No Wrong Answers

One state chooses to cut it's United States history tests. Bad idea, right? Not so fast say our teachers. Plus, should schools be held accountable for when their students miss school? And, as always we end with "kids these days".

This is a heavy episode. First, we discuss how to talk to students in the wake of tragedy following the Las Vegas massacre. Then, we take on white supremacy in schools. Sure, giving kids an assignment in which they pretend to be a KKK member is bad, but our teachers say that's not the worst part.

It was inevitable that our country's national anthem protest controversy would come to the schoolhouse. How should teachers react when students refuse to stand for the anthem or the pledge of allegiance?

Students at a high school hold a sit-in demanding action against other students who wrote transphobic things in a group chat. How should teachers respond to both students? Plus, a look at per-pupil spending in the United States compared to other countries. What can we learn from international education spending?

Virtual reality isn't just for gamers anymore. Some people think it could be the next big innovation in teacher training, but our teachers have questions. Plus, in the latest Betsy Breakdown, our teachers get heated over the idea of whether a school should host the Secretary.

When Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, many people had more existential problems than sending their kids to school. But in the immediate aftermath, some educators volunteered to continue teaching classes at shelters around Huston. This is a story from one of those teachers.

Music used in this episode is Inspiring Corporate and Scottish Indie by Scott Holmes;  all have been edited.

Trump's DACA decision is a big one for students and schools. You may have questions as teachers, we have some answers. Plus, we talk about Chance The Rappers new award show for teachers, and another edition of the Betsy Breakdown.

Music used in this episode is Inspiring Corporate and Scottish Indie by Scott Holmes; Back Stairs by Podington Bear; and The Big Ten by Blue Dot Sessions; all have been edited.

A video of high school cheerleaders being forced to do the splits goes viral. Our teachers ask, how do you know when you're truly pushing kids and when you're going to far? Plus, research shows that kids with a few close friends may do better later in life than popular kids. And another round of Ask A Teacher. 

Music used in this episode is Inspiring Corporate and Scottish Indie by Scott Holmes also Tiny Putty and The Big Ten by Blue Dot Sessions; all have been edited.

Some are saying Charlottesville was a turning point. Do our teachers feel the same way? Plus, new research suggests grade inflation is the newest form of the achievement gap. And, a new segment: Ask A Teacher.

Please join the conversation about this episode and the education landscape on our Community Forum page! And, help us shape this show into what you want it to be:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DO8OEJszFtsV2Nohe0W7Rg_xbH9RkjTxjfT0wLuVwOw/edit

Music used in this episode is Inspiring Corporate and Scottish Indie by Scott Holmes also Sunday Lights and The Big Ten by Blue Dot Sessions; all have been edited.

On this episode: our teachers discuss strategies for addressing Charlottesville with teachers and students in school. Plus, how much say should parents have over the classroom, and it's back...The Betsy Breakdown.

Please join the conversation about this episode and the education landscape on our Community Forum page! And, help us shape this show into what you want it to be:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DO8OEJszFtsV2Nohe0W7Rg_xbH9RkjTxjfT0wLuVwOw/edit

Music used in this episode is Inspiring Corporate and Scottish Indie by Scott Holmes also Waterbourne by Blue Dot Sessions and All Hot Lights by Poddington Bear