Episode Title: It’s Not What Students Know — It’s How They Use It

The Newton Protocol Link

Students are memorizing more than ever — and understanding less.

In this episode of The Homeschool Advantage podcast, educator and instructional leader Bex Buzzie confronts a growing and uncomfortable reality in modern education: many students can perform academically without truly being able to read, comprehend, or apply what they’ve learned.

Drawing on U.S. literacy data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and firsthand classroom experience, this episode examines why literacy has quietly become the biggest barrier to critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world learning.

This is not a conversation about programs or quick fixes.

Inside this episode, Bex explores:

Why literacy is the gateway skill that determines success in every subject

How reading is a layered cognitive process — and where it’s breaking down

The hidden cost of “microwave learning” and constant step-by-step instruction

Why fear of being wrong is replacing curiosity in today’s students

How memorization disguises comprehension gaps

Why application and transfer — not recall — will differentiate students in the future

How The Newton Protocol emerged as a response to a system moving too fast for understanding

In a world overflowing with information, the advantage is no longer knowing the answer.

It’s knowing what to do with it.

This episode is for parents, homeschool families, classroom teachers, and educational leaders who are ready to ask harder questions about literacy, learning, and what education is actually producing.

Because homeschooling isn’t a location.

It’s been two years since the last episode of The Homeschool Advantage, and a lot has changed.

In this season-opening episode, I reintroduce myself and reflect on how my understanding of education has evolved after returning to the classroom and pursuing a Master’s in Educational Leadership. I share why I still believe in homeschooling, while also recognizing that learning doesn’t belong to one model, location, or label.

This episode explores what it means to move beyond “either/or” thinking in education and instead focus on partnership, authority, and presence. We talk about structure, real-world learning, and why education works best when it becomes part of life—not something separate from it.

This season is about getting back to the basics.

Intro 

Crissi Allen Founder and Executive Director of HEART Academy Christian Microschool in San Jose, California, and a Certified Holistic Health Coach. She finds it great joy helping parents capture the hearts of their children, helping parents find their children's God-given passions early in life, creating a heartfelt community, and partnering and empowering with hundreds of families.   

She has been a mom-entrepreneur for 20 years building businesses to benefit her community and her family. Crissi loves encouraging parents in helping them to create a legacy of entrepreneurship and time-money freedom for generations to come.  

Top three takeaways 

1. You can homeschool confidently with support from a community they feel comfortable with. It will not be easy but it will be worth it when your children become a light in a very dark world.  

Call to Action 

HEART Academy Christian Microschool Official Website 

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Norma Jean Maxwell, Founder of Time to Shine Teach & Coaching is an Orton Gillingham trained Reading, Spelling & Writing Specialist.  With over 20 years teaching experience, both within and outside the public school system, Norma Jean truly loves teaching children, particularly those with learning differences.  She is passionate about providing support for parents and educators in navigating the needs of children by equipping them with the skills, training and strategies to provide the greatest opportunity for children to succeed.  

She is the developer of the Ripple Effect Learning Method, a phonics-based, multi-sensory Reading, Spelling and Printing program for emergent learners - a complete and comprehensive literacy program that includes all the downloadable materials and video tutorials needed to teach all three of these important elements.  She also offers many other complete individual lesson plans and as well as free resources, all designed to make teaching fun and effective. 

Top three takeaways 

1. There's no such thing as a learning disability! There are only learning differences and ALL children can learn! 

Call to Action 

Time To Shine Teaching Official Website 

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Michael Strong Founder and Chief Visionary of The Socratic Experience, is one of the most experienced designers of innovative school programs in the United States. He is also the author of The Habit Of Thought: From Socratic Seminars To Socratic Practice and the Lead Author of Be The Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalists Can Solve All the World's Problems.   

Students from Michael's schools have been admitted to Harvard, Stanford, Georgetown, Smith, Bard, Bennington, McGill, UT-Austin, University of Colorado, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Parsons School of Design, Quest, St. John and many dozens of other post-secondary institutions.   

