most historically underserved communities. Nadine ultimately made the decision to walk away from traditional education to become an education entrepreneur. ***   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!

In this episode of Education Matters, hosts Cesar Roman and Sarah Milligan sit down with Kim Graham, Director of Organizing and Partnerships at EmpowerED Families, to unpack what school choice looks like across Indiana—and how families can make the most of it. With over two decades of experience as an educator, advocate, and mom, Kim shares how families can navigate Indiana's evolving K–12 landscape, from understanding new high school diploma options to partnering effectively with schools. She also highlights the importance of asking the right questions, staying engaged, and knowing what resources are available to help families find the best educational fit. Whether you're a parent, guardian, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insights on how informed families help drive student success. Key Takeaways:

Two months after Congress created the nation's first federal tax-credit scholarship program, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson has yet to decide if the state will opt in. Supporters, including Vicki Murray of the Washington Policy Center, say the program offers a win for students and taxpayers, while Ferguson has expressed skepticism. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/will-gov-ferguson-opt-wa-in-on-federal-tax-credits-for-school-choice/ #WashingtonState #SchoolChoice #EducationPolicy #TaxCreditScholarship #BobFerguson #WashingtonPolicyCenter #StudentScholarships #EducationFunding

On Saturday September 6th, a special statewide education summit will be held in Richmond. The hosts are the Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, which includes the Middle Resolution, Virginia Institute for Public Policy, the Heritage Foundation and leaders in the homeschooling and micro-school movements and the day-long event will look at all of the options open to Virginia Families and discuss greater possibilities in the future. We sat down with the VEOA director Craig DiSesa to look at those opportunities now and in the future at the State Policy Network Annual Meeting where the growth of school choice was a large portion of the program. Keep Up With The Daily Signal   Sign up for our email newsletters:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.dailysignal.com/email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠     Subscribe to our other shows:    The Tony Kinnett Cast: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2284199939⁠ The Signal Sitdown: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL2026390376⁠   Problematic Women:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL7765680741⁠   Victor Davis Hanson: ⁠https://megaphone.link/THEDAILYSIGNAL9809784327⁠     Follow The Daily Signal:    X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/intent/user?screen_name=DailySignal⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thedailysignal/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Facebook:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/TheDailySignalNews/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Truth Social:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://truthsocial.com/@DailySignal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  YouTube:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/dailysignal?sub_confirmation=1⁠    Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A push to expand publicly-funded school choice programs across the country is gaining steam. In only three decades, the practice has grown dramatically and President Trump is supportive of the idea. But what effect do school choice policies have on the K-12 education system as a whole? And where do charter schools fit in this debate? In this discussion from the 2025 Aspen Ideas Festival, three education experts from various perspectives report on what the data is telling us and highlight the nuances we should be considering. Alberto Carvalho is the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the second largest district in the country. Education journalist Cara Fitzpatrick reports for Chalkbeat and is the author of “The Death of Public School: How Conservatives Won the War Over Education in America.” And Tommy Schultz is the CEO of the American Federation for Children, which advocates for school choice. CBS co-anchor John Dickerson moderates the conversation, which was recorded in June.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts U-Arkansas Prof. Albert Cheng and American Federation for Children Senior Fellow Shaka Mitchell interview John Kirtley, Managing Partner and co-founder of Keswick Partners, and founder and Chairman of Step Up For Students, a nonprofit that manages Florida's state-funded K-12 scholarship programs serving over half a million students. Kirtley shares his journey from the private sector into education reform in the late 1990s, and why business leaders must actively engage in shaping K-12 policy. He reflects on Florida's steady, incremental expansion of school choice programs, explaining how this long-term approach built a critical mass of school choice families despite longstanding opposition, and offers lessons for newer ESA states like Arizona, Texas, and Iowa that seek to accelerate growth. Mr. Kirtley addresses challenges ahead, from ensuring a strong supply of high-quality private schools to managing the complexities of universal ESA programs. He also discusses how to measure and maintain accountability in parent-driven school choice programs, strategies to reverse stagnating NAEP scores, and the opportunities presented by the new federal education tax credit program.

Mike McShane, Director of National Research for EdChoice, joins us on the Education Gadfly Show to debate tradeoffs when it comes to regulation and innovation in the charter school and private school choice sectors.Then, on the Research Minute, Adam Tyner shares a report from the Urban Institute looking at college and career indicators and how they relate to research on post-high school outcomes. Recommended content: On school choice:Overregulated charter schools: Fact or fiction? —Michael J. PetrilliSchool choice should take the road less traveled —Robert Enlow and Michael Q. McShane, Education Next Charter school regulation means keeping the destination in sight —Thibaut DelloueFrom the Research Minute:Which college and career readiness standards best align with positive outcomes after high school? —Kristin Blagg, The Urban Institute (July 2025) The vibes for career-tech programs are great. But they're too rare. —Michael J. Petrilli--Feedback Welcome: Have ideas for our show? Send them to thegadfly@fordhaminstitute.org

In this episode of LiberatED, Kerry McDonald talks with education entrepreneur Courtney Klein—co-founder of All One Thing and SUNSCHOOL, and Senior Strategist with ASU Prep. Courtney shares her remarkable journey as a social impact entrepreneur from founding her first nonprofit at age 21, to starting SEED SPOT, a global startup incubator, to now leading cutting-edge ventures in alternative education. Courtney's story highlights how entrepreneurship can unlock new opportunities for families, educators, and communities to create flexible, meaningful learning environments that move beyond the traditional classroom. ***   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!

Join Jamison and Matt as they provide a high-level view of the federal school choice program, which is contained inside the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3).  Will the program be available in your state? How much is available through the program? How has AACS been involved in the process? Be sure to listen to find out!

House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, on the heels of a first select committee hearing on school choice and other education policy, tells Mississippi Today that lawmakers should be open to discussions on school choice, consolidation or any other measures that might move the state's education system forward. "The only people who don't have school choice now are poor kids," Roberson said. He said such issues need to be detached from partisan politics and viewed with open minds.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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)

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.