School's In

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How do we know whether the education system is working? Can a study of all the dimensions of that system help determine the answer?

On this episode of School’s In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope sit down with Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Emeritus Mike Kirst to rethink how we understand educational achievement in the United States. Kirst is one of only a few scholars who study both K-12 and post-secondary education. He argues that conversations about educational success often focus too narrowly on K–12 test scores or four-year college completion, overlooking the many other ways people continue learning after high school.

From community colleges and dual enrollment to apprenticeships, career and technical education, professional credentials, workforce programs, and on-the-job training, Kirst explores a much broader educational ecosystem. Kirst and the co-hosts examine where that system is growing, where important gaps remain, and why students may need more support navigating an increasingly complex set of pathways. They close with discussion of a bigger question: If education no longer fits neatly into separate K–12, higher education, and workforce systems, how should we measure, organize, and govern it?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• (04:02) How we measure educational success
• (06:55) Why education may be doing better than we think
• (10:40) College, credentials, and alternative pathways
• (13:56) Helping students navigate their options
• (19:32) Where educational opportunities are growing
• (22:35) Connecting education and workforce systems

Mike Kirst is Professor Emeritus of Education at Stanford Graduate School of Education. His work focuses on education policy, governance, college readiness, and the connections between K–12, higher education, and the workforce. He served as president of the California State Board of Education from 1977 to 1981 and again from 2011 to 2019, making him the longest-serving president in the board’s history. Learn more on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

When conflict happens at school, who gets to decide what comes next — and where should the authority of schools, students, and parents begin and end?

On this episode of School's In, hosts Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope welcome back Stanford law professor Bill Koski for a conversation about the complicated legal and educational questions facing schools today. From bullying to suspensions, student speech, and parents' rights, Koski explores how schools can respond to conflict while keeping students engaged in learning. The conversation also examines recent court decisions affecting what happens beyond the schoolyard and inside the classroom, and what these debates reveal about the broader purpose of public education.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• (03:42) Bullying and student conflict after the pandemic
• (06:11) Rethinking suspension and school discipline
• (08:31) Cyberbullying and schools' responsibility
• (15:26) Alternatives to suspension
• (18:39) Bias and disparities in school discipline
• (21:50) Parents' rights and the purpose of public schools
• (31:08) Advice for parents and educators

William S. Koski is the Eric and Nancy Wright Professor of Clinical Education at Stanford Law School and a professor of education, by courtesy, at Stanford Graduate School of Education. He directs Stanford's Youth and Education Law Project, a legal clinic that represents low-income families in special education and school discipline matters. His work sits at the intersection of education policy and law, including issues of educational equity, student rights, and school governance. Learn more on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

We’ve all heard of school boards, but what do they actually do? Who runs for them, how much power do they really have, and how can we make our voices heard?

On this episode of School’s In, Dan and Denise sit down with Stanford Associate Professor Beth Schueler to unpack how school boards work and why they matter. They explore who serves on school boards, how members are elected, what kind of training they receive, and how much power they have over local education and student learning. Schueler also explains what happens when states take over struggling districts, why representation and participation in school board elections matter, and how parents and community members can play a more active role in shaping their local schools. She covers several topics, including:

• (2:53) Who actually runs our schools?
• (9:01) What does it take to serve?
• (12:26) The politics of school board elections
• (16:14) When the state steps in
• (23:48) Making an impact on your school board

Beth Schueler is an associate professor at Stanford's Graduate School of Education and faculty director of The Politics of Education Lab, a group of interdisciplinary scholars studying the political dimensions of educational policymaking. Her research focuses on education policy, politics, and school district governance, with particular attention on efforts to improve low performing schools and districts. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

Why do so many students believe they're "not a math person?"

