If you’ve ever wondered how it would be possible for someone growing up in the wilderness of the early United States to become far more literate with much less access to educational opportunities, perhaps this episode will begin to give you a better understanding. When the large majority of what kids do in school isn’t learning, why not consider a cheap or free alternative that may provide better opportunities?

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We’ve all had it. Test Fatigue. Every year it seems like there are more and more. In some districts, nearly ten standardized tests per year, often BEFORE the end of year assessement administered on behalf of the state. Too much? I think so. Let’s talk about it and whether you simply prefer not to take the test. What options do you have? Well, more than you think, honestly.

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“Do what others have done to get what others have.” This is the best advice I know to pattern a life deemed desirable by the individual. But, how do you find that life? What if it goes against the grain and is entirely unusual to everyone else? This week, we get to talk about considering different being the way to get different results, individual results!

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Let’s talk about the “Why?” of what we do…well, let’s at least talk about what good it does to ask “Why?” Looking forward has to be part of the equation when it comes to education; we can’t all just sit in the waiting room hoping our name is called soon. It’s time to be proactive, to get out there, to discover, to search, to use our time for our own pursuits. That’s the idea of today’s episode. Hopefully, we can start a conversation!

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It can’t be the first time a teacher has told you to “Use Your Brain!” The difference this time is that it’s meant to encourage you rather than pejoratively. This week, I ask my student listeners to think about the way school is set up to work - the pecking order in other words. For parents, I ask you all to think about shifting the onus of learning onto your student, what that looks like at ISM, and the wonderful benefits that come along with doing so.

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You asked - I delivered! In this week’s episode, I was able to sit down and talk with Shane Lawrence of the Ed Podcast. We get into the weeds a little bit when it comes to a couple of differences between the American and Canadian education systems, but much more common ground exists between neighbors than many might be aware. Our audio is a little all over the place, but if this interview had never happened, I wouldn’t have found out about a new piece of recording technology that I’ll be employing from now on. A big thank you to Shane on that one!

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Teachers, this episode is just for you! Of course, my wonderful parents and students will get a real kick out of our discussion today. Some things only my compatriots will be able to identify with readily, but some things many who aren’t on the inside will be surprised to find out. Our theme is autonomy, and I hope I have some good advice for those of you who like to do things your own way!

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It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Batsheva Frankel from Overthrowing Education to the show. In our discussion, Batsheva and I discuss her company New Lens Ed. as well as various and sundry topics related to mastery-based learning, ungraded classrooms, and what learning to act and improvise can do for teachers in their practice.

Make sure to pick up Batsheva’s book The Jewish Educator’s Companion today, as well.

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Do you know the difference between an independent living and an independent livelihood? In this episode, we’ll dive into the possibilities for your kids and some of the reasoning behind the way things are the way they are! Ultimately, if your children are to decide for themselves what’s best for their lives, or at the very least, if they are to even have the choice at all, they need practice - and a lot of it!

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A different approach is always worth trying, and this week on the show, I’ll ask my student listeners about approaching their own stumbling blocks in different ways. If what you’re doing isn’t working, shouldn’t you try something else? For my parents, it’s time to talk about where kids really do their own learning and whether it’s better to confine that to the shadows or place it center stage.

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