K-12 Education: Untangled — Trends, Issues, and Parental Actions for Public Schools
Raising kids can be tough! I know because I’ve been a single mom who raised two kids on my own. And when they get in the K-12 public education system, learning the ins and outs of that system can get you all tangled up, especially when you’re a parent of color. You need to know about the current trends and issues as well as resources necessary to navigate within the system. That’s what the K-12 Education: Untangled podcast is all about — providing you with tools, information and practical actions to help you and your children succeed within the complexities of K-12 public education.
Episodes
146 episodes
Episode 144: Boundaries Aren't Selfish, They're Necessary
In this episode, I explore the crucial role of boundaries in creating healthy relationships and maintaining personal well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, I provide a comprehensive guide to identifying, settin...
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Season 3
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Episode 144
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24:08
Episode 143: Decoding Educational Jargon — Understanding Education's Secret Language
Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of educational terminology? You're not alone. In this illuminating episode, I break down the secret language of education that often leaves parents feeling confused and powerless during school meetings....
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Season 3
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Episode 143
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35:30
Episode 142: The Digital Distraction — How Wireless Devices Are Hijacking Student Learning
Digital devices have transformed our classrooms, but at what cost to our children's learning? This eye-opening exploration reveals how smartphones and tablets are quietly reshaping the cognitive landscape of K-12 education, creating generation-...
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Season 3
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Episode 142
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20:56
Episode 141: Design Thinking Unleashed — From Classroom Theory to Community Action
Ever wondered how students can develop the skills they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world? Design thinking might be the key we've been overlooking. This powerful approach to creative problem-solving isn't just changing how students le...
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Season 3
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Episode 141
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21:41
Episode 140: Tuning Out Noise, Tuning In Purpose — Using Nature to Reclaim Your Focus
When was the last time you felt truly energized, keenly focused, and fired up about your life and purpose? In today's noisy world of endless notifications and social media scrolling, finding clarity can feel like searching for a whisper in a hu...
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Season 3
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Episode 140
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22:16
Episode 139: Shots or Not? The Ethical Tug-of-War Between Parental Rights and Community Health
The delicate balance between mandatory health requirements and parental rights has become one of the most contentious issues in our public education system. As measles cases surge across 24 states and vaccination rates continue to decline, fami...
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Season 3
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Episode 139
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30:40
Episode 138: When Politics Meets the Classroom — How Federal Education Cuts Threaten Communities of Color
The battle over the Department of Education's existence isn't just political theater—it's a seismic shift that threatens to reshape American education, particularly for our most vulnerable students. When federal oversight disappears, who protec...
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Season 3
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Episode 138
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30:50
Episode 137: Continuous Improvement and Accreditation in Education: Myth or Club?
Imagine sending your child to a school that claims to be "continuously improving" year after year, yet educational outcomes continue to decline. Something doesn't add up, right? This episode dives deep into the mechanisms behind sc...
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Season 3
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Episode 137
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32:48
Episode 136: Balancing the Books and the Brain — Why Student Wellness Matters
The relentless push for academic excellence often comes at a steep price for our children's mental health and overall development. As students progress through middle and high school, the scales increasingly tip toward achievement metrics while...
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Season 3
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Episode 136
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31:05
Episode 135: Small Actions, Big Results — How to Stay Motivated When Life Gets Overwhelming
Feeling drained by the constant stream of educational changes and mandates? You're not alone. Navigating today's K-12 landscape while supporting your children and maintaining your household can leave even the most dedicated parents feeling over...
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Season 3
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Episode 135
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29:41
Episode 134: Homeschooling — The Path to Raising Leaders, Not Just Box-Checkers
Ever wondered if there's a better way to educate your children than traditional schooling? My fascinating conversation with homeschool mentor Kami Wanous reveals why more families across all demographics are choosing to take education into thei...
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Season 3
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Episode 134
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31:55
Episode 133: Beyond Report Cards — Strengthening the School-Home Connection
What happens when the crucial link between home and school breaks down? The consequences can be devastating for students caught in the middle. Recent data from the 2024 K-12 Family Communication Survey reveals alarming gaps: more than 78% of fa...