On this episode of School's In, Dan and Denise are joined by Stanford Professor Jo Boaler, one of the world's leading voices in mathematics education. Together, they explore why students develop math anxiety, how creative problem-solving can transform the learning experience, and why helping students understand patterns can unlock a lifelong appreciation for mathematics. Boaler also shares practical advice for parents and teachers looking to build confidence, curiosity, and joy in math. She covers several topics, including:

• (04:54) Why do we learn math?
• (06:58) Moving beyond "drill and kill"
• (09:20) Teaching math through real-world problems
• (13:59) Helping students and parents overcome math anxiety
• (16:44) Becoming "math-ish"
• (23:54) Why different ways of thinking matter

Jo Boaler is a professor at Stanford Graduate School of Education and the founder of Youcubed, a Stanford center that develops research-based mathematics curriculum and professional learning for educators. Her work focuses on helping students develop mathematical competence and confidence through engaging, creative, visual, and conceptual approaches to learning. She is the author of Math-ish: Finding Creativity, Diversity, and Meaning in Mathematics. Learn more about Professor Boaler’s work on her faculty profile and about Math-ish here.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Mentioned in this episode:

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

What have we learned about AI in education? What questions are we still trying to answer?

On this special compilation episode of School's In, Dan Schwartz and Denise Pope revisit some of the show's most memorable conversations about artificial intelligence in education. Featuring insights from Stanford faculty across education, psychology, computer science, and learning sciences, they reflect on how the conversation around AI has evolved, from classroom applications and writing tools to digital literacy, bias, and the enduring importance of the human touch. Along the way, Dan and Denise share fresh commentary on what has changed, what has surprised them, and what educators and parents should be paying attention to next. In this episode, you'll learn about:

• (02:41) AI as a tool for teacher reflection
• (07:22) Supporting writing with AI
• (13:43) Keeping humans in the writing process
• (17:44) Understanding AI bias and hallucinations
• (20:58) Why digital literacy matters more than ever
• (26:11) Keeping the human touch in education
• (27:44) Using AI to build immersive learning experiences
• (29:56) Guardrails for responsible AI use
• (32:28) Building the world we want for our kids

This episode brings together insights from a wide range of Stanford faculty and researchers whose work explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, learning, and education. Featured voices in order of appearance include Dora Demszky, Hari Subramonyam, Victor Lee, Sam Wineburg, Christopher Piech, Judith Ellen Fan, and Karin Forssell. Together, they examine how AI can support teaching and learning while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, creativity, ethics, and human connection in the classroom. Learn more about each guest and their work through their Stanford faculty profiles.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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How can families make the transition back to school a little easier? And what should parents think about when supporting their child through those first few weeks?

On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Ira Lit on preparing children, and schools, for the start of a new school year. As students, families, and educators head back to the classroom, Lit shares practical advice on building strong family-school partnerships, teaching the teacher how to welcome students, and supporting children as they develop at their own pace. He covers several topics, including:

• (06:00) What it means to have access to a great school
• (12:00) School readiness: Preparing educators, not just students
• (14:49) Building strong family-teacher partnerships
• (17:42) Reading readiness: when to reach out to the pro’s
• (21:30) Supporting every learner in the classroom
• (24:30) What great elementary schools have in common

Ira Lit is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and director of the Stanford Teacher Education Program (STEP). At the time of the recording, Lit was director of the elementary STEP program where he prepared future educators to teach in kindergarten through sixth-grade classrooms. Drawing on deep expertise teaching students from preschool through fifth grade, his research focuses on teaching, learning, equity, and the experiences of children and families in schools. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Mentioned in this episode:

Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school

What does air quality have to do with learning, health, and childhood? And how should families respond as environmental risks grow?

This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast, hosted by Russ Altman. Originally released in 2025, this episode features Stanford pediatrician Lisa Patel discussing how pollution, wildfire smoke, plastics, and environmental policy are shaping children’s health. Patel explores both the science behind these growing concerns and practical steps families, educators, and communities can take to create healthier environments for kids. She covers several topics, including:

• (02:32) The air we breathe: Protecting young lungs
• (10:02) How to support kids during poor air quality events
• (13:18) Asthma and allergies: Tackling environmental triggers
• (19:11) Confronting climate change: How to’s for healthier homes
• (23:48) Food choices, family health, and environmental impacts
• (28:09) Practical actions for families and schools

Lisa Patel is an associate professor of pediatrics at Stanford University and a physician specializing in children’s environmental health. Her work focuses on how climate change, pollution, and environmental exposures impact children and communities, with an emphasis on practical solutions that support healthier futures. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

The Future of Everything explores how technology, science, and medicine are shaping our lives. Host Russ Altman speaks with researchers and innovators working to create the future… of everything. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

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How do we teach kids not just how to read, but to enjoy it? And what inspires a young person to pick up a book on their own?

