"Send me a Text Message!"

What happens when a mother discovers her son's desk placed in the hallway outside his classroom? For me, that moment—along with an unfounded accusation of theft years later—sparked a personal mission to decode the implicit racial structures affecting children of color in our public education system.

Drawing from my powerful personal experiences in predominantly European-American schools, I take listeners into the heart of educational advocacy. After facing frustrating interactions with educators and experiencing microaggressions as an African-American mother, I pursued a doctorate in education to understand teacher training and research-backed solutions. Now, I transform complex educational theories into practical, actionable strategies for parents navigating similar challenges.

The K-12 Public Education Insights podcast stands at the intersection of educational research and parental action. Each weekly episode unpacks critical topics, including the rise of racism in today's schools, academic gender disparities, navigating IEP meetings, advocating for 504 services, digital device impacts, career readiness, and effective district navigation. 

The upcoming fourth season promises to explore the closing of the Department of Education, the concept of productive struggling, white backlash to African-American educational progress, and more essential subjects for parents of color.

Beyond educational content, monthly episodes address personal development topics to support parents holistically, because advocacy requires both information and resilience. As I like to remind you, "No one knows your child better than you." 

Together, we're building a community that ignites a movement to transform what our children learn, why they need to learn it, and the value of becoming lifelong learners.

Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, Echo, or YouTube so you don't miss a single insight as we empower parents with the knowledge to confidently advocate for their children's academic achievement, well-being, and equitable treatment in public education. 

Get ready for Season 4! This season will continue uncovering themes, topics, and tactics of K-12 public education and how they impact you and your family.

 Stay tuned… And be sure to subscribe!

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

In this episode, I explore the crucial role of boundaries in creating healthy relationships and maintaining personal well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, I provide a comprehensive guide to identifying, setting, and maintaining boundaries that protect your mental health and improve your interactions with others.

• Understanding boundaries as the limits that protect our personal space, emotions, time, and digital presence
• Signs that indicate you need to establish boundaries, including feeling overwhelmed and resentment toward others
• Four key types of boundaries: physical, emotional, time, and digital
• Benefits of setting boundaries: improved mental health, increased productivity, and better work-life balance
• Communication strategies for expressing boundaries clearly and respectfully
• Reasons why people don't respect boundaries and common challenges in maintaining them
• Connection between self-care and boundaries in both personal and professional contexts
• Special considerations for setting boundaries in remote work environments
• Action step: Identify three places or relationships where you need to establish boundaries

Text me your thoughts about the podcast at k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com by clicking on the "send me a text message" link in the episode description. Enjoy your summer, and we'll be back September 2nd with Season 4!

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Feeling lost in the alphabet soup of educational terminology? You're not alone. In this illuminating episode, I break down the secret language of education that often leaves parents feeling confused and powerless during school meetings.

The power dynamic shifts dramatically when you understand what educators are really saying about your child. I share my personal journey from corporate manager to education researcher after frustrating experiences with her own children's education. Now she's on a mission to help parents decode educational jargon and use it to advocate effectively.

Through an enlightening conversation with Kami Wanous of the Freedom Scholar podcast, I demystify crucial terms like IEPs, 504 plans, RTI, and Common Core. I reveal the truth about accreditation (it's not what most homeschool parents think!) and explain why understanding grade-level designations matters for securing appropriate support services.

Most importantly, this episode transforms how you'll approach educational conversations. Learn how mastering educational vocabulary gives you the confidence to request services, specialized programs, or accommodations your child deserves. Discover how properly using educational terms in meetings instantly commands respect from teachers and administrators.

Whether your children attend public school or you're homeschooling, this episode provides practical knowledge that transforms you from confused observer to empowered advocate. Download my free resource (https://liberationthrougheducation.com) with 24 essential educational terms and start speaking the language that gets results for your child's education.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Digital devices have transformed our classrooms, but at what cost to our children's learning? This eye-opening exploration reveals how smartphones and tablets are quietly reshaping the cognitive landscape of K-12 education, creating generation-defining challenges that parents and educators can no longer ignore.

The numbers tell a troubling story. American teenagers consume approximately nine hours of entertainment media daily on their smartphones. National test scores began plummeting in 2013 after 25 years of growth, coinciding suspiciously with the rise of Instagram (2010), Snapchat (2011), and Facebook's acquisition of Instagram (2012). Meanwhile, the average student can focus for less than six minutes before technology pulls their attention elsewhere. The cognitive implications are profound - chronic media multitaskers demonstrate diminished capabilities in exactly the types of thinking required for deep learning.