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Season 3
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Episode 133
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30:13
Episode 132: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All in Education — Discovering UDL
Are you ready to rethink traditional teaching methods? This episode delves into the transformative framework of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that empowers educators to create inclusive classrooms. By prioritizing diverse learning styles,...
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Season 3
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Episode 132
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32:51
Episode 131: Balancing Act — Mastering Life's Demands with Emotional Intelligence & Resilience
Ever wonder how to keep all the plates spinning without burning out? Join me as I share my personal journey in juggling the demanding roles of partner, parent, and professional. Through this episode, I promise you'll gain valuable insights into...
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Season 3
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Episode 131
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32:15
Episode 130: Portrait of a Graduate — Preparing for Life Beyond the Classroom
What if the traditional measurements of educational success are holding students back rather than preparing them for the future? Join me as I navigate the shifting landscape of K-12 education, where the focus is increasingly on equipping studen...
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Season 3
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Episode 130
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30:30
Episode 129: Leveraging Esports — Empowering Student Engagement and Success in Education
Unlock the potential of video games in education with me as I venture into the rapidly growing world of esports in K-12 schools. Discover how schools are employing esports to engage students who may not be drawn to traditional extracurricular a...
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Season 3
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Episode 129
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20:58
Episode 128: Parent Power —The Rise and Impact of Micro-Schools
What if you could reclaim control over your child's education and create a thriving learning environment tailored to their needs? Join me as I explore the transformative world of micro-schools and the promise they hold for families seeking pers...
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Season 3
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Episode 128
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35:45
Episode 127: Redefining Success — Navigating Life's Changing Stages and Transitions
Success is a moving target that shifts as we journey through life's stages. Join me as I explore how success evolves beyond the confines of wealth, embedding itself in our emotions, self-awareness, and ability to cultivate resilience and peace ...
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Season 3
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Episode 127
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36:41
Episode 126: Transforming Learning Environments with the Power of Color
Could the colors around us actually shape the way we learn? Join me as I explore the transformative power of color and lighting in K-12 educational spaces. Discover how the warmth of Peach Fuzz, the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, can energize ...
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Season 3
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Episode 126
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26:57
Episode 125: Closing the Critical Thinking Gap in Education
This episode dives into the critical thinking gap within K-12 education, exploring its underlying causes and implications for student success. We discuss pivotal strategies to enhance critical thinking among students and the vital role of paren...
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Season 3
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Episode 125
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29:42
Episode 124: Embracing Diversity: Building Inclusive Classrooms for All Learners
The episode explores the significance of inclusive classrooms, emphasizing their benefits for all students, including those with special needs. It highlights the essential roles of tolerance, collaboration among teachers and parents, and the ne...
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Season 3
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Episode 124
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31:07
Episode 123: Guiding Children Towards Success and Fulfillment
Unlock the secrets to nurturing successful, independent, and compassionate children. My latest episode promises to guide you through the maze of parenting with expert-recommended strategies that truly work. Discover how authoritative parenting,...
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Season 3
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Episode 123
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17:31
Episode 122: Harnessing Tutoring's Potential to Transform Student Success
The episode highlights the importance and value of tutoring in addressing academic struggles and fostering a growth mindset in students. Various forms of tutoring, such as high-dosage programs and community involvement, are discussed as vital c...
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Season 3
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Episode 122
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30:27
Episode 121: Ensuring Education Continuity in the Face of Climate Change
What if schools could operate seamlessly during climate disasters and also serve as community havens? Join me as we unravel the vital links between climate change and K-12 education. With climate change increasingly closing schools due to wildf...
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Season 3
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Episode 121
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29:54
Episode 120: Equip Your Child with Skills for a Digital World
Unlock the secrets to preparing your children for a future where both social and artificial intelligence are key to career success. In this episode, I promise to equip you with the knowledge to bridge the gap between today’s digital skills and ...
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Season 3
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Episode 120
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30:56