A Kansas teenager is set to graduate from his high school, and Harvard University this spring…at the same time. We have a whole lot of questions. Plus, is your school a happy place? Does it need to be in order to be successful? Our teacher’s answers might surprise you.
Discipline. Our teachers say their schools are starting to get it right. Now, Betsy DeVos is getting involved. Plus, the old tensions between charter schools and district schools is back in the headlines after a charter school strike in Chicago. And, how what month your child is born in affects whether they’re diagnosed with ADHD.
Can civics class save American democracy? Our teachers say the perennial debate has a new look after Trump’s election. Plus, schools are inequitable but, it turns out, so are PTAs. How this inequality changes the dynamic in schools. Finally, the epidemic of absenteeism.
Retirement. If you’re a young teacher you might not be thinking about it much, but our veteran teachers say you should start right now. Plus, tis the season for snow days. Students and teachers love them, right? Why snow days can be so disruptive. And, homework in kindergarten…is that too young?
Above photo from Jorg Schubert
There is a growing schism among education reformers. One side says schools should be held account for their performance…even to the point of closing them down. The other believes we should give them more resources and funding to see what happens. This conflict has come to a dramatic point in New York City with an initiative called Renewal. New York Times reporter Eliza Shapiro talks with us about what this all means for education reform efforts across the country.
Now that there are artificial intelligence news anchors…are A.I. teachers on the horizon? Plus, a group nazi salute in a prom photo is the latest subject of internet outrage. But what should educator’s reactions be when their students do dumb offensive things?
The teaching profession notoriously has trouble recruiting and retaining teachers of color. We discuss why that is and what can be done about it. Plus, a new digital divide…it’s not about having too little technology, but having too much.
It’s one of the most difficult topics to discuss in schools: white fragility. And yet, it has major seen and unseen effects on faculty and students. This week, we talk with Robin DiAngelo—the woman who coined the term “white fragility”—about what educators can do to address it in school.
The Trump administration wants to redefine gender. Young trans people and their teachers are ready to fight back. Plus, should teachers stay neutral about controversial topics in class? Is that even possible? One Chicago teacher thought her district’s directive about the Laquan Mcdonald killing wasn’t right. And, teacher effectiveness…it’s not longer just about the test scores. What’s the best way to evaluate a teacher’s work?
Holding back students a grade level is seen by many as a way to uphold rigorous academic standards…but it can also backfire. Plus, we thought after this spring’s rallies that teens were going to be a voting force in the year’s midterms…does that still hold true?
America is argumentative right now…are schools partly to blame? Plus, everyone knows play is beneficial for students, but kids are doing it less and less. Also, acne…it’s still a big deal for teenagers, but maybe not for the reasons you think.
On this episode: what’s the difference between a 0 and a 50 percent…our teacher’s say it could mean everything. Plus, when does your school start…whatever time it is, experts say it’s likely too early.
The sexual assault allegations against Brett Kavanaugh feel very familiar to our teachers. They say too many of their kids have similar stories to tell. Plus, should school end their football programs? Those topics and “Kids These Days” on this episode!
America’s students are getting more diverse…but our teaching force is going in the opposite direction. Plus, you know that phrase those who can’t do, teach…well a new piece turns that idea on it’s head. And, as always “Kids These Days”.
Should schools monitor student’s social media to help prevent school shootings and suicides, or is that an invasion of privacy? Also, we like to think schools are making progress when it comes to being inclusive. But the tragic story of a nine year old who came out as gay reminds us we may not have come as far as we want. Those stories plus “Kids These Days”.
As more states require students to take the ACT/SAT, we ask...is that actually a good idea? Plus, kids are not reading for fun as much as they once did, but we're not ready to give up on books just yet. All that and "Kids These Days".
A new study shows that the fight against hate in American schools could be most intense in the suburbs...but are suburban teachers ready for it? Plus, LeBron James opens a public school in his home town. Our teachers say the important word there is "public".
A classroom debate over the confederate flag goes viral, and we sit down with the teacher and student at the center of the conversation.
Gifted and talented education...is it ultimately good? Some advocates are going so far as to say such programs should be eliminated entirely.
Are the migrant children separated from their families at the U.S. border receiving any sort of education, and if so...is it adequate? We speak with a New York Times reporter to get some answers.