Perhaps most concerning is how this digital transformation is affecting our youngest learners. More than half of kindergarteners now have personal tablets, and one in four children possess smartphones by age eight. These children arrive in classrooms wired for instant gratification, struggling with the delayed rewards that genuine learning requires. Their reading rates are declining sharply, dropping from 63% reading daily in 2020 to just 52% in 2024. As I explain, "Technology has provided necessary upgrades in how education is presented, but traditional teaching elements still need to be maintained."

What can concerned parents do? This episode offers practical, actionable strategies to counterbalance technology's downsides while recognizing its benefits. From monitoring educational app usage to promoting imagination-driven play without screens, you'll discover concrete steps to strengthen your child's attention span and learning capacity. Subscribe now to join our community of parents and educators committed to giving children the advantages they need in an increasingly digital world.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Ever wondered how students can develop the skills they need to thrive in our rapidly changing world? Design thinking might be the key we've been overlooking. This powerful approach to creative problem-solving isn't just changing how students learn—it's transforming how they engage with real challenges in their communities.

What makes design thinking particularly powerful is its focus on abductive reasoning—exploring possibilities rather than asserting truth. This approach has led to remarkable student achievements: fifth graders helping refugees access healthy food, third graders shutting down drug houses, and high school students tackling dropout rates on Native American reservations. These aren't hypothetical exercises but real impacts that demonstrate how young people, when equipped with design thinking skills, can create meaningful change.

As parents and educators, we can support this approach by asking schools about their problem-based learning strategies and reinforcing these concepts at home. When students begin to see that everything from choosing what to wear to planning their day involves solving design problems, they develop a mindset that serves them well in all aspects of life.

Ready to help your child develop the creative confidence and problem-solving abilities they'll need for tomorrow's challenges? Subscribe to K-12 Education Untangled for more insights on how to navigate the evolving educational landscape and give your children the advantages they need to succeed.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

When was the last time you felt truly energized, keenly focused, and fired up about your life and purpose? In today's noisy world of endless notifications and social media scrolling, finding clarity can feel like searching for a whisper in a hurricane.

Drawing insights from Jeff Karp's book "Lit," this episode explores how we can use nature's wisdom to break free from what's called "low energy brain mode" – that autopilot state where creativity and purpose get smothered by routine. I share four powerful strategies to help you "flip the lit switch" and reignite your focus: recognizing your low-energy patterns, addressing rather than avoiding pain points, incorporating movement into your daily life, and finding inspiration through nature.

What makes this approach different is its foundation in both neuroscience and natural wisdom. Your brain literally changes when you practice new habits, embrace rather than fear failure, and step outside your comfort zone. The episode offers practical steps like starting your day with moments of quiet awareness instead of media consumption, taking meaningful breaks in nature, and learning to say "no" to commitments that don't align with your deeper values.

Whether you're feeling stuck in routines or simply craving more purpose and creativity, these strategies provide a pathway to what truly matters. Ready to tune out the noise and tune into your heartfelt intentions? Listen now, and discover how nature's playbook can transform your energy, ideas, and actions. Then share your experience – what have you recently said "no" to, and how did it impact your focus?

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

The delicate balance between mandatory health requirements and parental rights has become one of the most contentious issues in our public education system. As measles cases surge across 24 states and vaccination rates continue to decline, families and school systems find themselves navigating an increasingly complex ethical landscape.

At the heart of this controversy lies fundamental questions about personal liberty, community responsibility, and children's welfare. Who ultimately decides what medical interventions are appropriate for school-aged children? While all 50 states require vaccinations for public school attendance, exemption policies vary dramatically—from the stricter medical-only exemptions in Mississippi and West Virginia to the broader religious and philosophical exemptions offered elsewhere.

The recent measles resurgence serves as a timely reminder of what's at stake. Court precedents have established that while parental rights deserve substantial protection, these rights do not extend to endangering public health. As one ruling succinctly stated, "The right to practice religion freely doesn't include the liberty to expose the community or the child to communicable diseases."

Whether you're a concerned parent navigating school health policies or an educator working to protect your classroom, understanding the nuances of this debate is essential. 

What are your thoughts about mandatory health requirements and parental rights? Share your perspective on this critically important conversation by visiting k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

The battle over the Department of Education's existence isn't just political theater—it's a seismic shift that threatens to reshape American education, particularly for our most vulnerable students. When federal oversight disappears, who protects the rights of children with disabilities? Who ensures English language learners receive appropriate instruction? Who tracks whether schools are meeting their obligations to communities of color?

As I meticulously document, the Department of Education—despite being our smallest cabinet agency—oversees an $80 billion budget that fundamentally supports educational equity nationwide. The mass staff reductions already implemented (cutting from 4,000 employees to fewer than 2,200) have strategically targeted the Office of Civil Rights, research departments, and financial aid services—the very offices that enforce anti-discrimination laws and collect crucial data about student achievement.

