Jenny Anderson and Rebecca Winthrop, authors of "The Disengaged Teen," educate us on the pressing issue of disengagement among teens in education. They share personal stories, research findings, and the importance of agency and engagement modes. Jenny and Rebecca discuss the impact of societal pressures, the role of teachers, and the need for structural changes in education to foster a more engaging learning environment for students. 

The conversation explores the decline of laughter and curiosity in children as they grow, the importance of answering their questions, and the multifaceted nature of engagement in education. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by traditional public schools and the need for engagement beyond mere academic performance. We learn about a more nuanced approach to education that recognizes the individuality of each child and the dynamic nature of their learning experiences.

Todd Dickson, co-founder of Valor Collegiate Academies, joins Chris Stewart to talk about his schools' balance between academic rigor and social-emotional learning. He discusses the influence of parenting styles on education, the necessity of restorative justice, and the challenges of alternative education solutions. Todd advocates for 'Diverse by Design' schools that foster inclusivity and critical thinking, while also highlighting the importance of teacher development and the legacy of unconditional love in parenting.

Bill Jackson discusses the evolution of education, the importance of data in school selection, and the challenges faced in urban education. Chris and Bill explore the impact of Great Schools, the legacy of No Child Left Behind, and the need for innovative models in education. Bill shares his vision for the future of education, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and the role of mayors in ensuring educational success.

About Bill Jackson: 

Bill Jackson founded GreatSchools.org the K-12 school guide which reaches half of U.S. families every year. He is also the founder of Raise Ready Kids, co-founder and board chair at Family Engagement Lab, a former board member at Coro Northern California, a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, and a Senior Fellow at Ashoka. He holds a BA from Yale University in mechanical engineering and history.

Lacey Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnboundEd, discusses the importance of positivity in education, the impact of trauma and resilience, and the critical role of community and libraries in fostering academic success. She emphasizes the need for a tailored approach to education that acknowledges the unique experiences of Black children and the importance of equity. 

The discussion also highlights the necessity of building strong relationships between parents and educators, empowering both parties to work collaboratively for the benefit of students. Robinson concludes with a hopeful vision for the future of education, centered on community involvement and the belief that hope can be cultivated through collective effort. 

About Lacey:

 Lacey Robinson is president and CEO of UnboundEd, the nation’s largest K–12 educator development organization focused on improving teaching and learning for underserved students, and chair of the Board of CORE Learning. A former elementary teacher, middle school principal, and professional development specialist, Robinson works tirelessly to enable educators to accelerate their impact in the classroom.

Summer Schneider, Founder and Executive Director of Legacy College Preparatory Charter School discusses the challenges and rewards of leading a school, the importance of college preparation, and the innovative approaches her school takes to support students. Summer also addresses the impact of the pandemic on education, the need for inclusive environments, and the significance of social-emotional learning in developing well-rounded students.

Dr. William Jackson discusses the importance of building community power through education, particularly focusing on the role of Black parents in creating culturally affirming learning environments. He emphasizes the need for a growth mindset, critical thinking, and the creation of knowledge as a means of empowerment. The conversation also touches on the impact of entertainment on community engagement and the Village of Wisdom framework, which aims to establish standards for educational environments that support Black children. Dr. Jackson encourages listeners to believe in Black genius and to actively participate in the knowledge creation process.

Karega Rausch, President & CEO of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), discusses the importance of education and the need to amplify the brilliance of young people. He shares his personal mission to create systems that can identify and bring out the brilliance in students. Rausch emphasizes the importance of innovative and engaging education while maintaining high expectations for student outcomes. He also highlights the role of relationships between adults and students in creating successful schools. 

The conversation explores the role of systems thinking in education and the unique contributions of different systems, such as schools, families, and communities. We learn how charter schools are adding value to the public education landscape by demonstrating stronger student outcomes and offering innovative educational models. The conversation touches on diverse options, from classical schools to STEM schools, that cater to the specific needs of communities. Charter schools are free, public, and open to all students, and they are often started by educators and community members who want to create a different vision for education. The role of charter school authorizers is crucial in reviewing applications, setting expectations, and ensuring accountability for student outcomes. Authorizers have the power to say yes to innovative ideas and plans that can benefit students and families, and they also have the responsibility to say no when a plan is not ready or does not meet the necessary criteria. 

Author Ashley Berner discusses the concept of educational pluralism and its potential to improve public education. She highlights the need for a diverse range of schools, both public and private, that offer different approaches and philosophies. Berner explores how successful democracies around the world have implemented educational pluralism and the lessons that can be learned from them. She emphasizes the importance of a high-quality curriculum that provides students with a broad knowledge base and the skills to engage with different perspectives. Berner also addresses concerns about indoctrination and the role of public oversight in ensuring equity and excellence in education. The conversation explores the importance of data and accountability in education, the need for a knowledge-rich curriculum, and the challenges of educational pluralism.

In this episode of Always Learning, host Chris Stewart talks with Karyn Parsons, well known for her role as Hillary Banks on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' and now a children's author and founder of Sweet Blackberry, a media company making Black history accessible to kids. They discuss the inspiration behind her work,, and the importance of representation in children's literature. Parsons also reflects on her upbringing, parenting strategies, and how societal changes have influenced modern parenting. The conversation highlights the significance of telling diverse stories and the impact these narratives can have on young minds.

Ralph Farquhar, a seasoned TV and film writer and producer, opens up about his life and career. Ralph talks about the grit it took to push through being underestimated, especially as a young black man facing societal doubts. He shares his story from writing for the much-loved "Happy Days" to being the creative mind behind hit shows like "Moesha" and "The Parkers." Ralph credits his supportive parents and his strong middle-class background for fueling his determination to succeed in the creative industry.

Ralph's career took some surprising turns, starting with a job in advertising before a lucky break landed him a gig on "Happy Days." Through connections made at a local travel agency, he got an inside look at Hollywood that changed everything. Ralph highlights the importance of networking and always being ready to contribute. Special mentors, like Gary Marshall, played a massive part in his growth. His journey didn't stop there; he moved on to produce revered shows like "Married with Children" and co-create the thought-provoking "South Central."