No Wrong Answers

By Fountain City Frequency

News & Politics Education K-12 Kids & Family

What's No Wrong Answers about?

The conversations teachers are having in schools today could determine what our world looks like in the future. We give those teachers a voice through weekly conversations about the important issues of the day. Listen and get a teacherly take on the world. Hosted by public radio news anchor Kyle Palmer and a dedicated team of teachers.

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No Wrong Answers episodes:

06.24.2019
The "2019 Teacher of The Year" Lesson
We speak with the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Rodney Robinson. He doesn’t have a typical teaching assignment. The 19-year veteran of Richmond Public Schools works at a school inside the Richmond Juvenile Justice Center.
06.20.2019
The "2019 Teacher of The Year" Lesson
We speak with the 2019 Teacher of the Year, Rodney Robinson. He doesn’t have a typical teaching assignment. The 19-year veteran of Richmond Public Schools works at a school inside the Richmond Juvenile Justice Center.
06.13.2019
The "Mindsets" Lesson
Teacher mindset is a buzzword in education right now. But what does it really mean to have the right or wrong mindset in class?
06.06.2019
The "Like" Lesson
A teenager gets put on blast on social media for peppering her speech with the word “like”. Why our teachers think using verbal fillers is and isn’t a big deal.
05.31.2019
The "Adversity Scores" Lesson
Can the adversity that students face be boiled down to a number? The makers of the SAT are going to try. Our teachers say that's both a good and bad idea.
05.30.2019
The "Adversity Scores" Lesson
Can the adversity that students face be boiled down to a number? The makers of the SAT are going to try. Our teachers say that's both a good and bad idea.
05.23.2019
The "Teaching Abroad" Lesson
Teaching abroad can have its perks…but are they enough to pull teachers away from America?
05.16.2019
The "Segregated Schools" Lesson
After San Francisco’s plan to tackle school segregation actually made it worse, our teachers discuss how our conversation around this issue needs to change.
05.09.2019
Extra Credit: The "Student Journalists" Lesson
A high school newspaper’s story about a student sex worker causes a national stir. Now the district is threatening to fire the newspaper’s teacher adviser. We get that teacher’s side of the story.
05.02.2019
The "Anxiety In Class" Lesson
Schools statistically are safer than they’ve been in years…so why doesn’t it feel like it?
04.18.2019
The "Fortnite" Lesson
Some say Fortnite, the video game, should be banned. Our teachers say that’s a bad idea. Instead, schools should be learning how to take advantage of kid’s gaming passion.
04.11.2019
The "Teacher Shortages" Lesson
Teacher shortages have been around for decades, but new research shows it’s getting worse. What impact does that have on kids and classrooms?
04.05.2019
The "Seeing The Signs" Lesson
WARNING: This episode contains conversations about teen suicide. The number for the National Suicide Helpline is 1-800-273-8255. The specter of teen suicide is again in the news. Do you feel comfortable broaching that topic with your students? Our teachers have advice.
03.28.2019
The "Achievement Gap" Lesson
The achievement gap between rich and poor students has hardly budged in 50 years. Our teachers say maybe we need to redefine what “gap” even means. Plus, bathroom access is always a hot topic at schools, but are we hurting...
03.21.2019
The "College Admissions" Lesson
A college admissions cheating scandal has shocked America. Our teachers say…you think that’s bad…how about all the legal ways the admissions process is unequal. Plus, “grit”…our teachers say there’s a lot wrong with how it’s being used in the classroom.
03.15.2019
The "Dr. Seuss" Lesson
Dr. Seuss is one of the most beloved children authors of all time, but his place in the literary canon is being challenged. The reason has to do with history and race. Plus, Chicago public schools has a big problem...
02.20.2019
The "Incentive Pay" Lesson
The Denver teacher strike was focused mostly on complaints about incentive pay. Our teachers break down that idea. Plus, standardized testing…what is it good for?
02.13.2019
The "Mass Incarceration" Lesson
THERE’S A GOOD CHANCE YOU HAVE OR HAVE HAD A STUDENT WITH A LOVED ONE IN PRISON. BUT WE RARELY TALK ABOUT HOW TO HELP KIDS DEALING WITH THE EFFECTS OF MASS INCARCERATION. WE FIX THAT ON THIS WEEK’S EPISODE.
02.07.2019
The "Gentrification" Lesson
Many city schools struggle with the g-word. Gentrification. But there are actual steps schools can take to get involved. Plus, norms about manhood are changing but our teachers seeing a difference in their male students? Three female teachers give us...
02.01.2019
The "Class Size" Lesson
Class size was a big sticking point in the recent LA teachers strike. But how do you know when a class really is too big? And the Covington Catholic mess, some say it’s a teachable moment. If so, who’s getting...
01.23.2019
The "Learning To Read" Lesson
If reading is fundamental, why do so many American kids struggle with it? Emily Hanford from American Public Media explains. Plus, we know about the achievement gap, but what about the homework gap.
01.15.2019
The "Teach-In" Lesson
The national teacher of the year calls the detention of migrant children at the border “abuse” and an “atrocity”. But she says teachers can do something about it. Plus, as American cities are becoming less segregated…are schools following suit?
01.08.2019
The "Happy Schools" Lesson
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...
12.18.2018
The "Charter School Tensions" Lesson
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....
12.11.2018
The "Civics" Lesson
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...
12.05.2018
The "Pensions" Lesson
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...
11.29.2018
The "Renewal" Lesson
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...
11.20.2018
The "Artificial Intelligence" Lesson
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...
11.13.2018
The "Inclusivity" Lesson
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.
11.06.2018
The "White Fragility" Lesson
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...
10.30.2018
The "We Will Not Be Erased" Lesson
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...
10.23.2018
The "Midterms" Lesson
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...
10.16.2018
The "Play Time" Lesson
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...
10.02.2018
The "50 Percent" Lesson
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.
09.25.2018
The "Brett Kavanaugh Accusations" Lesson
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...
09.19.2018
The "Teachers Who Look Like You" Lesson
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”.
09.12.2018
The "Monitoring Students" Lesson
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...
08.29.2018
The "ACT/SAT" Episode
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....
08.22.2018
The "LeBron James" Lesson
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...
08.07.2018
Extra Credit: A Student Debate Goes Viral
A classroom debate over the confederate flag goes viral, and we sit down with the teacher and student at the center of the conversation.
07.24.2018
The "Gifted And Talented" Lesson
Gifted and talented education...is it ultimately good? Some advocates are going so far as to say such programs should be eliminated entirely.
07.17.2018
The "Migrant Education" Lesson
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.
07.10.2018
The "Affirmative Action" Lesson
American kids don’t have a constitutional right to a good education. A recent court case in Michigan underscored that fact. It’s a problem says our teachers, but maybe not for the reasons you think. Plus, the Trump Administration is rolling...
07.03.2018
The "Janus" Lesson
We're still in the middle of a brief summer break, but we taped a special episode in response to the US Supreme Court's recent decision which promises to have a major impact on teachers unions. How will the "Janus" case...
06.19.2018
The "Teaching While Black" Lesson
There's #DrivingWhileBlack, #SittingAtStarbucksWhileBlack, #BBQingWhileBlack...but what about #TeachingWhileBlack?
06.12.2018
The "Vaping" Lesson
As Puerto Rico continues to struggle in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, we check in with a school on the island about the challenges that lay ahead for next school year. Plus, Betsy DeVos says a school safety commission formed after...
06.05.2018
The "Teacher Of The Year" Lesson
The 2018 national teacher of the year gave President Trump a stack of letter from her refugee and immigrant students...then the online hate started. Plus, a clash over free speech in schools. Our teachers say a student who wears a...
05.29.2018
The "Teen Suicide" Lesson
"Thirteen Reasons Why" is back and with it comes fears and handwringing about students dealing with suicidal thoughts. Plus, some people are calling for a nation wide boycott of schools to force legislative change on gun control. Finally, a landmark legal...
05.23.2018
The "Teacher Anger" Lesson
From state funding cuts to school shootings, teachers have a lot of reasons to be angry. But how can they use that anger constructively in schools? Plus, a new book argues Googles' search algorithms are racist, and that should give...
05.16.2018
The "School Choice" Lesson
Is school choice working in your district? That's the question we asked at a live community forum in Kansas City, MO last week. What we learned reveals a lot about the issue of school choice across the country.

