School Choice Nebraska

What should parents do about the proposed Nebraska health curriculum standards?   In this episode, Rachel talks about three things:   1. "Values" discussion from the April 2, 2021, Nebraska Board of Education meeting 2. The long-term solution for such problems (macro solution for the state) 3. The short-term solution for your kids (micro solution for your family right now)   Handy Links: Find your state senator to contact him or her about LB364: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/senators/senator_list.php   Read LB364 for yourself: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=44311   Links and instructions for part-time enrollment: http://schoolchoicelincoln.org/band-aid-options.html   Resources for parents and guardians: http://schoolchoicelincoln.org/resources.html   Join us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter!     SHOW LESS    

Lincoln mom Jen Ziemer is one of the hundreds of parents whose children have transitioned from full-time school through LPS to homeschool because of COVID.

In this podcast, Jen talks about her journey, including trying to gain access to educational materials and learning apps her kids were using before they began homeschooling.

Find video of Jen's testimony before the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee here. 

 

Denisha Merriweather knows firsthand the importance of having the freedom to choose your school. 

She has recently started a new organization, Black Minds Matter, to address the systemic racism in our public education system. Propped up by teachers unions, this system keeps children trapped in schools that often can't meet their needs. 

Learn all about what you can do to end the injustice.

The following resources are referenced in this episode.

Voices For Choice

Black Minds Matter

Black Minds Matter Podcast

Denisha's Real Clear Education piece on Black Minds Matter

Black Minds Matter Project Facebook Page

Black Minds Matter Instagram

Wisconsin has had school choice programs since the early 1990s. Wisconsin-based Kevin Nicholson shares his insights about political hurdles to school choice, parents' options in the wake of COVID-19, and what we can do to help the most disadvantaged among us.

Learn more about Kevin and No Better Friend Corp.:

Kevin's School Choice piece at Real Clear Politics

No Better Friend Corp. Facebook Page

No Better Friend Twitter Account

Kevin Nicholson's Facebook Page

Kevin Nicholson's Twitter

Disruptive innovation has come to K-12 education at last, and Acton Academies have come to Nebraska.

Catch up with Zach Harsin from Acton Academy Lincoln, which will be opening in January 2021. This is a can't-miss episode; you'll hear all about how education is changing, even in Nebraska.

Learn more about Acton Academy at these links:

Intro video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjyJ3eOX_PE&feature=youtu.be

Find a local Acton Academy: https://www.actonacademy.org/find

Acton Academy Lincoln: https://www.actonacademylincoln.com/

In Episode 17, you can learn how to register for homeschool in Nebraska. The following links will be helpful:

Nebraska Department of Education Exempt School Program: https://www.education.ne.gov/fos/exempt-schools/#ndeacc

School Choice Nebraska homeschool resources: http://www.schoolchoicelincoln.org/index.html

Learn more about requirements, curriculum, part-time possibilities, homeschool co-ops and more.

Rachel makes a bold prediction about the arc of K-12 education reform in Nebraska. 

Even though our politicians have been slow to adopt school choice measures, Nebraskans are enjoying the fruits of their hard work, especially now that schools have been closed due to COVID-19.

Where will we go from here? How will kids catch up after missing 2-3 months of school this spring? What can our state legislators do to make sure this generation succeeds?

Links:

Poll Finds Strong Charter School Support Among Atlanta Black Voters: https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/poll-finds-strong-charter-school-support-among-atlanta-black-voters/SXGvQ7O77SD0epQ8g52UVP/

Microschools: http://schoolchoicelincoln.org/blog/disruptive-innovation-micro-schools

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Nebraska community organizations have really stepped up to the plate, creating online resources and ways of keeping families and children engaged and actively learning.

In this interview, we talk with Traci Winscot, Jennifer Beck, and Jessica Johnson from the Kearney Area Children's Museum. They share some of the ways they've brought their community together during a difficult time.

Find the Kearney Area Children's museum at their website or social media:

Facebook

Instagram

 

 

In the 2017-2018 school year, nearly 3% of Nebraska's K-12 students were registered as homeschoolers with the state. Now, in April 2020, 100% of Nebraska's K-12 students are learning at home.

With COVID-19 causing such incredible disruption, parents, educators, and students are reeling. In this podcast, we'll learn about #LearnEverywhere, a project supported by Yes. Every Kid.

Carrie O'Rourke, a regional director for Yes. Every Kid., gives parents encouragement and helps us to know where to find support.

Find out more about the project at

https://learneverywhere.org/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kidslearneverywhere/

 

 

Nebraska celebrated School Choice Week in style with a celebratory event at the Capitol on January 29, 2020. If you weren't able to make it, enjoy this recap, complete with clips of the musical numbers and speeches.

Also, catch commentary on "government schools" and the #ILovePublicSchools misfire.