Top three takeaways  

1. Intellectual dialogue can be a joyful, yet powerful, way to learn a wide range of material.  

Call to Action 

The Socratic Experience Official Website 

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Josie Balkowski is the Founder of Online Scribblers, an online writing program for students in Grades 3-12 of all skill levels. Josie is a blogger and writer who strives to bring writing education to the forefront of every student's learning and to engage their creativity to create proficient communicators of the future. 

Since 2012, Josie has been teaching writing both in person to homeschool pods and online through her online classroom. She created her own curriculum that is based on building skills one step at a time, valuing confidence building strategies to unlock the reluctant writer as well as supporting enthusiastic ones.  

Josie is a writer herself, having published two novels and is now working on a third. She aims to bring a love of writing to her students and to broaden their horizons through opportunities for leadership through Online Scribblers annual Literary Magazine and Newspaper Club.  

Top three takeaways 

1. Every child can be a great writer. 

Call to Action 

Online Scribblers Official Website 

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Yvette Boucher CEO of Lil Learners Luv Learning, a certified kindergarten teacher for 20 years, and an experienced online teacher. She loves to teach little learners. Her passion is teaching children to read. Nothing excites Yvette more than to see a student's face light up as they start to read. Her teaching style includes music and movement along with a hands-on approach while incorporating all subjects. Her goal is to teach your child a love for learning and help set them up for success.  

Top three takeaways 

1. When a child can read, they can learn anything and it will help them be successful for the rest of their lives! 

Call to Action 

Lil Learners Luv Learning Official Website  

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Derek and Amy Weichel CEOs and Founders of Faithful Parent they were both personally blessed with Christian Education from elementary through high school. Faithful Parent helps you have a clear parenting plan on your Christian family journey, and find the time and guidance to develop one. 

They help parents to be more intentional about looking at all the options that are available to their children and focus on what will specifically benefit their children and family. Faithful Servant is here to help your family have a more fun, focused, and connected Christian family life. 

Top three takeaways 

1. Understanding the impact that their parenting can have on this and future generations 

Call to Action 

Faithful Parent Official Website  

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Jennifer Mercer, M.Ed Co-Founder of Learning Journeys Forum and she has been working with youth since she was 16 years old. She has spent the past 30 years developing and growing her skills in many different ways; as a classroom teacher, special education teacher, lead teacher, college instructor, tutor, Girl Scout leader, mentor, and group facilitator. Jennifer homeschooled her two daughters, experimenting with philosophies from “classical school-at-home” to radical Unschooling, to learner-centered co-designing.   

Jill Pearson-Keltner, M.Ed. Co-Founder of Learning Journeys Forum. She has taught students at each level from preschool through university and in impoverished to wealthy neighborhoods. She in taught in traditional programs and homeschooled her two children from kinder to 12th grade. She endeavors to dialogue with students and engage them in the creation of their own learning journey.  

In addition to the classes, workshops, and mentoring that she does through Learning Journeys Forum, Jennifer directs and facilitates middle school classes in The Home Learning Community at Innovations Academy. Jennifer strives to help learners capture and keep the "joy in learning" by supporting families in co‐design knowing that deep learning truly occurs when the student has an invested voice in the conversation. 

Top three takeaways 

1. Your kids are brilliant! Let them have some power over their learning journeys 

Call to Action 

Learning Journeys Forum Official Website  

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast  

Intro 

Colleen Kelley Ph.D Founder of Kids' Chemical Solutions received her B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Richmond, and her Ph.D in Organometallic Chemistry from the Pennsylvania State University. Her teaching duties have spanned from graduate level courses all the way to elementary school courses. She is the author of "The M.C. Detective Agency: Chemical Solutions Required", a fun comic book series for kids ages 8 and up.  

Top three takeaways 

1. We can all have fun learning chemistry! 

Call to Action 

Kids' Chemical Solutions Official Website 

What is Next! 

Thank you for supporting this show by listening and sharing with friends! If you like this podcast please rate and write a review of how this show has impacted or helped you!  

Great ratings will accelerate the show's visibility to the nation so others can learn more about homeschool and find quality curriculum and the potentially join the homeschool community thus change the face of education forever!!  

Who would have thought that we could change the education world with a click and a share! 

Also if you would like to hear more about any specific educational topic please email me at [email protected] I would love to support your families educational needs in all areas!!  

Bex Buzzie 

The Homeschool Advantage Podcast