What's No Wrong Answers about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

No Wrong Answers episodes:

The "2019 Teacher of The Year" Lesson

The "2019 Teacher of The Year" Lesson

The "Mindsets" Lesson

The "Like" Lesson

The "Adversity Scores" Lesson

The "Adversity Scores" Lesson

The "Teaching Abroad" Lesson

The "Segregated Schools" Lesson

Extra Credit: The "Student Journalists" Lesson

The "Anxiety In Class" Lesson

The "Fortnite" Lesson

The "Teacher Shortages" Lesson

The "Seeing The Signs" Lesson

The "Achievement Gap" Lesson

The "College Admissions" Lesson

The "Dr. Seuss" Lesson

The "Incentive Pay" Lesson

The "Mass Incarceration" Lesson

The "Gentrification" Lesson

The "Class Size" Lesson

The "Learning To Read" Lesson

The "Teach-In" Lesson

The "Happy Schools" Lesson

The "Charter School Tensions" Lesson

The "Civics" Lesson

The "Pensions" Lesson

The "Renewal" Lesson

The "Artificial Intelligence" Lesson

The "Inclusivity" Lesson

The "White Fragility" Lesson

The "We Will Not Be Erased" Lesson

The "Midterms" Lesson

The "Play Time" Lesson

The "50 Percent" Lesson

The "Brett Kavanaugh Accusations" Lesson

The "Teachers Who Look Like You" Lesson

The "Monitoring Students" Lesson

The "ACT/SAT" Episode

The "LeBron James" Lesson

Extra Credit: A Student Debate Goes Viral

The "Gifted And Talented" Lesson

The "Migrant Education" Lesson

The "Affirmative Action" Lesson

The "Janus" Lesson

The "Teaching While Black" Lesson

The "Vaping" Lesson

The "Teacher Of The Year" Lesson

The "Teen Suicide" Lesson

The "Teacher Anger" Lesson

The "School Choice" Lesson