In this episode, we speak with Sam Duell, Associate Policy Director for Charter Schools at the Foundation for Excellence in Education. We bust common myths about charter school policy as well as discuss how to resolve the long-standing battle between traditional public schools and charter schools.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode we chat about the STARZ docuseries "America to Me" which examines racial, economic and class issues at Oak Park River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois. We talk to LeeAndra Khan and Tracy Dell'Angela about how racial inequity still plagues schools across the country, even in highly integrated communities.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast.

There are many ways that parents can engage with their kids’ education. However there are few resources available to help parents make the biggest possible impact. Often, the most significant resource provided to parents is a back-to-school shopping list!

In this episode, we interview Samantha Brown Olivieri, chief strategy officer at GreatSchools, about how parents can ensure their children are receiving a quality education on both individual and systemic levels. We talk about school supply list policies, the merits of educational standards, and the most important things that parents can provide to their kids.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss the repealing of the Obama-era Guidance on school discipline and what it means for the fight to make education more equitable. First we talk to the director of the Education Civil Rights Alliance, Miriam Rollin, about the current state of the Guidance: what it is, how it's been working, and what it means for it to be repealed. Then, we have a broader conversation about inequity and school disciplinary philosophy with Sharif El-Mekki, the principal at Mastery Charter School-Shoemaker Campus. We discuss Sharif's approach to discipline at his own school as well as his opinions on the repealing of the disciplinary Guidance.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we sit down with our friend and colleague Laura Waters to discuss the role of the federal government in regulating public schools as well as Laura's recent article about Betsy DeVos's failure to protect disabled students from civil rights violations. We discuss Laura's perspective on these issues, both as an education writer and the mother of a child with disabilities.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we discuss the metrics that parents can use to make an informed decision about school choice. Then you will hear a story of public education done right. This is the story of Sandra and her young son Aurelius, and their journey to find a school that could provide the support that Aurelius needs to shine. Eventually, Sandra chose KIPP Jacksonville for her children, and couldn't be more pleased. You'll hear about how Aurelius's difficulties manifested in a typical public school, how Sandra found KIPP, and what it's like for Aurelius now as a student there.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we interview Torie Weiston-Serdan, educator and founder of the Youth Mentoring Action Network, a non-profit organization that provides mentoring services to young people to help them become college, career, and life ready. We discuss the benefits of mentoring programs and why increasing opportunities for kids to be mentored is so important. We talk about the future and potential of mentoring as well as how schools can provide better support for marginalized groups.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Lane and Ikhlas speak with Susana Cordova, deputy superintendent of Denver Public Schools. She started working in Denver over 20 years ago as a bilingual language arts teacher. We discuss the current state of education in Denver, what it's like to push for reform in your hometown, and what makes a quality school.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, we explore the experiences and struggles of first-generation college students.

First, we hear from our colleague Valentina, Education Post’s chief of staff, about her experience as a first-generation college student. Then, we speak with a current first-generation student, Leticia, and a staff member from the OneGoal organization, Melissa.

OneGoal is a coalition of teachers, students, school leaders, and education advocates that work to close the college degree divide that has been preventing millions of students from accessing a life of choice and opportunity. They help students from under-served communities get into college and make sure that they graduate.

Full show notes and links at http://educationpost.org/conversation/podcast/

In this episode, Ikhlas and Lane are joined by the founder of Campaign for School Equity, Mendell Grinter, to commemorate the date of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination 50 years ago. They discuss why Dr. King’s dream is still relevant today and what needs to be done to see it completely realized in the future.