Education Matters With MySchoolOptions

Shaunette Parker, Director of Awareness Events for National School Choice Week, discusses the education climate in South Carolina and the importance of education choice. She highlights the need for options and opportunities for families, especially those from underrepresented groups. Parker emphasizes the importance of parent advocacy and engagement in education. She also discusses the work of the National School Choice Week organization in raising awareness and providing resources for families. The challenges facing the school choice movement include the misappropriation of funds and the polarization of opinions on education funding. The National School Choice Week Foundation measures success through media coverage, website traffic, and the growth of new schools and education programs. Community events and awareness campaigns help foster a better understanding of school choice options among parents and students. It is important to meet families where they are and build trust by engaging with trusted community resources. Strategies for engaging underserved communities include talking to families, letting go of stereotypes, and understanding their unique challenges. The goals for the Education Foundation include expanding awareness campaigns, supporting grassroots communities, and providing concrete tools and resources for parents. The hope for the future of school choice is to expand programs, bridge funding gaps, and ensure that families are part of the education system.

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In this episode of Education Matters with MySchoolOptions, host Cesar Roman is joined by two leading voices in the education policy arena: Betsy Wiley, President and CEO of the Institute for Quality Education, and Robert Enlow, President and CEO of Ed Choice. Together, they dive into the recent media debate surrounding the Indiana voucher program and school choice efforts across the country.

The conversation highlights the evolution of school choice in Indiana, particularly through the voucher system, and its role in expanding educational opportunities for families. Betsy and Robert break down the common misconceptions about school vouchers and explain how these programs empower parents, particularly in underserved communities. They also discuss the future of school choice, the importance of charter schools and private schools, and the critical need for educational freedom.

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Learn more about IQE and MySchoolOptions: https://www.i4qed.org 

Learn more about Robert’s work at Ed Choice: https://www.edchoice.org 

In this episode of Education Matters with MySchoolOptions, Sarah is joined by Dr. Rebecca Estes, Assistant Secretary of Educator Talent at the Indiana Department of Education, to discuss challenges and ongoing initiatives in education in Indiana along with exciting innovation’s such as the stat’s real-time supply-demand marketplace to address the educator shortage and identify areas of need, programs developed to fill gaps in special education and STEM education, the state’s renewed focus in improving literacy (with a goal of ensuring that all students can read by the end of third grade) and, of course, The Indiana Department of Education upcoming Educational Excellence Gala to celebrate and recognize educators throughout the state of Indiana.

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Brianna Morse, Director of Youth Initiatives and Field Support for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, discusses the JAG program and its impact on students. JAG, which stands for Jobs for America's Graduates, is a program that focuses on workforce preparation and career development for high school students. The program provides employability skills, leadership opportunities, and mentorship to help students succeed in school and beyond. Morse shares success stories of students who have overcome challenges and transformed their lives through JAG. The program is expanding to include middle school students, providing them with goal-setting and self-esteem building skills. The JAG program in Indiana is expanding to include all four years of high school, with some schools even offering JAG in middle school. Partnerships with local employers and community organizations are crucial for the success of the program, as they provide job opportunities and real-world experiences for students. JAG also provides support for students facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, and parenting. The program aims to continue expanding and evolving to meet the changing needs of workforce and education, and to give students a voice in decision-making processes. The ultimate goal is to provide individualized opportunities for all students and prepare them for success in their chosen paths.

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Jill Haskins and Don Sofier of the National Microschool Center and this episode is all about the innovation of micro schooling. We dive into what exactly a “microschool” is, how they’re formed, how they fit into the school choice framework, and why these exciting educational innovations are key to furthering great, personalized educational opportunities for all students in Indiana and across America.

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Ryan Black, Vice President of Education for Stand Together, discusses the importance of education choice and the need for a pluralistic approach to education. He shares his personal experience in choosing the best education for his son and emphasizes the role of parents in navigating the educational experience. Ryan explains the work of Stand Together in partnering with change makers to solve America's root problems and create a better future. He highlights the challenges of promoting school choice, including the public versus private debate and the need for funding and accountability. Ryan envisions a future with a robust marketplace of educational options that cater to the unique needs of each child.

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Whitley Yates shares her personal educational journey and the process of choosing the best educational option for her daughter. She discusses the challenges, barriers, and considerations involved in making this decision, as well as the impact of school choice programs on public schools. The conversation also delves into the importance of educational freedom, diversity in school environments, and the need to address disparities in funding and resources. The conversation covers the importance of local politics, the benefits of school choice, and the impact of community involvement in education. It also delves into the experiences of a parent navigating educational options for their child and the positive outcomes of school choice initiatives.

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In this enlightening episode of "Education Matters with MySchoolOptions," Adam O'Doherty, the President and CEO of the United Way of Northwest Indiana, delves into his personal journey, career path, and the impactful initiatives led by his organization. Focusing on education and the transformative power of school choice, Adam discusses the significant challenges and opportunities within the Northwest Indiana community.

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Education Matters with MySchoolOptions host Cesar Roman is joined in this episode by Inga Shannon, a judge at the Gary City Court and founder of the non-profit Project Rebuild Foundation. Inga discusses her work in the community and the importance of advocacy for school choice. She shares a heartwarming story of a young woman whose life was transformed through the drug court program and the love of our children that is common among us all, regardless of station - and how educational choice and education options are key to the success of our children. Inga also explains the focus of her non-profit, which is truancy termination and prevention. She highlights the various reasons why kids are not attending school, such as bullying, undiagnosed special needs, and falling behind due to COVID. Inga emphasizes the need for family support and the importance of advocating for children's education, especially for those with special needs. She shares her personal experience advocating for her own daughter and the impact of MySchoolOptions in empowering families to advocate for their children's education. Inga also discusses her experience testifying in front of lawmakers and the lasting impact of MySchoolOptions in connecting with communities and giving a voice to the unheard.

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Garrett Ballengee from the Cardinal Institute discusses education reform and school choice in West Virginia. The state has a high poverty rate and a struggling education system. The Cardinal Institute aims to build the 'West Virginia miracle' through four pillars: education freedom, economic freedom, workforce freedom, and a culture of freedom. They have been successful in passing comprehensive school choice programs, including public charter school laws and the expansive HOPE Scholarship ESA program. The ESA program has had a positive impact on parents and students, with increased enrollment in private schools and the ability to customize education experiences. The conversation explores the impact of school choice and education innovation, specifically focusing on West Virginia's ESA program. Sarah and Garrett discuss the benefits of school choice for students, families, and teachers, highlighting the ability to customize education and create economically viable careers for teachers. They also discuss the challenges and growing pains of implementing and administering ESA programs, including legal battles and technological issues. The conversation emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about school choice and creating alternative pathways for students who don't fit into traditional education systems.

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