The consequences ripple through every aspect of K-12 education. Thirty states are already failing to comply with federal disability laws. Native American students, who have specific educational rights through tribal trust agreements, face particular vulnerability as 19% require special education services—higher than any other demographic group. Meanwhile, the drastic reduction of the Office of English Language Acquisition endangers support for 5.3 million English learners and potentially violates Supreme Court decisions guaranteeing their right to appropriate instruction.

Most concerning is that states simply aren't prepared to assume these federal responsibilities. Educational standards vary dramatically between states like Mississippi and Massachusetts, and only one state has indicated readiness to take on these complex regulatory tasks. Without federal oversight, who will enforce consistent standards or prevent discriminatory practices? How will rural districts compete for resources against well-staffed metropolitan schools?

Want to protect your child's educational rights during this uncertain transition? Stay informed about your district's plans, advocate persistently for needed services, and understand that while superintendents remain committed to maintaining crucial programs like summer learning, the path forward requires vigilance from parents and communities alike.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

Imagine sending your child to a school that claims to be "continuously improving" year after year, yet educational outcomes continue to decline. Something doesn't add up, right? 

This episode dives deep into the mechanisms behind school improvement efforts, revealing how the educational system's approach to enhancement often misses the mark. Drawing from both research and personal experience as an education advocate, I unravel the complex web of continuous improvement methodologies, school improvement plans, and the often misunderstood role of accreditation in K-12 education.

I explore the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle that drives most improvement initiatives and why these well-intentioned efforts frequently fail to deliver meaningful results. The discussion highlights a critical oversight in many improvement frameworks: the absence of social justice perspectives and authentic family engagement, particularly for marginalized communities. When schools view families as external to the improvement process rather than essential partners, they perpetuate existing inequities despite their stated goals of enhancement.

Perhaps most eye-opening is the examination of school accreditation – that mysterious "seal of approval" granted to 95% of America's public high schools by just six regional associations. I pull back the curtain on this process, revealing the close-knit relationships between accreditors and the schools they evaluate, and questioning whether the system truly measures educational effectiveness or merely maintains the status quo.

Whether you're a parent navigating school choices, an educator involved in improvement initiatives, or simply someone concerned about educational quality, this episode provides crucial insights and actionable steps. Share your experiences with accredited schools in the comments at k12educationuntangledbuzzsprout.com, and follow the podcast to continue untangling the complexities of our education system together.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]

"Send me a Text Message!"

The relentless push for academic excellence often comes at a steep price for our children's mental health and overall development. As students progress through middle and high school, the scales increasingly tip toward achievement metrics while wellness takes a backseat. But what if success in both areas isn't just possible—but necessary?

Drawing from cutting-edge research in positive psychology and educational engagement, this episode reveals how mental well-being directly fuels academic performance. The evidence is compelling: students who maintain healthy psychological states demonstrate stronger creativity, better retention, and ultimately higher achievement than their stressed counterparts. Simultaneously, academic success contributes to improved self-concept and life satisfaction in a powerful reciprocal relationship.

The sobering reality that up to 25% of adolescents experience anxiety disorders demands our immediate attention. I'll guide you through practical, research-backed strategies that both schools and parents can implement—from reimagining school schedules and environments to incorporating simple wellness practices like mindfulness, adequate sleep, and strategic physical activity. These approaches don't require sacrificing academic aspirations; rather, they enhance learning capacity by nurturing the whole child.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's school pressures, an educator seeking more balanced approaches, or an advocate for educational reform, you'll discover actionable insights to help students thrive both academically and emotionally. The education system can't continue treating children as "detached receptacles for academic knowledge"—our students deserve better, and this episode shows you exactly how to provide it.

Share your experiences about balancing achievement and well-being in the comments on my website, and subscribe to ensure you never miss these essential conversations about transforming education for our children.

Check out my 24/7 interactive expert on my website!  There are some great questions being asked and insightful conversations happening there…  Go to https://liberation through education.com/ask-me-anything

Love my show? Consider being a regular subscriber! Just go to https://tinyurl.com/podcastsupport. 

Support the show

• Thanks for listening! For more information about the show, episodes, and ways to support, check out these websites: https://k12educationuntangled.buzzsprout.com or https: //www.liberationthrougheducation.com
• Subscribe on Buzzsprout to receive a shout out on an upcoming episode
• You can also support me with ratings, kind words of encouragement, and by sharing this podcast with friends and family
• Contact me with any specific questions you have at: [email protected]