On this episode of School’s In, originally recorded in 2018, we’re revisiting a conversation with Stanford Graduate School of Education senior lecturer Jennifer Wolf on cultivating a love of reading. We’re bringing this episode back as a timely touchpoint for anyone looking to build summer reading habits with the young people in their lives. Wolf explores the difference between teaching reading skills and fostering genuine enjoyment, along with what makes young adult literature so powerful. She covers several topics, including:

• (04:45) Why reading for pleasure matters
• (09:16) Independent reading drives academic success (no reading groups needed)
• (11:32) What counts as “reading” (and the case against gold stars)
• (14:56) Access & diversity: From Little Free Libraries to award winners
• (18:00) Banned books: Why YA literature gets censored
• (23:02) Approaching classic books through a modern lens

Jennifer Wolf is a senior lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE). A former high school English teacher, her work centers on helping young people develop a lasting love of reading, with a particular focus on young adult literature and literacy development. She directs the undergraduate minor program at the GSE and leads “teach-ins” and other programs that engage undergraduates and raise the profile of education research and knowledge across Stanford. Learn more about her work on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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How does research change how schools work at scale? And how do you turn data into decisions that actually improve classrooms?

On this episode of School’s In, Stanford Graduate School of Education Professor Susanna Loeb discusses Getting Down to Facts III, a major California report that uses research to evaluate the state’s education system. Through large-scale studies and collaboration with policymakers, educators, and communities, the project aims to identify what’s working and where systems are falling short. She covers several topics, including:

• (03:29) What Getting Down to Facts III is and how it works
• (07:04) How large-scale education research is conducted
• (11:54) Key findings and maintaining objectivity
• (21:17) Addressing new challenges, including AI
• (23:16) Takeaways for educators, parents, and policymakers

Susanna Loeb is a professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Education and a leading expert in education policy. Loeb started the National Student Support Accelerator which translates research about the role of high impact tutoring in improving student success. She has led major research initiatives such as the Getting Down to Facts project aimed at expanding educational opportunity, addressing achievement gaps, and reforming the way schools are funded in California. Her work focuses on how policy, governance, and data can be used to improve education systems at scale. Learn more on her faculty profile.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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Why does learning to read come easily for some students but feel like an uphill battle for others? Can the science of the brain teach us how to better support young readers in this effort?

This week, we’re sharing an episode from Stanford’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute’s podcast From Our Neurons to Yours, hosted by Nicholas Weiler. Originally released in August 2025, this episode features Stanford Graduate School of Education professor Bruce McCandliss, who studies how the brain learns to read. He explores how reading reshapes the brain, why some students struggle to reach fluency, and what educators can do to support that process. McCandliss covers several topics, including:

• (01:28) How the brain learns to read
• (07:12) How reading reshapes the brain and builds expertise
• (12:43) Word recognition, phonics, and the path to fluency
• (19:05) Why some students struggle
• (29:28) What educators can do: instruction, support, and outcomes

Bruce McCandliss is The Pigott Family Graduate School of Education Professor and a leader of the Stanford Educational Neuroscience Initiative. His research focuses on how the brain learns to read and how insights from neuroscience can inform classroom instruction and educational practice. Learn more about his work on his faculty profile.

From Our Neurons to Yours explores the frontiers of brain science and brings listeners into conversations with researchers studying how the brain shapes how we think, learn, and experience the world. Learn more about this episode on the show’s website.

School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.

Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.

Stay connected with the latest insights—subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.

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Got 5 minutes? Take our quick listener survey and help us make School's In even better: podpolls.com/school