Forget What You Learned: Reimagining Education for Today's Families

In this episode, Dr. Ellen Bratton discusses the growing issue of low motivation in children, exploring its causes and implications. She emphasizes the importance of balancing aptitude and pleasure in children's activities, the impact of societal pressures, and the role of parents in fostering motivation. The conversation covers various aspects, including sports, academics, screen time, and the need for open communication between parents and children. Dr. Bratton provides practical strategies for parents to support their children's motivation and well-being.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, education consultant Jennifer Taylor discusses the complexities of deciding on out-of-home therapeutic placements for children facing mental health challenges. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, she addresses the stigma surrounding these decisions, the evolution of treatment programs, and the importance of family involvement in the therapeutic process. Jennifer emphasizes the need for parents to recognize when they have exhausted their options and the significance of innovative support systems that can aid in the transition back home. The discussion also highlights the importance of curiosity in parenting, encouraging parents to approach difficult conversations with understanding rather than judgment.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Cory and Jana Parker explore the complexities of educational testing for children, focusing on the differences between various types of evaluations, the role of schools and pediatricians in the assessment process, and the importance of understanding diagnoses. They discuss how parents can navigate the system to get the best support for their children, the implications of labels, and the need for comprehensive evaluations to ensure appropriate interventions. In this conversation, Jana Parker discusses the complexities of evaluating anxiety in children, the fluidity of diagnoses, and the impact of these diagnoses on identity. She emphasizes the importance of ongoing support and the need for tailored educational recommendations. The discussion also touches on outdated beliefs in education, particularly regarding dyslexia, and the significance of clear communication between parents and schools.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, travel expert Susie Chow discusses the transformative power of long-term travel for families, emphasizing the importance of experiential learning and cultural exposure. She shares her personal journey from a conventional career to founding her travel business, highlighting how travel can foster personal growth and empathy in children. The discussion covers practical aspects of planning extended travel, including educational options, overcoming common obstacles, and the growing trend of families considering international relocation. Susie encourages families to take small steps towards travel, suggesting that even a month-long trip can provide valuable insights and experiences.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this episode, Cory and education consultant Chrissy Naspo explore the multifaceted world of boarding schools, debunking myths and discussing who can benefit from these institutions. They delve into the opportunities boarding schools provide, the importance of finding the right fit for students, and the vital partnership between parents and schools. Chrissy shares insights on how boarding schools can cater to diverse student needs and the role of community in fostering personal growth. In this conversation, Krissy Naspo discusses boarding schools, including community acceptance, access to education, financial aid, diversity, and the unique experiences of both students and faculty. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of boarding schools, dispelling myths about exclusivity and highlighting the growth and maturity students gain from their experiences. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of boarding schools post-COVID and the challenges faced in recruiting diverse faculty.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In this conversation, Dr. Ashley Smith shares her personal journey with anxiety and how it has shaped her professional expertise. The discussion explores the intersection of mental health, technology, and education, emphasizing the importance of resilience, control, and the role of parents and schools in supporting children's mental health. Dr. Smith highlights the impact of technology on attention spans and anxiety, the potential of mental health apps and AI, and the need for a shift in parenting and educational practices to foster resilience and emotional intelligence in children.

Brought to you by Pacific Preparatory.

Full episode notes available at www.pacificpreparatory.org.

In today’s episode (our season closer!), Cory speaks  with Jamai Blivin, who’s spent her recent career on this dilemma: most people need a high-paying job to afford college, but need college to afford a higher paying job. She is a  tireless advocate for the systemic change that would begin to resolve this mismatch. Jamai believes we need to emphasize the importance of actual skills over that piece of paper, and she has ideas about how to make it happen. One of them is pretty simple: our teenagers should prioritize getting a J-O-B. How many parents like the sound of that? 

Brought to you by Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory. 

Full episode notes available at www.forgetwhatyoulearned.com. 

In today’s episode, Educational Consultant Shayna Abraham, discusses the need for alternative options to traditional four-year colleges. Sometimes it seems like we all have tunnel vision in terms of the path our kids should trudge through the K-12 system and beyond. But is it right for every student? Are our kids always ready at 18 to abruptly leave the highly structured high school and home life for the college dorm and freedom to just skip class if they want to? With the mind-boggling price tag of that bachelor’s degree nowadays, it feels like there’s little room for error. Shayna highlights the Alt Fair, a gathering of alternative programs for emerging adults, as a way to explore different pathways post-high school. We chat about the importance of individuation and self-discovery before making college decisions and the challenges of college without proper support. She also discusses the benefits of gap years and wellness programs, addressing concerns about letting go as a parent.

Brought to you by Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory. 

Full episode notes available at www.forgetwhatyoulearned.com. 

In today’s episode, we chat with Sheila Akbar, whose resume reflects a person who has achieved ultimate success, within the definition of the word that many parents of school-age kids would covet. I mean, she’s got two degrees from Harvard and a double PhD. Her career spans Wall Street, the halls of academia, and finally entrepreneurship where’s she’s found her true passion: helping students and families navigate the college prep experience. Her personal story is a lot more nuanced, and involved a lot more growing pains than it might appear, including being raised by immigrant parents who ONLY wanted that piece of paper from Harvard and then ONLY for her to become a doctor. Sheila talks about shedding those parental expectations to find and then have the courage to listen to, her inner voice, that’s guided her to what SHE defines as success: being energized by and satisfied with what she does every day. 

Brought to you by Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory. 

Full episode notes available at www.forgetwhatyoulearned.com. 

We talk with Matt Perry, a seasoned educator who has a unique approach to teaching history, infusing the use of storytelling, decision-making, and personal connections to really bring it alive for students. It’s not just about dates and ancient wars. Matt uses his time with students to truly see them for who they are, which serves as the basis for developing a true mentor relationship - we dive into how and why this is critical for our kids, and lastly, we look at the outcomes he’s seen for kids who have not always followed the traditional academic path. Join us!

Brought to you by Tutor Corps and Pacific Preparatory. 

Full episode notes available at www.forgetwhatyoulearned.com.