Anchored by the Classic Learning Test

In this episode, we're spotlighting the incredible accomplishments of Umatilla High School in Umatilla, Florida. Adam Roate, CLT's Senior Director of Partnerships, talks to Brent Frazier, principal at UHS. Brent shares his principles for effective administrative leadership and strategies for building a strong school culture that prepares students for success inside and outside the classroom.

References:
– Now, Discover Your Strengths by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
– Strengths Based Leadership from Gallup
– Acceleration for All by Sharon V. Kramer and Sarah Schuhl

In this episode, Soren speaks with Jason Bedrick, Senior Research Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, and James Shuls, Undergraduate Director of Civics and Liberty Studies and Head of the Education Liberty Branch of the Institute for Governance and Civics at Florida State University. They talk about their upcoming publication from Encounter Books, The Phoenix Principles: Toward a Rebirth of American Education. They explore how these principles can guide a rebirth of American education, improve civic and character education, and foster a more virtuous and effective educational system.

References:

– "Returning to the First Principles of American Education" with Jason Bedrick

– "The Phoenix Declaration: An American Vision for Education"

– The Phoenix Principles Toward a Rebirth of American Education edited by Jason Bedrick and James V. Shuls

In this episode, Soren is joined by Madeline Greb, Director of Assessments at CLT. Madeline provides a behind the scenes look into standardized testing, comparing CLT with ACT and SAT, and discusses the importance of reasoning and creativity in math and reading assessments.

References:

• A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L'Engle

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Michael Schell, Headmaster of Sparhawk Academy and founder of the Sparhawk Institute, where he works to equip college counselors for their meaningful work with students. They discuss the state of school athletics, single-sex education, and Michael makes the case that the best counselors do far more than manage applications – they help young people understand who they are, what they are called to, and how to choose a path with wisdom instead of anxiety.

References:

• Called to Life by Jacques Philippe
• Learn more by emailing [email protected]

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Eric Daniels, the Assistant Director of the Snow Institute for the Study of Capitalism (SISC) at Clemson University. They explore the intricate connections between education, capitalism, and moral formation. Eric also shares about how the Lyceum Scholars Program is shaping the next generation of American leaders. 

In this episode, we're spotlighting the amazing work being done at Delaware Valley Classical School in New Castle, Delaware. Adam Roate, CLT's Senior Director of Partnerships, talks to Anthony Urti, Head of School at DVCS and a board member of the Association of Classical Christian Schools. Anthony shares the significant role that parent partnerships and music play in his school's success.

References:
– A History of Education in Antiquity by Henri Marrou
– "How to Tell a Flatterer From a Friend” in Plutarch’s Moralia
– The Rector of Justin by Louis Auchincloss
– John Senior and the Restoration of Realism by Father Francis Bethel, O.S.B.
– Plato’s Republic

In today’s episode, Soren speaks to Margaret Walsh, Founder and Director of Secret Garden Educational Pathways and author of A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students. Margaret shares insights from her research on literacy development, speaks to the importance of foundational reading skills, and unpacks how a humane philosophical framework can inform effective teaching strategies for struggling students.

References:

• A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students: Connecting Philosophy and Practice by Margaret Walsh
• De Anima by Aristotle
• The Book of Tobit
• By What Authority? by Robert Hugh Benson

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Dr. Leonard Sax, Director of the Montgomery Center for Research in Child & Adolescent Development and author of several books, including The Collapse of Parenting, Why Gender Matters, Boys Adrift, and Girls on the Edge. They discuss the decline of traditional parenting, the advantages of single-sex education, and how understanding gender differences can improve educational outcomes for boys and girls. 

References:

• HeightsCast–Parental Authority: Dr. Leonard Sax on our Role
• The Collapse of Parenting by Dr. Leonard Sax
• Why Gender Matters by Dr. Leornard Sax
• Boys Adrift by Dr. Leonard Sax
• Girls on the Edge by Dr. Leonard Sax
• The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Kendel Ehrlich, former First Lady of Maryland and current Executive Director of the American Journalism Institute. They discuss the shifting landscape of politics and journalism, social media's role in those changes, and Kendel's work training the next generation of young journalists with the Daily Caller News Foundation.

References
– Bottom Line with Bob and Kendel Ehrlich
– The American Journalism Institute
– [email protected]
– To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

In this episode, Jeremy speaks with Miriam Washut, winner of the inaugural Presidential 1776 Award competition and daughter of Kyle Washut, president of Wyoming Catholic College and a member of CLT's Board of Academic Advisors. Learn about her journey to the White House and how her love for reading and classical education shaped her success.

References:

• Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
• Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy